Values of spirometry indices vary among subjects of similar age, gender and somatometrics but of different ethnic origins. Low socioeconomic status in childhood is inversely related to lung growth. The aim of this investigation was to assess spirometry values in Gypsy children and compare them to reported values for Caucasians.

Gypsy students attending primary schools in Central Greece were recruited. Spirometry indices were measured using a portable spirometer. Regression analysis was applied to construct prediction equations for forced vital capacity (FVC) and other spirometric indices (FEV₁, FEF₅₀, FEF₂₅, FEF_25–75) based on standing height. Predicted spirometric values were compared to values for Caucasians from published studies.

In 152 children (ages 5–14 years; 57 girls) lung function increased linearly with height: spirometry index=intercept+[slope×height], (r²=0.68 for FVC and FEV₁ in girls; r²=0.78 for FVC and r²=0.74 for FEV₁ in boys). Excluding boys-but not girls-in puberty increased fit for FVC (r²=0.83) and FEV₁ (r²=0.79). Mean predicted values were 5–10% lower than values for Caucasians.

In Gypsy children, FVC and expiratory flow function increase linearly with standing height and predicted values are lower than those for Caucasians of similar height.