A recent study reveals that race significantly impacts how quickly and accurately asthma is diagnosed in children, particularly Black children. Previous research incorrectly suggested that white children had inherently superior lung function, leading to underdiagnosis in Black children. This outdated belief has been challenged by new, race-neutral formulas which have demonstrated that 2.5 to 4 times more Black children with asthma symptoms are diagnosed with reduced lung function when these formulas are employed.
The research led by Dr. Gurjit Khurana Hershey from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital highlights that traditional lung function testing methods used in the U.S. rely on a formula including race as a variable. This formula erroneously adjusted lung function measurements downwards by 10% to 15% for Black individuals, skewing diagnoses. In 2022, the Global Lung Initiative Network revolutionised lung function assessment by updating equations to eliminate race from the calculation, yet this innovation has not been uniformly embraced in practice.
Upon analysing data from 1,500 children participating in three prior studies, researchers discovered that the adoption of race-neutral equations altered lung function diagnoses for 39% of Black children previously deemed normal. Additionally, 38% to 44% of children who were not qualifying for further testing under the old formula found themselves eligible for further asthma evaluation when assessed with the new race-neutral equation. Notably, this shift did not affect lung function testing in white children.
The conclusion of the research emphasised the critical need for a shift towards race-neutral equations in medical practice. Implementing these updated formulas is expected to enhance asthma detection, reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, and contribute to dismantling outdated, racially biased medical practices, ultimately promoting health equity for all children.
A study shows race affects asthma diagnosis, with Black children often misdiagnosed due to outdated equations. New race-neutral formulas reveal 2.5 to 4 times more Black children are diagnosed with reduced lung function, supporting a call for their universal adoption in healthcare, which can enhance detection and promote health equality.
In summary, adopting race-neutral formulas for lung function testing can dramatically improve asthma detection in Black children, a group historically disadvantaged by outdated racial assumptions. By eliminating race from diagnostic equations, healthcare providers can ensure more accurate assessments, enabling better treatment and fostering health equity in paediatric asthma care. Ultimately, this vital shift in practice is a step towards addressing the persistent disparities in asthma management.
Original Source: www.gjsentinel.com
