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Vital CapacityAka: VC

See Also
Definition
1. Maximal volume expelled after maximal inspiration
Calculation
1. Components (additive)
  1. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) +
  2. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) +
  3. Tidal Volume (TV)
2. Normal adult: 3 to 5 Liters
3. Gender Differences (values are >80% of predicted)
  1. Females: 50 to 60 cc/kg
  2. Males: 70 cc/kg
4. Advancing age after 20 years
  1. Vital Capacity decreases 200 to 250 cc per 10 years
5. Calculations based on height
  1. Females: (27.63 - (0.112 x age)) x (height cm)
  2. Males: (21.78 - (0.101 x age)) x (height cm)
6. Minimum (life sustaining): 15 cc/kg
References
1. Rollings (1984) Facts and Formulas, p. 17-18
2. Wilson (1991) Harrison's IM, McGraw-Hill, p.1033-6

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