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Malnutrition and peak expiratory flow rate
1Dept of Paediatrics, University of Sheffield, UK.
Insights
Malnutrition negatively impacts lung function in Indian schoolchildren, reducing peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). However, chronic malnutrition affects lung growth less than overall body growth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Respiratory Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Malnutrition is a significant public health concern in developing countries, potentially affecting various physiological functions.
- Lung function development is crucial during childhood and can be influenced by nutritional status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between malnutrition and lung function in Indian schoolchildren.
- To differentiate the effects of acute versus chronic malnutrition on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 376 Indian schoolchildren aged 6-12 years.
- Nutritional status assessed using height-for-age (HFA) and weight-for-height (WFH) percentages based on Harvard standards.
- Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measured using a Wright peak flow meter.
Main Results:
- Children with current malnutrition (wasted, WFH <80%) showed significantly reduced PEFR (p<0.01).
- Stunted children (HFA <90%) exhibited higher than average PEFR (p<0.05).
- After standardization for height and sex, these associations remained significant.
Conclusions:
- Current malnutrition adversely affects PEFR, likely due to impaired muscle function.
- Past or chronic malnutrition has a lesser impact on lung function growth compared to somatic growth.
- Early nutritional interventions may be crucial for optimal lung development in children.
Abstract:
In order to assess the effects of malnutrition on the growth of lung function, 376 Indian schoolchildren aged 6-12 yrs were studied. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured with a Wright peak flow meter, and nutritional status assessed by calculation of the percentage predicted height for age (HFA) and weight for height (WFH) using Harvard standards. After standardizing for height and sex, the PEFR of 30 wasted children (WFH below 80%) was significantly reduced (p less than 0.01), but that of 135 stunted children (HFA below 90%) was higher than average (p less than 0.05). It is concluded that current malnutrition has a negative effect on PEFR, possibly due to impaired muscle function, but that past or chronic malnutrition affects growth of lung function less than it affects somatic growth.