Factors affecting peak expiratory flow variability and bronchial reactivity in a random population sample

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Bronchial reactivity is a standard asthma marker in epidemiological research.
• Peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability offers potential advantages for large-scale studies.
• This study compares PEF variability and bronchial reactivity in a population sample.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between PEF variability and bronchial reactivity with known airways disease factors.
• To compare the response rates of PEF variability and bronchial reactivity measurements.
• To evaluate PEF variability as an objective marker in epidemiological studies.

Main Methods:

• Randomly selected subjects (18-65 years) underwent either methacholine challenge testing (PD20) or one-week PEF variability measurement.
• PEF variability was calculated as amplitude % mean.
• Skin tests for allergens and smoking history were collected.

Main Results:

• PEF measurement had a higher completion rate (62%) than bronchial challenge tests (54%).
• PEF variability (amplitude % mean) was higher in women and increased with age, skin weal diameter, and current smoking.
• Increased odds of low provocative dose of methacholine (PD20) were associated with skin weal diameter and current smoking.

Conclusions:

• PEF variability demonstrates higher response rates compared to bronchial reactivity testing.
• PEF variability is associated with key factors in airways disease pathogenesis, including smoking and atopy.
• PEF variability is a valuable tool for epidemiological studies of airways disease.