Peak expiratory flow rate in south Indian children

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S Swaminathan1, P Venkatesan, R Mukunthan

  • 1Tuberculosis Research Centre, Madras.

Indian Pediatrics
|February 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

This study established normal Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) reference values for healthy South Indian children. These findings provide essential data for diagnosing and monitoring obstructive airway diseases in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is crucial for managing obstructive airway diseases.
  • Existing PEFR reference data is lacking for ethnic South Indian children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish normative PEFR data for healthy South Indian children aged 4-15 years.
  • To develop prediction equations for PEFR based on anthropometric measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Measured PEFR in 345 healthy South Indian children (ages 4-15) using a Wright mini peak flow meter.
  • Constructed a nomogram relating PEFR to height.
  • Determined sex-specific prediction equations for PEFR using height, age, and weight.

Main Results:

  • Developed a PEFR nomogram for South Indian children.
  • Provided prediction equations: Boys (height only): PEFR = 4.08 * height (cm) - 284.55. Girls (height only): PEFR = 3.92 * height (cm) - 277.01.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides the first PEFR reference data for South Indian children.
  • These equations will aid in the clinical assessment of pediatric obstructive airway diseases in this demographic.

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