An algorithm for measurement of expiratory flow rate parameters on the partial expiratory flow-volume curve

Partial expiratory flow-volume (PEFV) curves are a useful tool in airway challenge studies, but unlike the maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curve, lung function parameters require manual calculation from the flow-volume tracing. We describe an algorithm written in QuickBASIC that analyzes a PEFV curve superimposed on a MEFV curve by (1) identifying the PEFV curve, (2) locating the maximal expiratory flow at the point on the PEFV curve that corresponds to 60% of the baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) below total lung capacity (TLC), termed MEF40%(P), and (3) identifying the size of the PEFV curve along the TLC axis. A report of these parameters is also provided. This algorithm was validated using flow-volume curves from a clinical study in which eight subjects performed two sets of MEFV and PEFV curves separated by approximately 1 hr. Paired comparison of MEF40%(P) determined by the algorithm and two independent manual calculations correlated strongly and yielded no statistically significant differences between the two methods. We conclude that this algorithm provides rapid and accurate determinations of PEFV parameters.