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Peak expiratory flow rate in school-going children
J N Pande1, A Mohan, S Khilnani
1Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
The Indian Journal of Chest Diseases & Allied Sciences
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in Indian children was similar across regions but lower than American children. Age and height are key predictors of PEFR, with boys generally exhibiting higher rates than girls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a crucial measure of lung function in children.
- Understanding regional variations and influencing factors of PEFR is important for pediatric respiratory health assessment.
- Previous studies have established PEFR norms, but regional data from diverse populations like India are essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and compare Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in school children from urban Delhi and Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
- To identify independent predictors of PEFR, including age, sex, height, and weight, in these distinct Indian populations.
- To develop region-specific prediction equations for PEFR in children and compare findings with international norms.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 783 children (6-17 years) in Delhi and 523 children (6-15 years) in Nellore.
- Measurement of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) using a mini Wright's peak flow meter.
- Recording of anthropometric data: age, sex, height, weight, and chest circumference.
Main Results:
- Age, sex, and height were significant predictors of PEFR in Nellore children. In Delhi, age, sex, and height predicted PEFR in boys, while height alone predicted it in girls.
- Common prediction equations for PEFR were developed for boys and girls based on age and height for both regions.
- Boys exhibited higher PEFR than girls at similar ages and heights. A plateau effect in PEFR was observed in females after 14 years, not seen in boys.
- PEFR values in Indian children were comparable between Delhi and Nellore but lower than those reported for American white children.
Conclusions:
- PEFR prediction equations incorporating age and height are applicable for Indian children in both studied regions.
- Sex and age significantly influence PEFR, with distinct patterns observed between boys and girls.
- The findings highlight the need for region-specific PEFR reference values and suggest potential differences in respiratory development compared to international cohorts.