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Peak flow rate changes in O3 exposed children: spirometry vs miniWright flow meters
1New York University Medical Center, Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, Tuxedo 10987, USA. lippmann@charlotte.med.nyu.edu
Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology
|February 21, 1998
Summary
The mini Wright peak flow meter (mWPF) is a reliable tool for measuring peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) in children. It accurately reflects spirometry, even with ozone exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Pediatric Respiratory Health
Background:
- Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a key indicator of lung function.
- Spirometry is the gold standard for PEFR measurement, but can be cumbersome.
- Portable devices like the mini Wright peak flow meter (mWPF) offer potential for easier assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare mWPF readings with spirometric PEFR in children.
- To evaluate mWPF as a surrogate for spirometry in assessing lung function.
- To determine the utility of mWPF in characterizing PEFR changes due to ambient ozone exposure.
Main Methods:
- 91 children (aged 8-15) had mWPF measurements taken immediately before spirometry.
- Differences between mWPF and spirometric PEFR were analyzed.
- mWPF and PEFR responses to ambient ozone concentration were regressed.
Main Results:
- Overall, mWPF underestimated spirometric PEFR by approximately 2% (not significant).
- A significant underestimation of ~9% was observed in children with lower PEFR ranges (2-<4 L/s).
- Both mWPF and spirometry showed similar, significant negative responses to hourly ozone concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The mWPF is a useful and convenient surrogate for spirometric PEFR in children.
- It effectively characterizes changes in lung function related to ambient ozone exposure.
- While generally accurate, mWPF may underestimate peak flow in children with lower lung function.