Pediatric Peak Expiratory Flow Rates Nomogram for Healthy School Children of Navi Mumbai.

Abstract

PEFR (Peak expiratory flow rate) is reliable parameter to assess the severity of obstructive airway disease, as well as the effectiveness of the current therapy and need for any additional treatment. Studies have shown racial and ethnic differences in pulmonary functions and lung volumes. Hence it is needed to construct reference values for each regional population.

 Method: The present study was undertaken to establish normal reference values of  peak expiratory flow rates (PEFRs) among randomly selected 1020 apparently healthy school children of Navi Mumbai between  5 - 12 years of age. PEFR measurements were recorded in L/min using standard Wright’s Mini Peak Flow Meter. Mean PEFR were calculated for each age group with +_SD. PEFRs were correlated with somatic parameters like age, weight and height. Predicted regression equations were derived for each pair of dependent and independent variables for boys and girls separately. For quick reference nomogram was constructed.

Result: Across all age groups boys had more PEFR values than girls. As the age, weight and height increased the PEFR values increased. Positive correlation was seen between PEFRs and all somatic parameters. The best correlation was with regards to age(r=0.8926 for girls and r=0.8697 for boys) and height(r=0.8722 for girls and r=0.8709 for boys). The prediction equation of PEFR based on age was: PEFR=20.6322*age – 26.5989(for girls),PEFR=20.7234*age–15.0153(for boys), and on height was: PEFR= 3.1852*height-252.5706(for girls), PEFR= 3.1852*height- 252.5706 (for boys).

Conclusion: The study provides values of PEFR (mean +_2SD )  in  normal children of Navi Mumbai. PEFR can be easily calculated by derived linear regression equation. Constructed nomogram is useful for this population of Navi Mumbai.