Peak expiratory f low rate (PEFR) recording is an essential measure in the management
and evaluation of asthmatic children. The PEFR can be measured by a simple instrument— peak
expiratory flow meter. Aim of the study is to measure the Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of
healthy school children and to find out the correlation between PEFR values and anthropometric
parameters, to create a nomogram of PEFR for children and formulate a regression formula for
PEFR. The PEFR was measured in 2000 healthy rural school children between the age group of
8 years and 12years living in Pondicherry, India using the Mini-Wright peak flow meter. All
measurements were obtained in a standing position and the best out of three trials was recorded.
Demographic profile and anthropometric measurements like weight, height, were recorded and
body surface area (BSA) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Of the 2450 students
screened, 2000 were included in the study. Out of which1312 were boys and 688 were girls.
Significant linear correlation was seen in PEFR with age, height, weight, BMI and BSA (r =
0.990, r = 0.991, r = 0.983, r = 0.774 & r = 0.987 respectively at p < 0.001). Nomogram was
plotted based on the observed values of PEFR in the study population. Prediction equations were derived for PEFR for the following variants like age, height, weight, BMI, BSA, boys and girls
are as follows PEFR=(AgeX25.654)-18.222,PEFR =(HtX4.112)-325.519, PEFR
=(WtX6.914)+11.965, PEFR =(BMIX43.161)-507.304, PEFR =(BSAX287.929)-81.741, PEFR
=(HtX4.108)-324.859 & PEFR = (HtX4.121)-326.935 respectively Significant correlation was
noted between PEFR and demographic profile like age sex and anthropometric parameters like
height, weight and BMI and BSA. PEFR is a reliable measurement, which can be used routinely
and regularly in rural areas for assessment of airway obstruction and prediction formula derived
for use in this population.
Keywords: Peak expiratory flow rate, Children, Anthropometry, Nomogram
Publication date: 1/1/21
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/January/MS_IJBPAS_2021_JAN_SPCL_1016.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.1.1016
