Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Values of Students Bangkok
SUWAT BENJAPONPITAK, M.D.*, CHITTIMA KRAISARIN, B.Sc.**, CHALERA T DIREKW A TT ANACHAI, M.D.*, CHERAPAT SASISAKULPORN**
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, ** Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Objective : To determine the values of PEFR of students in Bangkok.
Method : In a cross sectional study of PEFR measured with standard Wright peak flow meter, 50 I normal students, aged 5 to I 5 years, from five public schools in Bangkok were investigated. In the selection process of subjects, strict criteria of "normality" were applied and included history of medical illnesses, physical examination and nutritional status.
Results : The relationship between PEFR and height was approximately linear in both male and female children. Prediction equations for each sex were:
Male children : PEFR (Limin) = [3.52 x Height (em)] - 186.80
Female children : PEFR (L/min) = [3.48 x Height (em)] - 204.11
The PEFR values of students in this study were different from the predicted values of PEFR 111 those of previous reports in Thai children. These discrepancies might be explained by a variety of study population and environmental factors.
Conclusions : The relationship between PEFR and height of students in Bangkok is best described by a regression equation. The prediction graphs for each sex may be used to monitor PEFR values of children with obstructive airway diseases and to compare an individual's PEFR with those of others of the same height and sex.
Keywords : Peak Flow Rate, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Asthma, Pulmonary Function, Peak Flow Meter
