engleski

Efficiency of moni peak flow meters in detecting changes in lung function in children with asthma

Monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is an integral part of asthma management. The objective of this study was to assess whether the mini peak flow meters are capable of detecting clinically important changes in lung function. Dynamic spirometry and peak expiratory flow rate were measured in 195 school-aged children and adolescents, aged 7 to 17 years, with moderate to severe asthma, during their control visit in the outpatient clinic. Decraesed PEFR values were present in 34% of the children, decreased FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) in 21% and decreased MEF25-75 (maximal expiratory flow rate at 25-75% of vital capacity) in 57%. Normal PEFR values do not always indicate that all other pulmonary function measures are normal as well. Namely, of apparently well asthmatic children with normal PEFR, 23% have been found to have a pathological MEF25-75 values. The results of PEFR measurement recorded by the two instruments were highly correlated. We recommend repeated objective measurements of lung function ; home monitoring of PEFR along with pulmonary function testing, because subjective recording of symptoms and physical examination findings do not always correlate with the severity of airway obstruction.

lung function ; peak expiratory flow ; asthma

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