Peak Flow Rate in Healthy School Children.

Abstract

Summary: Peak flow rate was determined in 1,387 apparently healthy school children, aged between 4 and 16 years. The results obtained were analysed with respect to the ages, heights, weights and body surface areas of the subjects. Since height, among the variables, correlated best with PFR values, equations have been produced, using height as the independent variable. Our results were similar to those reported from other parts of the world for subject heights, between I 20cm and 150cm. However, between gocm and 120cm, the values obtained in the present series were higher than those reported by others. Conversely, between subjects heights, 150cm-180cm, our values were lower. Peak flow rate values were higher in males than in females at ages 4-10 years; from ages II to 15 years, the values were higher in females. However, when values obtained in both sexes at similar heights were compared, there was a tendency for males to have higher values, at most of the heights. There was no consistent relationship between the family socio economic status and the PFR values.