Peak Expiratory Flow Rates in Normal Healthy School Children of Central Karnataka, India

Background: PEFR is the easiest and most cost effective method to evaluate respiratory functions. PEFR can be measured by a simple instrument Peak expiratory flow meter. Measuring PEFR has been suggested as an important tool in asthma management by all International guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the PEFR values in healthy school children of central Karnataka, India.

Method: PEFR was measured in Two thousand and two hundred school children using mini Wright's Peak flow meter. All PEFR measurements were obtained in standing position and the best out of three trials were recorded. Height and weight were recorded. Regression analysis was used to calculate the predicted normal values of PEFR and also to assess its relation to weight and height.

Results: Positive correlation was seen between age, height, weight and PEFR. The boys had higher values of PEFR than girls at all heights. The prediction equation based on height was PEFR = 5.63 (Ht) - 474.43, r = + 0.902 for boys and PEFR = 5.30 (Ht) - 451, r = + 0.876 for girls.

Conclusion: PEFR values in this study were comparatively low to those of North Indian and western school children, High to those of other children of south India. The prediction equation obtained from the study can be used to detect PEFR values in central part of Karnataka.