Age Specific Peak Expiratory Flow Nomogram in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine peak flow rate nomogram in children between 5 to 12 y of age in suburban population.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study randomly done on 5000 healthy school children. Mini-Wright flow meter was used for measurement of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The range of age, weight and height were defined and linear and multiple regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS: Correlation between PEFR and height was more significant and between PEFR and weight was lower. On the basis of height, the regression equation for both sexes were drawn; Boys: PEFR = 3.29 (Height in cm) - 218.38; Girls: PEFR = 3.25 (Height in cm) - 216.49.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, region specific nomograms for PEFR for assessing the severity and monitoring of airway obstruction in relation to age, sex, weight and height of children can be determined.