PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW MEASUREMENTS IN YOUN G-CHILDREN - COMPARISON OF 4 PORTABLE PEAK FLOW METERS

Background - Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring is seldom used in y oung children because peak flow meter normal values are needed for chi ldren less than 7 years old. Population and methods. - PEF was measure d in 152 non asthmatic school children, aged 2.9 to 14.5 years with fo ur peak flow meters (Assess, DHS, Vitalograph, MiniWright). Calibratio n of these peak flow meters were performed with flows ranging from 100 to 700 l/min with a calibration seringe. Results. - Calibration demon strated the excellent linearity of each device but there was a slight overestimation by DHS and MiniWright, and a slight underestimation by Vitalograph and Assess. PEF measured with the four devices was better linearly correlated with height (r = 0.72 to 0.77) than with age. Diff erences similar to calibration have been found between the four linear regressions. Conclusion. - These results indicate that PEF can be use d in young children less than 7 years old. It is necessary to always u se the same peak flow meter for a child.