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Original ArticleOpen Access
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Values of Students in Bangkok
Benjaponpitak S 
,
Direkwattanachai C ,
Kraisarin C ,
Sasisakulporn C
,
Direkwattanachai C ,
Kraisarin C ,
Sasisakulporn C Background : As there are considerable variations in normal values of peak expiratory
flow rate (PEFR) shown by studies from various population, a study is required to obtain normal
values of PEFR in Thai children.
Objective : To determine the values of PEFR of students in Bangkok.
Methods : In a cross sectional study of PEFR measured with standard Wright peak flow
meter, 50 I normal students, aged 5 to I 5 years, from five public schools in Bangkok were
investigated. In the selection process of subjects, strict criteria of "normality" were applied and
included history of medical illnesses, physical examination and nutritional status.
Results : The relationship between PEFR and height was approximately linear in both
male and female children. Prediction equations for each sex were:
Male children : PEFR (Limin) = [3.52 x Height (em)] - 186.80
Female children : PEFR (L/min) = [3.48 x Height (em)] - 204.11
The PEFR values of students in this study were different from the predicted values of PEFR 111
those of previous reports in Thai children. These discrepancies might be explained by a variety
of study population and environmental factors.
Conclusions : The relationship between PEFR and height of students in Bangkok is best
described by a regression equation. The prediction graphs for each sex may be used to monitor
PEFR values of children with obstructive airway diseases and to compare an individual's PEFR
with those of others of the same height and sex.
Key word : Peak Flow Rate, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Asthma, Pulmonary Function, Peak Flow Meter
flow rate (PEFR) shown by studies from various population, a study is required to obtain normal
values of PEFR in Thai children.
Objective : To determine the values of PEFR of students in Bangkok.
Methods : In a cross sectional study of PEFR measured with standard Wright peak flow
meter, 50 I normal students, aged 5 to I 5 years, from five public schools in Bangkok were
investigated. In the selection process of subjects, strict criteria of "normality" were applied and
included history of medical illnesses, physical examination and nutritional status.
Results : The relationship between PEFR and height was approximately linear in both
male and female children. Prediction equations for each sex were:
Male children : PEFR (Limin) = [3.52 x Height (em)] - 186.80
Female children : PEFR (L/min) = [3.48 x Height (em)] - 204.11
The PEFR values of students in this study were different from the predicted values of PEFR 111
those of previous reports in Thai children. These discrepancies might be explained by a variety
of study population and environmental factors.
Conclusions : The relationship between PEFR and height of students in Bangkok is best
described by a regression equation. The prediction graphs for each sex may be used to monitor
PEFR values of children with obstructive airway diseases and to compare an individual's PEFR
with those of others of the same height and sex.
Key word : Peak Flow Rate, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Asthma, Pulmonary Function, Peak Flow Meter
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