فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

BACKGROUND: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is widely used as a predictor of treatment ofasthma patients. Peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) are themost useful parameters for the diagnosis of asthma. Spirometry is not often available in the primarycare setting, and economic factors may limit its testing. Mild airway narrowing may be present inasymptomatic children, which can be identified by determining their PEFR. This will enable us toinitiate early treatment.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 200 asymptomatic children at the age of 10–15 yearswithout a history of smoking, tuberculosis, or other respiratory illness. A family history about asthmaticsymptoms was sought. PEFR values of all children were recorded, and 40 children showed PEFRvalues less than 80% of their predicted values. To confirm whether the low observed values werebecause of airway obstruction, their spirometry was performed.RESULTS: Nine out of 47 (19.14%) children from asthmatic families and 31 out of 153 (20.26%) fromnonasthmatic families showed PEFR values <80% of the predicted value (P > 0.05). Consideringa decrease in the FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio to <80% for the diagnosis of obstructivedisease, only two out of 35 children were found to have it. Correlation between PEFR and FEV1/FVC ratio was not significant (r = 0.314 and P = 0.065).CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic children with low PEFR values may not show abnormal lung functionson spirometry. However, these children, particularly those having the risk of family history of asthma,may be followed for the development of airway obstruction.