Detection of peak expiratory flow in healthy children in Xinjiang

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values of peak expiratory flow (PEF) for children in Xinjiang. METHODS: A total of 3520 healthy children (1705 males and 1815 females) aged from 7 to 16 years were enrolled in this study. PEF was measured using MicroPeak Peak Flow Meter. Children's age, sex, height and weight were recorded. Impact factors for PEF were investigated by multiple stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: PEF values increased with the increase of age, height and weight and correlated significantly with age, height, weight and sex. The regression equation between sex and height and PEF was obtained, i.e, PEF (y)=-342.98+3.94 x Height (x1) + 26.30 x Sex (x2). CONCLUSIONS: PEF values can be calculated according to children's height and sex.