Evaluation of Regression Equations for Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Children Aged 8-12 Years from West Bengal, Eastern India

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is an essential measure in the management and evaluation of asthmatic children. The aim of this study was to determine normal PEFR of school children of West Bengal state in Eastern India and to derive prediction formula for this population. The PEFR was measured in 1201 healthy school children (781 boys and 420 girls) of Hooghly district using the mini Wright peak flow meter. All measurements were recorded in standing posture and resting condition. Best out of the three trials was recorded. Weight and height were measured. BMI and BSA were calculated using height and weight. Age was recorded from school record. Correlation between various anthropometric variables and PEFR were calculated. Simple and multiple regression analysis were used to determine the influence of anthropometric variables on PEFR. Positive correlation was seen between PEFR and age, height, weight, BMI and BSA. Highest correlation was seen with height and lowest with BMI. Simple and multiple regression equation for PEFR of boys and girls were evaluated. The boys had higher PEFR than girls in respect to height and age. Simple regression equation using height is mostly applicable for prediction of PEFR as height shows maximum correlation with PEFR and it is convenient measurement. Equations derived from this study for estimation of expected PEFR values would help the clinician in assessing the airway obstruction in this population subset.