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Oct 30, 2006Article Details
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Peak expiratory flow rate in normal Hausa-Fulani children and adolescents of Northern Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a useful parameter for assessing respiratory function in health and disease. However there are few studies reporting normal values of this parameter in Northern Nigeria in general and the North western zone in particular. Also prediction formulae for predicting PEFR from anthropometric parameters are not available for this population. The present study was therefore designed to measure Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in normal Hausa-Fulani children and adolescents in Sokoto and to derive prediction formulae for this population.
Methods: Apparently healthy boys (n=376) and girls (n=240) aged between 6 and 18 years were randomly selected and their height, weight and chest circumference determined. PEFR was measured at ambient temperature and pressure saturated with water vapour (ATPS) in the erect position. Regression analyses were carried out on the relationship between PEFR and each anthropometric parameter and prediction formulae with the least standard error of estimates chosen. Data obtained in this study were also subjected to prediction formulae derived from Nigerian populations elsewhere.
Results: PEFR (L/min) was significantly (P<0.001) higher in boys (382.5 ± 118.3) than in girls (332.6 ± 88.3). It correlated positively and significantly with age, height, weight and chest circumference in both sexes. The prediction formulae derived from the present data in boys and girls respectively are: PEFR (L/min) = 85.83 + 8.25 x weight (kg) (± 3.15) and PEFR (L/min) = 3.67 + 28.15 x age (years) (± 3.51). The predicted PEFR values obtained using earlier formulae were generally lower than the observed values.
Conclusion: PEFR has been obtained in normal healthy Hausa-Fulani children and adolescents in Sokoto and prediction formulae derived for use in this population. The results of this study suggest that the usefulness of prediction formulae may be limited to the ethnic group or locality from which they were derived.
Keywords: peak expiratory flow rate, Hausa-Fulani, prediction formulae
Annals of African Medicine Vol. 5 (1) 2006: 10-15
Methods: Apparently healthy boys (n=376) and girls (n=240) aged between 6 and 18 years were randomly selected and their height, weight and chest circumference determined. PEFR was measured at ambient temperature and pressure saturated with water vapour (ATPS) in the erect position. Regression analyses were carried out on the relationship between PEFR and each anthropometric parameter and prediction formulae with the least standard error of estimates chosen. Data obtained in this study were also subjected to prediction formulae derived from Nigerian populations elsewhere.
Results: PEFR (L/min) was significantly (P<0.001) higher in boys (382.5 ± 118.3) than in girls (332.6 ± 88.3). It correlated positively and significantly with age, height, weight and chest circumference in both sexes. The prediction formulae derived from the present data in boys and girls respectively are: PEFR (L/min) = 85.83 + 8.25 x weight (kg) (± 3.15) and PEFR (L/min) = 3.67 + 28.15 x age (years) (± 3.51). The predicted PEFR values obtained using earlier formulae were generally lower than the observed values.
Conclusion: PEFR has been obtained in normal healthy Hausa-Fulani children and adolescents in Sokoto and prediction formulae derived for use in this population. The results of this study suggest that the usefulness of prediction formulae may be limited to the ethnic group or locality from which they were derived.
Keywords: peak expiratory flow rate, Hausa-Fulani, prediction formulae
Annals of African Medicine Vol. 5 (1) 2006: 10-15
