Reference norms for evaluating maximum expiratory flow of children and adolescents of the Maule Region in Chile.

Marco Antonio Cossio-Bolaños,Jose Sulla-Torres,Camilo Urra-Albornoz,Cynthia Andruske,Miguel Arruda,Rossana Gomez-Campos,Jaime Pacheco-Carrillo

doi:10.7717/peerj.5157

Abstract

BackgroundThe norms for evaluating the maximum expiratory flow (MEF) usually are developed according to chronological age and height. However, to date, little research has been conducted using reference values that take into account the temporal changes of biological maturation. The objectives of this study were to (a) compare the MEF with those of other international studies, (b) align the MEF values with chronological and biological age, and (c) propose reference standards for children and adolescents.MethodsThe sample studied consisted of 3,566 students of both sexes (1,933 males and 1,633 females) ranging in age from 5.0 to 17.9 years old. Weight, standing height, and sitting height were measured. Body mass index was calculated. Biological maturation was predicted by using age of peak height velocity growth (APHV). MEF (L/min) was obtained by using a forced expiratory manoeuvre. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method.Results and DiscussionPredicted APHV was at age 14.77 ± 0.78 years for males and for females at age 12.74 ± 1.0 years. Biological age was more useful than chronological age for assessing MEF in both sexes. Based on these findings, regional percentiles were created to diagnose and monitor the risk of asthma and the general expiratory status of paediatric populations.

Highlights

Spirometry is a method used to measure the pulmonary function of children, adolescents, and adults (Beydon et al, 2007)
Based on an extensive review of international and national research literature, we discovered that no studies exist hat show evidence of reference values that take into account temporal growth changes and biological maturation
No significant differences were found in the Body mass index (BMI) between the sexes except at age 13 where the females showed a higher value than the males (p < 0.001)

Summary

Introduction

Spirometry is a method used to measure the pulmonary function of children, adolescents, and adults (Beydon et al, 2007). MEF is defined as the maximum flow of air exhaled during a forced breath initiated during maximum pulmonary inflation (Kano et al, 1993). It is a useful indicator for predicting the risk of asthma monitoring the respiratory state of obese and non-obese children and adolescent students (Arets, Brackel & van der Ent, 2001; Dixit, Raje & Agrawal, 2005). Biological age was more useful than chronological age for assessing MEF in both sexes Based on these findings, regional percentiles were created to diagnose and monitor the risk of asthma and the general expiratory status of paediatric populations

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion