The forced expiratory volume and the peak expiratory flow rate in pneumoconiosis

Abstract

One hundred and sixty men with coal-miner's pneumoconiosis were studied in two groups to ascertain whether a good correlation existed between the F.E.V. 1 and the P.E.F.R. The first group consisted of 100 miners without chronic bronchitis and the second of 60 miners with chronic bronchitis. Correlation was good in both groups. The results indicated that, if chronic bronchitis is absent, the F.E.V. 1 in ml. may be estimated by multiplying the P.E.F.R. by 6·25, or, more conveniently, by 6. If chronic bronchitis is present, the F.E.V. 1 in ml. may be obtained by multiplying the P.E.F.R. by 6 and adding 300. It was also found that the presence of progressive massive fibrosis did not alter these relationships.