Peak flow measurement as a screening test for restrictive pulmonary disorders.
We tested whether measurement of peak flow was useful in determining the presence and severity of restrictive pulmonary disorders in addition to its recognized use in the diagnosis and management of airflow obstruction. In 102 patients with various causes of restriction of lung volumes, we found that peak expiratory flow correlated well with forced vital capacity. As a diagnostic test it was useful in restrictive disorders, except in fibrosing alveolitis where it consistently failed to detect abnormality.
Morris
M J
MJ
Osler Chest Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, U.K.
Taylor
A G
AG
D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014797:Vital Capacity