[Reproducibility of peak expiratory flow rate measured at home].
In 8 stable patients with chronic asthma, the reproducibility of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measured and recorded 4 times per day for longer than 1 month at home and at work was assessed. Average %PEFRs of individuals through the periods observed were higher than 80%, and coefficients of variation were less than 10% regardless of the time measured. This suggested that a decrease in %PEFR more than 10% reflects early phase of deterioration of airways narrowing and frequent measurement of PEFR is essential for long-term management and for self-assessment of chronic asthma.
Nakashima
A
A
Pulmonary Division, Saiseikai Shimonoeki General Hospital, Japan.
Ikeda
K
K
Tsukino
M
M
Ikeda
A
A
Fujita
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012648:Self Care