title: Peak expiratory flow rate nomogram in Libyan schoolchildren.
abstract: The study aimed to develop a peak expiratory flow rate nomogram for Libyan children. Of 900 children randomly selected from four Tripoli primary schools, 670 (330 girls and 340 boys) with age range 4.5-14.9 years, fulfilled the selection criteria. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was recorded in a standing position using a mini-Wright peak flow meter. Anthropometric measurements, weight, height, head circumference and mid-upper-arm circumference were recorded and surface area and body mass index were calculated. Our findings showed PEFR to be significantly related to height (r = 0.74), age (r = 0.70), surface area (r = 0.64) and weight (r = 0.62): P < 0.001. The PEFR nomogram in Libyan children differed from the British standard, which highlights the need for a local reference nomogram.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric and Child Health, Al-Fateh University, Tripoli, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Sagher
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Roushdy
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hweta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D001827:Body Height; D001830:Body Surface Area; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008002:Libya; D008297:Male; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom; D014505:Urban Population