Curvilinear formulae for predicting peak expiratory flow rate in adult Nigerians.
Predicted values of Peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) using linear formulae do not closely agree with observed trends. Predicted values tend to be higher than observed values among youths and the elderly while they are usually lower than observed values among people within the prime of life. All prediction formulae in Nigeria are linear. In this study, more fitting curvilinear formulae were derived for male and female subjects from PEF values obtained from a study of 1009 subjects made up of 668 males and 341 females between the ages of 15 and 82 years living and/or working in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and its environs. We hope that these formulae may be put to greater use since they agree more closely with the observed trends.
Njoku
C H
CH
Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Anah
C O
CO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013147:Spirometry