Does Ramadan fasting affect expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects?
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether Ramadan fasting affects the expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects, and to know if these effects correlate to a change in other variables.


METHODS
This unmatched case-control longitudinal study includes 46 non-smoking healthy subjects who undertook lung function testing at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Expiratory flow rates and body mass were measured in 3 Islamic months, corresponding to November 2001 to January 2002.


RESULTS
There was a significant reduction in body mass in Ramadan compared to pre and post Ramadan. No significant changes in expiratory flows were seen during Ramadan as compared to the pre Ramadan period. However, forced expiratory flow rates at 75% of vital capacity (FEF(75)) and between 75% and 85% of vital capacity (FEF(75-85)) showed a significant increase in the post Ramadan period compared to Ramadan. Changes in FEF(75) were negatively correlated to changes in body mass between Ramadan and post Ramadan.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that Ramadan fasting will not affect expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects. Post Ramadan values did show an increase in FEF(75) and FEF(75-85), possibly due to changes in body water and fat content. The reductions in body mass were most probably due to lack of nutrition and not dehydration as the fasts were performed in winter. Collection of reference values or early phase clinical trials measuring expiratory flow rates should not be affected by Ramadan fasting.
Subhan
Mirza M F
MM
Department of Physiology (29), College of Medicine, PO Box 2925, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mfsbeg@ksu.edu.sa
Siddiqui
Qamar A
QA
Khan
Mohammed N
MN
Sabir
Salman
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005215:Fasting / Q000502:physiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013147:Spirometry; D013997:Time Factors