PNIF measurement in a healthy French population. A prospective study about 234 patients.
OBJECTIVE
A prospective study in a healthy French population to evaluate the normal range of PNIF.


METHODS
In total, 234 subjects separated into 2 groups (group 1: patients with VAS >or= 8, n = 151 and group 2: patients with VAS < 8, n = 83) have been prospectively enrolled in this study from September 2003 to April 2004. For all participants, nasal obstruction was evaluated through a VAS and two PNIF measurements.


RESULTS
The mean PNIF measurements in group 1 and group 2 were 87.5 L/min and 84.7 L/min, respectively with a significant difference between male and female in both groups (p < 0.0001). The reproducibility in group 1 and group 2 was 5.1 L/min and 4.4 L/min respectively. A slight tendency to a reduction due to the age was observed except for patients over 60.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that the technique of PNIF measurement is reliable and simple. The normal range of PNIF in a healthy French population has been determined although our results show lower values than previous published reports from other countries. However, it remains an attractive method for the follow-up and survey of patients complaining of nasal obstruction.
Klossek
Jean-Michel
JM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Poitiers, Poitiers Cedex, France. j.m.klossek@chu-poitiers.fr
Lebreton
Jean-Pascal
JP
Delagranda
Antoine
A
Dufour
Xavier
X
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003948:Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000502:physiology*; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult