Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

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Browsing Department of Paediatrics and Child Health by Author "Adeniyi, Folasade"

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    Peak expiratory flow rate in healthy urban Nigerian school children in Abuja, Nigeria
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-11) Adeniyi, Folasade; Kling, Sharon; Gie, Robert Peter; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Paediatrics and Child Health.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background Recent asthma management guidelines have reiterated the importance of lung function testing, such as Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), in the diagnosis and management of childhood asthma. Interpretation of PEFR requires comparison with patient’s personal best value or comparison with predicted norms. PEFR has been shown to vary with age, gender, anthropometric indices and importantly with race and ethnicity even within the same country. It is therefore important to establish reference ranges for different population groups. Objectives This study aimed to establish the pattern and determinants of PEFR amongst healthy Nigerian children aged 6-12 years attending public schools in Abuja, Nigeria and to derive a prediction equation for PEFR for this population. Methods The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study design involving a representative sample of 1067 healthy children aged 6-12 years attending 7 public primary schools in Abuja, Nigeria, obtained by a multistage stratified random sampling technique. Data collection took place in the selected schools following ethics approval and written informed consent in October 2009. Demographic and clinical history data were collected on questionnaires and structured case report forms. PEFR was measured with a mini-Wright’s peak flow meter with the best of three readings recorded in litres/minute. Height and weight were measured according to recognized standards. Data was analysed with SPSS™ statistical software version 25. Confidentiality of data was ensured. Results A total of 1067 school children aged 6-12 years were included in the study; of these, 512 (48%) were males, while 555 (52%) were females. The mean PEFR in litres/minute (+2SD) were: females 214.7 (±58.7) and males 217.7(±57.2), respectively. PEFR correlated with age and anthropometric measurements, with height showing the best correlation. Gender was not significantly correlated with PEFR. Using Multiple linear regression analysis, we derived a prediction equation for use in both genders: predicted PEFR (Litres/minute) = 2.6(height in cm) + 6.9(age in years) - 185. Conclusion The prediction equation for PEFR derived from this study provides reference values for PEFR which will be useful in the recognition and management of childhood asthma and other respiratory conditions amongst Nigerian children.