Can peak expiratory flow be measured accuratelyduring a forced vital capacity manoeuvre?

Abstract

Can peak expiratory flow be measured accurately during a forced vital capacity manoeuvre? D. Wensley, D. Pickering, M. Silverman. #ERS Journals Ltd 2000. ABSTRACT: Spirometry and peak flow measurements traditionally depend on different forced expiratory manoeuvres and have usually been performed on separate, dedicated equipment. As spirometry becomes more widely used in primary care settings, the authors wished to determine whether there was a systematic difference between peak expiratory flow (PEF) derived from a short sharp exhalation (PEF manoeuvre) and from a full forced vital capacity (FVC) manoeuvre, using the same turbine spirometer (Microloop, Micro Medical, Kent, UK).Eighty children (38 with current asthma) aged 7±16 yrs were asked to perform 2 blocks of PEF and FVC manoeuvres, the order being randomly assigned.PEF obtained from a peak flow manoeuvre (PEFPF) was significantly greater than that from a forced vital capacity manoeuvre (PEFVC) in both healthy (group mean difference 20 L . min -1 ; p<0.001) and asthmatic children (group mean difference 9 L . min -1 ; p<0.004). For clinical purposes, a mean difference of about 3% for children with asthma is of no practical significance, and peak expiratory flow data can usefully be obtained during spirometric recordings. Eur Respir J 2000; 16: 673±676.

Peak Expiratory Flow in Normals: Comparison of the Mini Wright versus Spirometric Predicted Peak Flows

“…One study compared both techniques using a turbine spirometer in two groups of children (1). In 42 children without asthma and 38 children with asthma, there was a mean 3% decrease in peak flow using the spirometric technique compared with the peak flow technique (1). Another study looked at peak flow values in 36 adult patients using the same Wright peak flow meter and either the spirometric technique or the peak flow technique (2).…”

“…However, this latter or spirometric technique may result in slightly lower peak flows (1,2). One study compared both techniques using a turbine spirometer in two groups of children (1). In 42 children without asthma and 38 children with asthma, there was a mean 3% decrease in peak flow using the spirometric technique compared with the peak flow technique (1).…”

“…When performing spirometry, the subject also takes in a deep breath and breaths out rapidly and hard for 6 or more seconds if possible. However, this latter or spirometric technique may result in slightly lower peak flows (1,2). One study compared both techniques using a turbine spirometer in two groups of children (1).…”

“…It has been suggested that spirometric determinations of peak flow may not be interchangeable with peak flow values obtained from a peak flow meter because of technique (1,2). The peak flow technique requires one to blow out rapidly and hard from a maximal inspiration for less than a second (3).…”

Variação diurna de parâmetros de função pulmonar e de força muscular respiratória em pacientes com DPOC

“…In addition, we assessed PEF derived from an FVC maneuver, as did Casale et al (21) In contrast, McCarley et al (20) assessed PEF using a peak flow meter. However, two previous studies (22,23) demonstrated that the difference between the two methods for measuring PEF (i.e., with a spirometer or a peak flow meter) is small and clinically insignificant. In a previous study, Teramoto et al (24) evaluated variations in spirometric parameters in COPD patients over a 12-h period.…”