Background: Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring is seldom used in young children because peak flow meter normal values are needed for children less than 7 years old.
Population and methods: PEF was measured in 152 non asthmatic school children, aged 2.9 to 14.5 years with four peak flow meters (Assess, DHS, Vitalograph, MiniWright). Calibration of these peak flow meters were performed with flows ranging from 100 to 700 l/min with a calibration syringe.
Results: Calibration demonstrated the excellent linearity of each device but there was a slight overestimation by DHS and MiniWright, and a slight underestimation by Vitalograph and Assess. PEF measured with the four devices was better linearly correlated with height (r = 0.72 to 0.77) than with age. Differences similar to calibration have been found between the four linear regressions.
Conclusion: These results indicate that PEF can be used in young children less than 7 years old. It is necessary to always use the same peak flow meter for a child.