Calculation of Predicted Peak Expiratory Flow in Children with a Formula

Background: To determine whether a child has asthma exacerbation, we should obtain the value of peak expiratory flow. It is useful in a diagnostic procedure, in evaluation of response to therapy and following the course of asthma.The context and purpose of the study: On the basis of published relations between  body height and peak expiratory flow in children I developed a formula for calculation of predicted peak expiratory flow in children according to body height.Results: Formula for estimation of predicted peak expiratory flow in children according to body height reads as follows:Peak expiratory fl ow [L/min] = (Body height [cm] x 5.3) – 433.Conclusions: In some situations, especially in emergency settings, the presented formula may prove useful in predicting peak expiratory flow knowing only a child’s body height.