Research pointers: Peak expiratory flow sequence in acute exacerbations of asthma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We recruited 43 successive patients presenting with acute exacerbation of asthma to two hospitals (table). Peak expiratory flow was measured with the patient seated and using a mini-Wright flow meter. The measurement was taken as the best of three blows from total lung capacity with no breath hold. Admitting staff were trained in the technique and were asked to record all three blows and to ensure there was a gap of <10 seconds between blows. We derived a last to first peak expiratory flow ratio by dividing the third peak expiratory flow by the first and related the log of the ratio to length of stay by multiple logistic regression with admission peak expiratory flow (percentage of predicted flow) and British Thoracic Society stage as independent variables. The medical management of acute asthma was based on the British Thoracic Society guidelines.