Overview :

The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) can be predicted in pediatric patients based on height and other physical characteristics.

NOTE: Quanjer et al provides additional equations for PEFR.

Linear Equations Based on Height

PEFR in liters per minute for heights from 43 to 67 inches (data of Voter analyzed in JMP) =

= (13.33 * (height in inches)) - 426.52 =

= (5.249 * (height in cm)) - 426.52

PEFR in liters per minute for 4 to 18 years (Weng and Levinson) =

= (4.90 * (height in cm)) - 379

PEFR in liters per minute for boys (Nairn et al) =

= (5.59 * (height in cm)) - 476

PEFR in liters per minute for girls (Nairn et al) =

= (5.33 * (height in cm)) - 441

PEFR in liters per second (Robinson, from Cotes page 465) =

= (4.93 * (height in meters, must be <= 1.1 meters) - 2.9

PEFR in liters per second (Cotes page 460) =

= (7.59 * (height in meters) - 5.53

PEFR in liters per second (Cotes page 460) =

= (15.94 * (sitting height in meters) - 6.87

PEFR in liters per minute (Polgar and Promadhat) =

= (5.2428 * (height in cm)) - 425.57

PEFR in liters per minute for boys 5 to 18 years (Godfrey) =

= (5.288 * (height in cm)) - 422.76

PEFR in liters per minute for girls 5 to 18 years (Godfrey) =

= (5.278 * (height in cm)) - 422.34

PEFR in liters per second for boys 4-19 years < 162.6 cm (Rosenthal) =

= (0.073 * (height in cm)) - 5.98

PEFR in liters per second for boys 4-19 years >= 162.6 cm (Rosenthal) =

= (0.125 * (height in cm)) - 13.14

PEFR in liters per second for girls 4-19 years < 152.6 cm (Rosenthal) =

= (0.079 * (height in cm)) - 6.79

PEFR in liters per second for girls 4-19 years >= 152.6 cm (Rosenthal) =

= (0.064 * (height in cm)) - 3.94

PEFR in liters per minute for boys 4.5 to 18.5 years (Murray and Cook) =

= (5.70 * (height in cm)) - 480

PEFR in liters per minute for girls 4.5 to 18.5 years (Murray and Cook) =

= (4.65 * (height in cm)) - 344

Exponent of Height

PEFR in liters per minute for 7 to 19 years old (Hsu et al) =

= A * 10^(-4) * ((height in cm)^B)

PEFR in liters per minute (DeMuth et al) =

= A * 10^(-4) * ((height in cm)^B)

Cotes JE. Lung Function. Assessment and Application in Medicine. Fifth Edition. Blackwell Scientific Publications. 1993. pages 460 and 465.

DeMuth GR, Howatt WF, Hill BM. The growth of lung function. Pediatrics. 1965; 35 (Supplement): 187.

Godfrey S, Kamburoff PL, et al. Spirometry. Lung volumes and airway resistance in normal children aged 5 to 18 years. Br J Dis Chest. 1970; 64: 15-24.

Hsu KHK, Jenkins DE, et al. Ventilatory functions of normal children and young adults - Mexican-American, white and black. I. Spirometry. Journal of Pediatrics. 1979; 95: 14-23.

Murray AB, Cook CD. Measurement of peak expiratory flow rates in 220 normal children from 4.5 to 18.5 years of age. J Pediatrics. 1963; 62: 186.

Nairn JR, Bennet AJ, et al. A study of respiraotry function in normal school children: The peak flow rate. Arch Dis Child. 1961; 36: 253.

Polgar G, Promadhat V. Pulmonary function testing in children. WB Saunders. 1971. page 211.

Quanjer PH, Stocks J, et al. Compilation of reference values for lung function measurements in children. Eur Respir J. 1989; 2 (Supplement 4): 184s - 261s.

Rosenthal M, Cramer D, et al. Lung function in white children aged 4 to 19 years. II. Single breath analysis and plethysmography. Thorax. 1993; 48: 803-808.

Voter KZ. Pediatric Reviews. 1996; 17(2): 53-63.

Wang X, Dockery DW, et al. Pulmonary function between 6 and 18 years of age. Pediatric Pulmonology. 1993; 15: 75-88.

Wanger J. Pulmonary Function Testing. A Practical Approach. Second Edition.  Williams & Wilkins. 1996. Table A6.5, page 286.

Weng TR, Levison H. Standards of pulmonary function in children. Am Review Resp Disease. 1969; 99: 879-894.