Abstract
This study examined the usefulness of peak flow rate (PFR) in identifying the total disability of the asthmatic child during an acute attack. 108 consecutive patients 5-18 years of age presenting to the Emergency Service of Children's Hospital with the diagnosis of asthma were studied. PFR's were measured throughout the course of a standard treatment. The decision for admission was not influenced by this study. Each patient was followed, and an assessment of intervening morbidity made. 16 patients were admitted, and 92 discharged. Our data revealed:
Children discharged with PPFR's prior to disposition of less than 60% averaged 7 days of subsequent disability at home. None of the discharged children with pre-disposition PPFR's greater than 59% experienced subsequent disability at home. Admitted patients remained hospitalized for an average of 2 days. None had additional home morbidity. We conclude that PPFR at the time of disposition in children with acute asthma is useful for identifying the need for admission, and that it is an excellent indicator of those at high risk of experiencing significant subsequent morbidity at home.
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Baker, M., Moore, S. & Wise, P. THE VALUE OF PEAK FLOW AS AN INDICATOR OF TOTAL DISABILITY IN CHILDHOOD ASTHMA. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 227 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00804
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00804