The comparison of peak flow rate with other spirometric measurements in cyctic fibrosis patients.

This study was done to determine the role of the Wright peak 
flowmeter for evaluation of pulmonary functions in children with cystic fibrosis. 
Peak expiratory flow rate was measured with the use of a 
Wright peak flowmeter and one second forced expiratory volume, maximal mid-expiratory 
flow rate and maximal voluntary ventilation were measured with a spirometer 
in a total of 55 children, 25 of whom had cystic 
fibrosis disease, with the remainder being normal. Measurements were repeated after 
administration of bronchodilating drugs to the cystic fibrosis patients. All the 
values of the four measurements were decreased significantly in the cystic 
fibrosis patients. Positive and significant correlation co-efficients were obtained by comparing 
the peak flow rate with other spirometric measurements. It was concluded 
that peak expiratory flow rate is a feasible and useful measurement 
of pulmonary functions in cystic fibrosis patients. No changes were observed 
after administration of bronchodilating drugs to these patients. 