Authors:

Abstract

Background: Abnormalities of pulmonary function frequently occur in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) but data demonstrating correlation of anthropometric parameters with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) are scanty. The mini Wright peak flow meter is easy available, relatively affordable, and portable making it a useful device for determining the pulmonary functions in resource-limited settings.

Objectives: To determine the correlation between PEFR with age and anthropometric parameters in apparently healthy children with SCA.

Method: PEFR was measured using a mini Wright peak flow meter in 200 children, 100 children with SCA and 100 healthy controls. Correlation of PEFR with age, height, weight, and chest circumference was calculated.

Results: Mean PEFR was significantly less in children with Hb SS genotype than in children with Hb AA genotype, irrespective of gender. Mean PEFR increased with age irrespective of gender or haemoglobin genotype. Examination on Pearson correlation coefficient showed significant positive correlation between age, sitting height, standing height, weight, body mass index (BMI), arm span and PEFR in subjects with SCA and controls. However, BMI had significant correlation in both subjects and controls but weaker than other variables.

Conclusions: PEFR correlates more with age, sitting height, standing height, weight and arm span. Thus, the age and body size, but not the body fat of the child is important in determining the final responses of lung function in children with SCA.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2020; 49(4): 329-334

Keywords: Peak expiratory flow rate, height, weight, chest circumference, sickle cell anaemia