Correlation of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate to Pulmonary Function Test in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Subjects

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disorder (CRD) that progresses slowly and is characterized by an obstructive ventilatory pattern which is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. COPD can be examined by using Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) which include Spirometry. In PFT, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second decreases due to fibrotic remodeling of the airways but however, PFT is not always available in the Primary care settings or Clinical setups. Hence, a simple and affordable method is required in COPD subjects for the assessment of pulmonary functions. This study used an alternative method to check pulmonary functions by using Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) to measure FEV1. Thus, the need of the study is to correlate PEFR as a screening tool to PFT in the COPD subjects in clinical setups or primary care settings with the same efficacy and potentiality. Aim & Objective: The Objective of the study was to correlate the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate to Pulmonary Function Test in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases subjects. Study design: Cross-Sectional Study Method: Subjects diagnosed with COPD of age 40 years and above were referred to CardioRespiratory Physiotherapy OPD by Medical Practitioner or Pulmonologist. The sample size was calculated based on the Convenient Method of Sampling, by which a total of 30 patients were recruited for the study. After obtaining scores of PFT, three readings were recorded of PEFR by using a Peak Flow Meter and the best of the three was considered for final analysis. The Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. The descriptive analysis was done for the baseline characteristic that was presented as percentages, means and standard deviation (SD). Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient applied for correlation of PEFR with PFT respectively. P- value less than equal to 0.05 was statistically significant. Result: In this study, 30 subjects were taken of age 40 to72 years, out of which 22(73.33%) were males while 8(26.67%) were females. This study resulted that the correlation of PEFR scores with PFT that comprises of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC is statistically significant as the Pvalue is less than 0.05i.e FEV1 (0.0005*), FVC (0.0005*), FEV1/FVC (0.0185*). Conclusion: We concluded that PEFR can be used as an effective and potential screening tool to the Physiotherapists and Clinicians for the assessment of the individuals with different stages of COPD in any sector of health care, including consultations/OPD or primary health care as an alternative to the PFT. Key words: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Pulmonary Function Test, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Forced Expiratory Volume 1 second, Peak Expiratory Flow.