Spirometric values for healthy Iraqi children with prediction equations and perentile charts

The forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], the forced vital capacity [FVC] and the peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] of 500 healthy Iraqi children, aged 7-12 years and living in Baghdad, have been measured using standard techniques and equipments according to the American Thoracic Society [ATS] standards. Computer based predication equations and percentile charts have been developed that may be used as standard reference values. A comparison of the Iraqi values what was reported from other communities showed the Iraqi values to be lower than the American-white, British, Libyan, and Jordanian children but higher than the American-black children

Effect of parental smoking and social class on the children's pulmonary function

The effect of social class and parental smoking on forced expiratory volume in one second [FEVI], forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] of children has been analyzed. Parental smoking did not appear to affect the children's pulmonary function. Furthermore, no significant difference in FEV1 and FVC values have been observed between children of the high and low social classes, but children of the low social class outperformed those of the high social class in PEFR values