Reference values for functional residual capacity and maximal expiratory flow in young children.

To determine the relation of functional residual capacity and maximal expiratory flow at functional residual capacity to sex, age, height, and weight in healthy young children living in Portland, Oregon, we tested 37 boys and 36 girls using a modified helium-dilution technique and partial expiratory flow-volume curves. Within the age, height, and weight ranges studied, exponential or multiple regression techniques offered no substantial advantage over simple linear regression using height, weight, or age. There were no sex differences for the relationship between either variable and age, height, or weight. These techniques can readily be used in children as young as 3 years of age and may provide a method for studying lung growth and development in early childhood and a way to observe the progression of disease or the effect of treatment in the young child.

Constancy of effort and variability of maximal expiratory flow rates.

In 14 normal subjects and in 13 patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases, we studied the variability within an individual of values for the maximal expiratory flow rate (Vmax) recorded simultaneously vs expired pulmonary volume (at the mouth) and vs thoracic volume (measured with a body plethysmograph). We found that the variance of Vmax within an individual at 25, 50, and 75 percent of the expired vital capacity did not differ statistically whether pulmonary volume was the expired or the thoracic gas volume. In ten healthy subjects on two occasions (at an interval of 12 days, on the average), we measured the peak expiratory flow rate and Vmax at different levels of inflation, with respect to either expired or thoracic volume. There was no statistical differences in Vmax between the first and the last day. A larger variability of Vmax measured vs expired volume implies a change in the expiratory effort from one forced expiration to another and a different degree of compression of intrathoracic air. Since this was not the case, we conclude that muscular effort during repeated forced expirations is similar. The good reproducibility of effort explains in great measure the good reproducibility of Vmax.

[Reference values for lung function. A summary of reference values used in the GDR (analysis September 1978) (author's transl)]. / Eine Zusammenstellung der in der DDR entwickelten methodenspezifischen Referenz-werte (Auswertungsstand September 1978).

The reference values of several original papers were summarized for the assessment of ventilation, flow-volume, blood gases, bodyplethysmography, single breath test, bronchial reactivity. The standards were showed for adults and children.