Peak expiratory flow monitoring is not a reliable method for establishing the diagnosis of occupational asthma

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1995 Sep;152(3):1100-2. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm.152.3.7663790.

Abstract

This is a study of the reliability of peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring using a portable computerized peak flow meter, the VMX Mini-log, in 17 subjects referred for suspected occupational asthma. Subjects were requested to monitor their PEF six times daily using the VMX Mini-Log for 2 wk at work and at least 10 d away from work. They were unaware that their readings were stored by the flow meter in addition to the digital readout. Four subjects (22%) were unable to complete the monitoring. The results recorded by the subjects were compared with the results recorded by the VMX. Of those who completed the monitoring, only 55.3% of the records were completely accurate in terms of the value and the timing of the measurements, 23.3% were inaccurate either in terms of the recorded value or of the timing of the measurement, and the remainder were fabricated results (not recorded by the Mini-Log). Our results suggest that PEF monitoring using ordinary peak flow meters for assessment of work-relatedness of asthma has limitations and is not reliable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Occupational Diseases / physiopathology
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results