Abstract
Background: Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) are both measured in a maximal expiratory peak after an initial inspiration. Ohm’s law of fluid flow states that pressure difference is directly proportional to flow and resistance.
Objective: Assessment of a possible correlation between PEF and MEP values, and between Forced Inspiratory Flow at 50% of vital capacity (FIF50%) and Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) values.
Methods: Comparison of 306 lung function tests with concomitant spirometry and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure tests. The most frequent previous diagnoses in our sample were Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (13.7%), Systemic sclerosis (10.8%), Dermatomyositis (7.9%) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (5.9%).
Results: Moderate positive linear correlation between PEF and MEP values (r(304)=0.596303, p<.00001), and between FIF50% and MIP values r(304)=0.602241, p<.00001).
Conclusions: A spirometry test with decreased PEF and FIF50%, might be an important sign of loss of maximum respiratory pressures capacity which relate to diaphragmatic impairment, especially in patients with a previous suspicious diagnosis.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA2500.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021