[Comparison of values for peak expiratory flow (PEF) measured with various devices in children].

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) (1/min) is a simple and reliable index of airway narrowing. The purpose of the work was the comparison of the PEF values obtained using two various measuring devices (Vitalograph Pulmonary Monitor and Clement-Clarke mini Wright) in preschool children. The total number of 290 healthy and normally developed children aged from 4 to 6 years (142 girls and 148 boys) were studied. Each child carried out at least 5 PEF measurements with the above mentioned devices. The highest PEF values obtained using each of the devices were taken into account in further analysis. Statistically significantly higher PEF values were demonstrated in five- and six-year-old girls and in four- and five-year-old boys, measured using the mini-Wright device as compared with the Pulmonary Monitor.