ELSEVIER International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 34 (1996) 225-228 mniuwrnhu JwfNALOF Pediatric Measurement of peak flow in children: a comparison between the low-range mini Wright and the low-range Ferraris pocket peak flow meter G.K. Scadding *, Y.C. Darby, C.E. Austin f/w Roy/ ~Vofmtrrl Throat, .Vnvr md Em- Ho.~pitnl, Grq‘.s fm Rod, London WCIX 8DA. UK Received 19 March 1995: accepted 25 April 1995 Abstract The new, low-range Ferraris pocket peak flow meter was compared with the well established low-range mini Wright peak flow meter for measuring peak flow rates in children. The peak flow mctcrs were compared by performing three forced expirations using each meter, in 50 children. On average the pocket peak flow meter gave higher readings than the mini Wright, by a mean of 15 I/min. The peak flow rates obtained by the two meters were highly correlated (P < 0.0001, r = 0.882 n = 50). In conclusion, the Ferraris pocket peak flow meter is easy and comfortable to use, giving reproducible measurements of peak flow in children. Kq~loru’s: Peak expiratory flow rate; Asthma; Peak flow meter 1. Introduction The importance of frequent simple measurements of airway obstruction in children with asthma is widely recognised. Airway obstruction is difficult to assess by symptoms alone and a regular objective measurement of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) can give valuable information on the patterns of airway obstruction. Awareness of variation in peak flow rates, which often precede exacerbations of * Corresponding author. Ol65-5876:96 SI 5.00 (G 1996 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved .SSDf 0165.5876(Y5)01242-4