What are the sensitivity and specificity of serial measurements of peak flow in the diagnosis of occupational asthma?


** 3 The sensitivity and specificity of serial peak flow measurements are high in the diagnosis of occupational asthma

Evidence

Bright P, Newton DT, Gannon PF et al , Improved Analysis Of Serial Peak Expiratory Flow In Suspected Occupational Asthma , Monaldi Arch Chest Dis , 2001 ; 56 : 281-288

Burge PS , Occupational asthma in electronics workers caused by colophony fumes: Follow-up of affected workers , Thorax , 1982 ; 37 : 348-353

Cote J, Kennedy S, ChanYeung M , Sensitivity And Specificity Of PC20 And Peak Expiratory Flow Rate In Cedar Asthma , J Allergy Clin Immunol , 1990 ; 85 : 592-598

Cote J, Kennedy S, ChanYeung M , Quantitative Versus Qualitative Analysis Of Peak Expiratory Flow In Occupational Asthma , Thorax , 1993 ; 48 : 48-51

Leroyer C, Perfetti L, Trudeau C, L'Archeveque J, ChanYeung M, Malo JL , Comparison Of Serial Monitoring Of Peak Expiratory Flow And FEV1 In The Diagnosis Of Occupational Asthma , Am J Respir Crit Care Med , 1998 ; 158 : 927-832

Liss GM and Tarlo SM , Peak expiratory flow rates in possible occupational asthma , Chest , 1991 ; 100 : 63-69

Malo JL, Cote J, Cartier A, Boulet LP, L'Archeveque J, ChanYeung M , How Many Times Per Day Should Peak Expiratory Flow Rates Be Assessed When Investigating Occupational Asthma? , Thorax , 1993 ; 48 : 1211-1217

Perrin B, Lagier F, L'Archeveque J, Cartier A, Boulet LP, Cote J, Malo JL , Occupational Asthma: Validity Of Monitoring Of Peak Expiratory Flow Rates And Non-Allergic Bronchial Responsiveness As Compared To Specific Inhalation Challenge , Eur Respir J , 1992 ; 5 : 40-8

Principal reccomendations

This statement supports the following principal reccomendations

View the principal reccomendations

Health practitioners who suspect a worker of having occupational asthma should arrange for workers to perform serial peak flow measurements at least four times a day.

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