The Flow Volume Loop: Normal Standards and Abnormalities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The flow-volume loop in tetraplegics

“…All these parameters taken from the curves were compared with the normal predicted values obtained from the equations of Bass (1973) that take into account the sex, age, height, weight and body surface area of normal people. Table II shows the mean values and standard deviation of FVC and expiratory flows of the 20 patients in the three positions, measured in the flow-volume curve.…”

“…According to Bass (1973) the flow-volume curve is a ventilatory test easy to demonstrate and with characteristic abnormalities in pulmonary diseases. It appears to be a sensitive indicator of early airways obstruction (Macklem, 1975).…”

Peak inspiratory flow as predictor for tracheotomy

“…However, in the follow up of patients with chronic tolerated laryngeal obstruction (laryngeal stenosis, head and neck treated patients), the value of PIF is widely higher than 60 L/min (data not yet published); however, the data collected remain selective, since all patients with moderate dyspnea are also followed by other practioners than Otolaryngologists. In addition, only two studies provide reference values for the PIF according to gender and age: the study of Bass [12] with 130 subjects using conventional spirometry, and the study of Tsounis [8] with 131 subjects using the In-check method. Data of normative PIF, with conventional spirometry and with In-check method in a population without respiratory disease (gender, age, weight) would be to consider.…”

“…PIF values PIF values expressed with minimal (min) and maximal (max) values. *dyspnea due to recurrent HNC associated with pneumonia due to aspiration, 7 months following surgery then chemoradiotherapy, ** the only patient in whom tracheostomy was delayed by10 days, ***dyspnea day one after laser cordotomy for bilateral laryngeal paralysis % theoretical PIF values calculated on basis of age and gender PIF values from (Bass 1973) [12].…”

“…Results were expressed at the case's patient level, by PIF value (L/min) and by the percentage of theoretical PIF value (calculated from data of Bass) [12].…”