Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Children with Multiple Neurological Disorder

Abstract

A neurological disorder is a, structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Neurological disorders include mental retardation, cerebralpalsy, autism and down’ syndrome. Children with neurological disorders have a high incidence of respiratory problems. Many children with cerebral palsy have scoliosis, an irregular curvature of spine that can interfere with lungs ability to expand. Genetic condition including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can be associated with congenital airway abnormalities. The aim of the study is to find out peak expiratory flow rate in children with multiple neurological disorder. Study design non-experimental,15 subjects with age group of 7-17years was selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.(subjects:3-cerebral palsy,3-down syndrome,2-autism,7-mental retardation) were selected Maithree special school, East Tambaram. An informed consent was obtained from the parents and children with detailed explanation of the procedure. First the participant was asked to breath in and breath out normally and then breath in deeply as much as possible followed by quick expiration to the maximum into the device. Three trials have been done and best of the three is adopted as PEFR. The value on the meter was monitored and recorded. The training was stopped whenever the subject feels dizziness. The data on height, age, sex, weight, were registered. The peak expiratory flow rate of normal children ranges from 182-565 l/min.The mean value of PEFR in children with multiple neurological disorder was found to be cerebral palsy-121 l/ min, Down’s syndrome-130 l/min, autism-77.5 l/min, mentally retarded-145 l/min. For the data, complete action of PEFR measurement were performed in children with multiple neurological disorder. The PEFR values clearly depicts that the children with multiple neurological disorder have decreased PEFR. Our findings confirm that the peak expiratory flow meter is a well functioning instrument for measuring PEFR in children, giving reliable results, and an inexpensive tool. The study conclude that there was a decreased PEFR in children with cerebral palsy, down’s syndrome, autism and mentally retarded. The study was made simple and this can be done by giving interventions like respiratory muscle training.