Effect of ageing on peak expiratory flow variability and nocturnal exacerbations in bronchial asthma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ageing on variability of airflow obstruction and on the specific pattern of nocturnal exacerbations (''morning dipping'' of peak expiratory flow (PEF)) in asthma. Two groups of stable asthmatics (Group A: 23 patients, aged 14-47 yrs; Group B: 20 patients, aged 53-74 yrs), that were similar for duration of disease, degree of obstruction and response to bronchodilators, were studied. PEF was monitored four times daily for 2 weeks, and amplitude of variation and ''morning dip'' were calculated. Both PEF amplitude and ''morning dip'' were greater in the older patients (p<0.005). Amplitude was negatively correlated with baseline forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in both groups (p<0.01); multiple correlation with age, duration of disease, baseline FEV1 and degree of reversibility was significant in the older group only, Morning dip was inversely correlated to baseline FEV1 (p<0.01) and reversibility (p<0.05). Nocturnal symptoms were reported by all of the five Group A ''dippers'', but by only 6 of the 13 Group B ''dippers'' (p<0.04). Ageing contributes to increased variability of airway calibre in asthma. Aged patients are potentially at risk because functional evidence of nocturnal asthma may frequently be accompanied by a poor subjective awareness. Therefore, a more extensive practice of PEF monitoring is recommended in aged asthmatics.