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Lung function and short-term outcome in young asthmatic children

B Klug1, H Bisgaard

  • 1Dept of Pediatrics 5003, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The European Respiratory Journal
|December 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Many young children with stable asthma show impaired lung function, but this does not predict ongoing symptoms. Early lung function in pediatric asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for symptom persistence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Asthma Research
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
  • Early identification and management of pediatric asthma are crucial for long-term outcomes.
  • Understanding lung function in young asthmatic children is essential for predicting disease trajectory.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate lung function in stable asthmatic children aged 2-5 years.
  • To analyze the long-term outcome based on antiasthmatic treatment and symptom presence.
  • To determine if impaired lung function at diagnosis predicts persistent asthma symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • 110 children (mean age 3.8 years) with stable asthma underwent lung function tests.
  • Techniques included the interruptor technique (Rint) and whole body plethysmography (sRaw, Rrs,5, Xrs,5).
  • Outcomes were assessed after 1.6-4.5 years, correlating with initial lung function and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Impaired lung function was detected in 44% (Rint), 14% (sRaw), 11% (Xrs,5), and 7.5% (Rrs,5).
  • No significant difference in lung function between groups treated with inhaled steroids versus beta2-agonists.
  • Initial lung function did not predict outcomes; 58-59% remained on treatment, and 40-49% had current symptoms at follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Impaired lung function is common in young, stable asthmatic children.
  • Pediatric asthma patients often exhibit abnormal lung function even when stable.
  • Lung function impairment in early childhood asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for persistent symptoms.

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