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Spirometric pulmonary function in healthy preschool children
1Department of Pediatrics, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|March 20, 2001
Summary
Spirometry is feasible in most preschool children, with lung function increasing with height. This study establishes reproducible spirometry for assessing pediatric pulmonary disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Spirometric lung function assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing pediatric respiratory conditions.
- Establishing normative data for spirometry in young children is essential for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of spirometric lung function measurements in normal preschool-aged children (3-6 years).
- To establish correlations between spirometric parameters and physical characteristics, primarily height.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry was performed by experienced pediatric pulmonary function technicians at nursery and daycare centers.
- A total of 259 children meeting normal criteria underwent testing, with a focus on technically acceptable maneuvers within a 15-minute session.
- Regression analysis, including log-transformed parameters and height, was used to model pulmonary function.
Main Results:
- 82.6% of children performed acceptable spirometry maneuvers.
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), and Forced Expiratory Flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75) showed strong positive correlations with height.
- A significant decrease in the FEV1/FVC ratio was observed with increasing height, indicating developmental changes in lung function.
Conclusions:
- Reproducible spirometry is achievable in the majority of preschool children.
- Spirometry in this age group, correlated with height, can enhance the assessment and management of pulmonary diseases.
- Normative data derived from this study can aid in clinical practice for pediatric respiratory health.