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Bronchodilator responsiveness in normal infants and young children
A B Goldstein1, R G Castile, S D Davis
1Section of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|August 14, 2001
Summary
Normal infants show airway narrowing reversible with bronchodilators. The youngest infants and those exposed to tobacco smoke had the greatest response to albuterol, indicating significant airway responsiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Infants exhibit bronchoconstriction, reversible with beta-agonists.
- Limited data exists on baseline airway tone and bronchodilator response in infants.
- Keywords: airway responsiveness, asthma, tobacco smoke, infant pulmonary function, bronchodilator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate baseline airway responsiveness to inhaled albuterol in healthy infants.
- To assess changes in maximal expiratory flows as an indicator of airway response.
Main Methods:
- Maximal expiratory flow-volume curves were obtained from 41 healthy infants (5.4-141.4 weeks).
- Measurements were taken at baseline and 10 minutes post-inhalation of albuterol (n=28) or placebo (n=13).
- A metered-dose inhaler with a spacer was used for drug delivery.
Main Results:
- Albuterol significantly increased FEV(0.5), FEF(75%), and FEF(85%) compared to placebo (p < 0.05).
- Younger infants and those with maternal smoking exposure showed the greatest bronchodilator response.
- Six infants showed a significant increase in FEF(75%) exceeding two standard deviations from the placebo group mean.
Conclusions:
- Healthy infants possess baseline airway tone comparable to adults and older children.
- Infant airway responsiveness to bronchodilators is influenced by age and prenatal tobacco smoke exposure.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering these factors in infant respiratory health.