Respiratory impedance in children with cystic fibrosis using forced oscillations in clinic

C L Gangell1, F Horak, H J Patterson

  • 1School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, WA, Australia.

Insights

The forced oscillation technique is a feasible method for measuring lung function in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This technique can help detect early lung disease in children with CF.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Cystic Fibrosis Research

Background:

  • Lung function measurement is crucial for cystic fibrosis (CF) management but challenging in young children.
  • Early detection of lung disease in pediatric CF is essential for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of the forced oscillation technique (FOT) for routine lung function assessment in preschool-aged children with CF.
  • To determine if FOT can differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic children with CF.

Main Methods:

  • Lung function was assessed in 56 children (aged 2-7 years) with CF using FOT, measuring respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) at 6, 8, and 10 Hz.
  • Results were expressed as Z-scores, and children were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on clinical evaluation.
  • Repeatability was assessed in 25 children.

Main Results:

  • FOT measurement was feasible in a routine pediatric CF clinic setting.
  • Children with CF showed significantly different Z-scores for Rrs and Xrs compared to healthy controls.
  • Symptomatic children exhibited significantly decreased Xrs and increased Rrs at 6 Hz compared to asymptomatic children.

Conclusions:

  • The forced oscillation technique is a viable method for assessing lung function in young children with cystic fibrosis in a clinical environment.
  • FOT has the potential to enhance understanding of early-stage lung disease in pediatric CF patients.
  • This technique may aid in earlier diagnosis and management of CF lung complications.

Related Concept Videos

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm01:29

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate01:20

Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate

Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Respiratory Volumes01:15

Respiratory Volumes

Respiratory volumes are crucial metrics, meticulously measured to quantify the air exchanged in and out of the lungs during various phases of the breathing cycle. These precise measurements are vital for assessing lung function, diagnosing respiratory conditions, and monitoring overall respiratory health. Each parameter provides specific insights into the mechanics of breathing and the functional capacity of the lungs.
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...