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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
Published on: April 8, 2022
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.
Abstract:
Measurement of lung function is an important component of clinical management in cystic fibrosis (CF), but has been difficult in young children. The present study aimed to characterise the utility of the forced oscillation technique for measurement of lung function in preschool-aged children with CF in a routine clinical setting. Lung function was assessed in 56 young children (aged 2-7 yrs) with CF. Respiratory system resistance (R(rs)) and reactance (X(rs)) at 6, 8 and 10 Hz were measured and expressed as Z-scores. Children were classified as asymptomatic or symptomatic based on an administered respiratory questionnaire and physical examination at the time of testing. Between-test repeatability was assessed in 25 children. Measurement of lung function using the forced oscillation technique was feasible in the CF clinic. The children with CF, as a group, had Z-scores for R(rs) at 6 Hz (R(rs,6)) R(rs,8), R(rs,10), X(rs) at 6 Hz (X(rs,6)) and X(rs,8) that were significantly different from zero. Children with current symptoms showed significantly decreased X(rs) and increased R(rs,6) compared with asymptomatic children. Measurement of lung function using the forced oscillation technique is feasible in young children with cystic fibrosis in a clinical setting. The technique has the potential to improve knowledge concerning early cystic fibrosis lung disease.
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