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Lung structure and function of infants with recurrent wheeze when asymptomatic
C J Llapur1, T M Martínez, C Coates
1Department of Paediatric Pulmonology and Critical Care, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
The European Respiratory Journal
|August 22, 2008
Summary
Infants with recurrent wheeze show reduced lung function, specifically lower forced expiratory flows, even when not experiencing symptoms. This suggests underlying airway issues may persist between episodes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Recurrent wheeze in infants involves repeated airway obstruction.
- Limited understanding of lung structure and function in asymptomatic infants with recurrent wheeze.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate airway lumen size, wall thickness, and lung function in infants with recurrent wheeze when asymptomatic.
- To determine if tobacco smoke exposure impacts these parameters.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans at elevated lung volume and functional residual capacity.
- Measurement of forced expiratory flows.
- Comparison between recurrent wheeze (n=17) and control (n=14) infants.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in airway lumen, wall area, or lung tissue density between groups.
- Infants with recurrent wheeze exhibited lower than predicted forced expiratory flows.
- Similar findings observed when analyzing groups by tobacco smoke exposure.
Conclusions:
- Infants with recurrent wheeze have diminished airway function when asymptomatic.
- Tobacco smoke exposure is also associated with reduced airway function in infants.
- Lower forced expiratory flows may stem from unresolvable airway narrowing, increased airway collapsibility, or decreased pulmonary elastic recoil.
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