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The interrupter technique: feasibility in children in acute asthma
Simona Alexandra Tatar1, Sorin Claudiu Man
13rd Pediatric Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Maedica
|October 7, 2011
Summary
The interrupter technique is a feasible method for assessing respiratory resistance in children with asthma exacerbations. This technique strongly correlates with clinical parameters used to determine asthma severity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Assessing asthma exacerbation severity is challenging, relying heavily on clinical parameters.
- Objective lung function evaluation during acute asthma can provide a more accurate measure of respiratory impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of the interrupter technique for measuring respiratory resistance (Rocc) in children experiencing acute asthma exacerbations.
- To compare the feasibility of the interrupter technique with spirometry and peak flowmetry in this population.
Main Methods:
- Thirty children (aged 3-14) with diagnosed asthma exacerbations were included.
- Respiratory function was assessed using spirometry, peak flowmetry, and the interrupter technique.
- Asthma severity was classified using the GINA 2007 guidelines and a clinical score.
Main Results:
- The interrupter technique demonstrated a high feasibility rate (90%) during asthma attacks.
- Feasibility rates for peak flowmetry (47%) and spirometry (27%) were significantly lower.
- Respiratory resistance (Rocc) showed strong correlations with respiratory rate (r=0.73), heart rate (r=0.5), and a clinical severity score (r=0.78).
Conclusions:
- The interrupter technique is a feasible and effective tool for assessing respiratory resistance in children with acute asthma.
- This method provides objective data that correlates well with established clinical indicators of asthma severity.
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