Pulmonary diffusing capacity in healthy Caucasian children.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Clinical Reference Standards

Background:

• Previous studies on pediatric pulmonary diffusing capacity used varied methodologies and predated current ATS/ERS guidelines.
• Establishing reliable reference ranges is crucial for accurate clinical assessment of lung function in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish current reference ranges for diffusing capacity to carbon monoxide (DL(CO)) and alveolar volume (V(A)) in healthy Caucasian children.
• To utilize contemporary equipment and adhere to international ATS/ERS guidelines for pulmonary function testing.

Main Methods:

• Collected single-breath DL(CO) and V(A) data from healthy Caucasian children in the US (N=303) and Australia (N=176).
• Ensured all measurements met current ATS/ERS guidelines for acceptability.
• Analyzed data using regression models, considering height, age, sex, and hemoglobin levels.

Main Results:

• Derived regression equations for DL(CO) and V(A) based on height, age, and age-sex interaction.
• DL(CO)/V(A) was primarily related to height and age-sex interaction.
• Found no significant center effect for DL(CO) or DL(CO)/V(A); Australian children had smaller V(A) after adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Multi-center data can be reliably collated for deriving pediatric pulmonary function reference ranges when using standardized protocols and equipment.
• New regression equations for DL(CO) and V(A) are provided for healthy Caucasian children aged 5-19 years.
• These updated reference ranges facilitate more accurate clinical interpretation of lung function in pediatric populations.