Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
06:11

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults

Published on: February 9, 2022

Reference values for airway resistance in newborns, infants and preschoolers from a Latin American population

Laura G Gochicoa1, Laura P Thomé-Ortiz, María E Y Furuya

  • 1Center for Evaluation of the Paediatric Asthma Patient, Centro Médico Santa Teresa, Texcoco, México.

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|March 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study establishes airway resistance (Rint) reference values for Mexican children, finding Rint decreases with height. These findings are crucial for pediatric respiratory health assessments in diverse populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Limited reference values for airway resistance (Rint) exist for Latin American and Mexican children.
  • Previous studies on Rint reference values primarily included children aged 3 years and older, leaving a gap for newborns and infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine Rint reference values for Mexican children, including newborns and infants.
  • To establish regression equations for Rint based on height in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Airway resistance (Rint) was measured using the interrupter technique in two groups: healthy preschool children and sedated newborns, infants, and preschool children hospitalized for non-cardiopulmonary conditions.
  • Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between Rint and anthropometric measurements (age, weight, height).

Main Results:

  • Rint values showed an inverse association with age, weight, and height, with height being the strongest predictor.
  • Linear regression equations were derived for Rint based on height for both study groups.
  • A trend of slightly higher Rint values in girls was observed, which diminished as height increased.

Conclusions:

  • New Rint reference values applicable to Mexican children were established.
  • The findings suggest these Rint values may also be relevant for pediatric populations with similar ancestries.
  • An inverse relationship between Rint and height was confirmed, highlighting significant between-subject variability.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting14:49

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
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 Volumes and Capacities01:22

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...
Respiratory Capacities01:24

Respiratory Capacities

Respiratory capacities are crucial indicators of lung function, representing the maximum amount of air an individual's respiratory system can handle during various breathing phases.
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
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...