[The evaluation of lung function by using forced oscillation technique for children with asthma]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Lung function tests are crucial for monitoring pediatric asthma control.
• A new forced oscillation technique device, MostGraph, is available for asthma diagnosis and monitoring.
• This study evaluates the effectiveness of MostGraph in asthmatic children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of the MostGraph device in measuring lung function in children with asthma.
• To determine the correlation between MostGraph parameters and traditional spirometry indices.
• To explore the potential of MostGraph parameters in identifying small airway dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 66 well-controlled asthmatic children (average age 11±3 years).
• Measured respiratory function using both MostGraph and spirometry.
• Analyzed correlations and performed regression analyses between device measurements and spirometry parameters.

Main Results:

• MostGraph measurements showed significant correlations with age and height.
• R5-R20 and Fres parameters from MostGraph were significantly associated with FEV1% and MMF.
• Children with V25 below 70% exhibited higher R5-R20, Fres, and ALX scores, suggesting small airway issues.

Conclusions:

• The MostGraph device is effective for R5-R20 and Fres lung function measurements in pediatric asthma assessment.
• R5-R20 and Fres parameters show potential as indicators of small airway dysfunction in children.
• MostGraph offers a valuable tool for monitoring asthma control and identifying airway abnormalities in pediatric patients.