Feasibility of spirometry testing in preschool children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Diagnostics

Background:

• Spirometry is crucial for diagnosing pediatric respiratory conditions.
• Obtaining reliable spirometry data in young children (3-5 years) presents unique challenges.
• Feasibility of spirometry in preschoolers by inexperienced technicians requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of obtaining acceptable and reproducible spirometry data in preschool children (3-5 years).
• To determine if technicians without prior spirometry experience can achieve reliable results.
• To explore the correlation between age and the number of acceptable spirometry efforts.

Main Methods:

• Two technicians underwent training on spirometry (ndd Easy on-PC) and questionnaires.
• Preschool children were recruited from Head Start centers and a primary care clinic.
• Subjects received training and testing until two acceptable efforts were obtained or testing ceased.

Main Results:

• 200 children (mean age 4.0 years) were enrolled; 56% male, 75% Hispanic.
• Acceptable spirometry efforts were achieved by 65% on the first visit, increasing with age (45% for 3-year-olds, 87% for 5-year-olds).
• Number of acceptable efforts correlated with age (r=0.29, P<0.001); 60% achieved two acceptable efforts meeting reproducibility criteria.

Conclusions:

• Inexperienced technicians can obtain acceptable and reproducible spirometry results in preschool-aged children.
• Spirometry feasibility in this age group is confirmed, with performance positively correlating with age.
• This study supports the use of spirometry in young children for respiratory health assessment.