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Published on: May 15, 2013
Respiratory function in healthy Emirati children using forced oscillations
Afaf AlBlooshi1, Alia AlKalbani2, Hassib Narchi1
1Department of Pediatrics, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE.
Insights
The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is feasible in healthy Emirati children. New FOT reference equations are needed for this population, as Caucasian reference equations are not appropriate for Emirati children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a non-invasive method for assessing respiratory function, suitable for children due to minimal cooperation requirements.
- Limited data exists on FOT application in non-Caucasian populations, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula.
- This study addresses the need for population-specific FOT reference ranges in Emirati children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of FOT in healthy school-aged children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- To derive new prediction equations for FOT parameters in Emirati children.
- To compare FOT outcomes in Emirati children with existing Caucasian reference ranges.
Main Methods:
- Lung function was assessed using FOT in 291 healthy Emirati children aged 4-12 years.
- General medical and respiratory histories were collected via validated questionnaires.
- Prediction equations for resistance (Rrs), reactance (Xrs), and the area under the reactance curve (AX) were calculated.
Main Results:
- FOT measurements were successfully obtained in all participants.
- Height was identified as the strongest predictor of FOT outcomes (P < 0.001).
- FOT outcomes in Emirati children significantly differed from previously published Caucasian reference equations (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- FOT is a feasible technique for assessing respiratory function in Emirati school-children.
- New, population-specific FOT reference equations were successfully derived for Emirati children.
- Existing FOT reference equations derived from Caucasian children are not suitable for Emirati children.
Background:
The forced oscillation technique (FOT) allows the quantification of respiratory function, does not require active cooperation and as such is ideally suited for use in young children. The application of the FOT in non-Caucasian populations is limited and it remains unclear if current reference ranges for the FOT in Caucasian children are appropriate for children in the Arabian Peninsula. This study explored the use of the FOT in healthy school-aged children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods:
Lung function using FOT was assessed in healthy Emirati children aged 4-12 years. Using a validated questionnaires general medical and respiratory histories were obtained. Prediction equations for resistance (Rrs), reactance (Xrs), and area under reactance curve (AX) were calculated and compared to previous studies.
Results:
FOT was successfully obtained in 291 healthy Emirati children. Linear regression modelling including weight, height, age, and gender in transformed FOT outcomes demonstrated that height was the strongest predictor of FOT outcomes (P < 0.001). Using the equated prediction equation Z-scores were calculated. FOT outcomes in Emirati children did not match previously published reference equations in Caucasians children (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
FOT measurements were feasible in Emirati school-children. New FOT reference equation in Emirati children were derived. FOT reference equation in Emirati children was different from published equations in Caucasians.
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