[Rebreathing method for measuring CO transfer factor in children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• The single-breath method (sb) is the standard for measuring diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco).
• The rebreathing method (rb) offers an alternative for patients unable to perform the sb method.
• The clinical utility of DLCOrb, particularly in children, requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of the DLCOrb method in a pediatric clinical setting.
• To evaluate the relationship between DLCOrb and the established DLCOsb method in children.
• To explore the potential clinical relevance of DLCOrb in pediatric respiratory diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study including children with suspected interstitial lung disease (ILD) and healthy controls.
• DLCOsb and DLCOrb measurements were performed in the ILD group.
• DLCOrb was measured using a rebreathing bag, analyzing CO and Helium concentrations.
• DLCOrb/KCOrb expected values were derived in the asthma control group.

Main Results:

• DLCOrb measurements were successfully obtained in 91% of children in both ILD and control groups.
• High correlations were observed between raw DLCOrb and DLCOsb (rhô=0.82) and between KCOrb and KCOsb (rhô=0.62).
• Moderate correlations were found for percentage predicted values (DLCO: rhô=0.55; KCO: rhô=0.51).

Conclusions:

• The DLCOrb method is easily performable in pediatric populations.
• DLCOrb measurements demonstrate a high correlation with DLCOsb values.
• Preliminary findings support the potential clinical application of DLCOrb in children, pending further validation.