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Pediatric Pulmonary Function Testing in COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. A Position Statement From the Hellenic
Sotirios Fouzas1, Dimos Gidaris2, Nikolaos Karantaglis3
1Pediatric Respiratory Unit, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
Insights
Pulmonary function testing in children requires careful evaluation of COVID-19 risks. The Hellenic Pediatric Respiratory Society provides adaptable guidelines for safe testing during the evolving pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates updated guidelines for pediatric pulmonary function testing.
- Dynamic adaptation to epidemiologic changes is crucial for maintaining essential respiratory assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present recommendations from the Hellenic Pediatric Respiratory Society (HPRS) for pulmonary function testing in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 era.
- To establish principles for safe and adaptable pulmonary function testing amidst the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Extensive review of relevant scientific literature.
- Development of a structured clinical screening protocol.
- Integration of special protective measures to minimize viral cross-infection risks.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary function tests require careful assessment of the current epidemiologic load.
- Structured clinical screening and protective measures are essential for patient and staff safety.
- A dynamic action plan incorporating these principles allows adaptation to pandemic phases.
Conclusions:
- HPRS guidelines provide a framework for safe pediatric pulmonary function testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The recommendations emphasize risk assessment, screening, and protective measures for dynamic adaptation.
- These guidelines aim to ensure the continuity of essential respiratory care while minimizing viral transmission risks.
Abstract:
As the COVID-19 pandemic is still evolving, guidelines on pulmonary function testing that may dynamically adapt to sudden epidemiologic changes are required. This paper presents the recommendations of the Hellenic Pediatric Respiratory Society (HPRS) on pulmonary function testing in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 era. Following an extensive review of the relevant literature, we recommend that pulmonary function tests should be carried out after careful evaluation of the epidemiologic load, structured clinical screening of all candidates, and application of special protective measures to minimize the risk of viral cross infection. These principles have been integrated into a dynamic action plan that may readily adapt to the phase of the pandemic.