Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Design and Development of a Model to Study the Effect of Supplemental Oxygen on the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome
07:38

Design and Development of a Model to Study the Effect of Supplemental Oxygen on the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome

Published on: August 3, 2021

2.5K

"You're on mute!" Does pediatric CF home spirometry require physiologist supervision?

Emma Fettes1, Mollie Riley1, Stephanie Brotherston1

  • 1Lung Function Laboratory, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, HNS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|September 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Remote supervision of home spirometry in children with cystic fibrosis significantly improves test quality. While supervised tests yielded higher quality scores, unsupervised monitoring can be acceptable with proper training and protocol adherence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Digital Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of home spirometry for monitoring pediatric respiratory conditions.
  • Accurate spirometry is crucial for managing conditions like cystic fibrosis.
  • Ensuring the technical quality of home-based spirometry is essential for reliable data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if remote supervision by a physiologist enhances the technical quality of home spirometry in children.
  • To determine the impact of remote supervision on the failure rate of spirometry maneuvers in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Children with cystic fibrosis were randomized to supervised or unsupervised home spirometry using NuvoAir devices.
  • Spirometry was conducted every two weeks for 12 weeks.
  • Tests were graded using a quality factor (QF) system (A-D, Fail) based on American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards, with QF A as the primary outcome.

Main Results:

  • Significantly more supervised tests achieved QF A (89%) compared to unsupervised tests (74%; p < 0.001).
  • The proportion of tests achieving acceptable quality (QF A-C) was high in both groups (99% vs. 95%).
  • Observed spirometry declines were primarily clinical, not technical, and patient/family feedback was positive for both groups.

Conclusions:

  • Remote supervision by a physiologist is recommended for optimal home spirometry quality in children.
  • Acceptable spirometry results can be achieved without direct supervision if adequate training and monitoring protocols are in place.
  • Home spirometry is a feasible and well-received monitoring tool for pediatric respiratory conditions.
Abstract

Keywords:
cystic fibrosishome spirometrypediatricsremote monitoring

More Related Videos

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

204
Generation of Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Spheroids for Individualized Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Study08:00

Generation of Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Spheroids for Individualized Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Study

Published on: April 11, 2018

10.8K

Related Concept Videos

Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic...
254
Pulmonary Function Tests01:25

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
464
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
424
Chest Physiotherapy01:24

Chest Physiotherapy

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) is a therapeutic technique used in respiratory care to improve ventilation, clear bronchial secretions, and enhance the efficiency of respiratory muscles. This therapy includes three primary procedures: postural drainage, percussion, and vibration. It can be performed on spontaneously breathing patients and those who are intubated and mechanically ventilated.
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
918
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
2.6K
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
481