Reference values for respiratory sinusoidal oscillometry in children aged 3 to 17 years

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Commercially available oscillometry devices can quantify respiratory function during tidal breathing.
• Reference equations are currently lacking for the multiethnic Canadian pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop reference equations for respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs), area under the reactance curve (AX), and resonant frequency (Fres) in healthy Canadian children.
• To assess the feasibility of obtaining valid and reproducible oscillometry measurements in children.
• To derive device-specific reference equations due to observed differences between devices.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cross-sectional study of 299 healthy children aged 3-17 years.
• Measurements of Rrs, Xrs, AX, and Fres using Resmon Pro and tremoflo C-100 devices.
• Data analyzed using linear regression and Generalized Additive Models to derive prediction equations and confidence intervals.

Main Results:

• Valid and reproducible oscillometry measurements were obtained in 98% of children.
• Standing height was the strongest predictor of respiratory function parameters; sex, age, BMI, and ethnicity had no significant effect.
• Significant differences were observed between the two devices, necessitating device-specific equations.

Conclusions:

• Oscillometry measurements are feasible and reproducible in children aged 3 years and older.
• Device-specific reference equations were successfully derived for the multiethnic Canadian pediatric population.
• These equations will aid in the accurate assessment of pediatric respiratory function.