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Relationships between diaphragm ultrasound, spirometry, and respiratory mouth pressures in children

Simon Ho1, Kelly Rock1, Odessa Addison1

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|July 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) effectively assesses respiratory function in children. DUS parameters correlate with spirometry and mouth pressures, supporting its use in pediatric respiratory assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) offers a noninvasive approach to evaluate diaphragm function.
  • Assessing respiratory mechanics in children often involves spirometry and mouth pressure measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) parameters and standard respiratory function tests in healthy children.
  • To determine if DUS can serve as a reliable noninvasive tool for assessing respiratory strength and capacity in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Ten healthy children (age range: 7-14 years) underwent DUS.
  • DUS parameters including thickening fraction, excursion, and velocity were measured during quiet and deep breaths.
  • Results were correlated with spirometry (forced vital capacity) and respiratory mouth pressures (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures).

Main Results:

  • Diaphragm thickening fraction showed a significant correlation with maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP).
  • During quiet breathing, diaphragm excursion time correlated with MIP, and velocity correlated with maximal expiratory pressure.
  • During deep breathing, diaphragm excursion and time correlated with MIP, and excursion time correlated with forced vital capacity.

Conclusions:

  • DUS parameters demonstrate strong correlations with established measures of respiratory strength and lung function in healthy children.
  • These findings validate DUS as a valuable, noninvasive tool for comprehensive respiratory assessment in pediatric patients.
  • DUS can complement traditional methods for evaluating diaphragm and overall respiratory health in children.

Keywords:
Diaphragm excursionDiaphragm thicknessDiaphragm ultrasoundPediatricsRespiratory muscle function

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