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Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
Published on: April 8, 2022
Use of impulse oscillometry to assess lung function in prematurely born children and young people: Comparisons with
Shannon Gunawardana1, Christopher Harris2, Anne Greenough3
1Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, UK.
Insights
Impulse oscillometry (IOS) can assess lung function in children born prematurely with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This effort-independent method shows promise for evaluating airway obstruction and bronchodilator response in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Premature birth is a significant risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), leading to childhood obstructive airway disease.
- Spirometry, a standard lung function test, is often challenging for young children unable to perform adequate maneuvers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of impulse oscillometry (IOS) for assessing lung function in prematurely born children and young people.
- To evaluate the correlation between IOS and spirometry in this population.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted to identify studies utilizing IOS in prematurely born children.
- Analysis focused on the application of IOS in diagnosing and monitoring obstructive airway disease.
Main Results:
- IOS results demonstrate a correlation with spirometry findings.
- The reversibility of airway obstruction in children with BPD varies.
- IOS may aid in assessing individual patient responses to bronchodilator therapy.
Conclusions:
- Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a viable, effort-independent method for assessing lung function in young children, particularly those with BPD.
- Further research is needed to establish multi-ethnic reference ranges and standardize devices for routine clinical use.
Abstract:
Premature birth is a risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD); both of which are associated with obstructive airway disease throughout childhood. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is an effort-independent, passive measure of tidal breathing, which could have benefits in assessing lung function amongst younger patients unable to perform valid spirometry. A literature search was conducted to investigate the use of IOS in prematurely born children and young people. IOS results correlate with those of spirometry. Reversibility of airway obstruction in children with BPD is variable. IOS could have benefits in assessing individual patient response and suitability for bronchodilator therapy. More work, however, is required to establish multi-ethnic reference ranges and standardise commercially available devices prior to its routine incorporation into clinical practice.
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