Pulmonary Function Testing in Healthy Infants in Rural Bangladesh: Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Global Health
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT) is crucial for diagnosing respiratory conditions in children.
• Access to iPFT is limited in low- and middle-income countries, hindering early diagnosis and management.
• This study addresses the feasibility of establishing iPFT services in rural Bangladesh.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the early feasibility of implementing infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT) in a rural Bangladeshi setting.
• To assess the quality of iPFT measurements obtained by local staff compared to expert interpretations.
• To determine the success rates of key iPFT techniques in a resource-limited environment.

Main Methods:

• An iPFT laboratory was established and staff trained at a rural health complex in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
• Infants aged ≤6 months underwent respiratory oscillometry (Osc), tidal breath flow-volume loops (TBFVL), and sulfur hexafluoride multiple breath washout (MBW) during natural sleep.
• Data from the first 25 infants were analyzed for test success rates, measurement averages, and inter-observer agreement between local staff and experts.

Main Results:

• High success rates were achieved for all tested methods: 88% for Osc, 96% for TBFVL, and 88% for MBW.
• Measurements for infants tested at 2 and 6 months showed consistent results.
• Minimal differences were observed between laboratory staff and expert interpretations, indicating reliable data acquisition.

Conclusions:

• Establishing an iPFT laboratory in rural Bangladesh is feasible.
• Quality iPFT measurements can be performed by trained local staff.
• This initiative holds promise for improving respiratory health assessments in underserved populations.