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Bronchodilator reversibility in children with cystic fibrosis: prevalence and associated factors
Astrid Harvey1, Nicole Beydon2, Guillaume Thouvenin1
1Sorbonne Université, Inserm U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Trousseau, Service de Pneumologie Pédiatrique, GRC SoLID, 26 Avenue du Dr Netter, Paris 75012, France.
Insights
Approximately one-third of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit significant bronchodilator reversibility (BDR), often detected via respiratory resistance measurements. Comprehensive PFTs are key for guiding CF treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Cystic Fibrosis Research
Background:
- Respiratory disease significantly impacts cystic fibrosis (CF) prognosis.
- Bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) prevalence and determinants in pediatric CF patients are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of significant BDR in children with CF (CwCF).
- To identify clinical and microbiological factors associated with BDR in CwCF.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 48 CwCF under 20 years old, including 164 pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
- BDR assessed using spirometry and respiratory resistance (Rint) via interrupter technique.
- Univariate and multivariate logistic regression used to identify BDR predictors.
Main Results:
- Significant BDR (BDR+) found in 33% of CwCF, primarily detected by decreased Rint (87.5%).
- BDR+ independently associated with obstructive ventilatory defect and number of PFTs performed.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization linked to BDR+ in univariate but not multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Significant BDR occurs in about one-third of CwCF, with respiratory resistance being a key detection method.
- Emphasizes comprehensive respiratory monitoring, including resistance, for individualized CF care.
- Supports functionally guided use of inhaled therapies in pediatric CF patients.
Background:
In cystic fibrosis (CF), respiratory disease is the main determinant of prognosis. However, the prevalence and determinants of bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) in pediatric patients remain poorly characterized.
Objective:
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of significant BDR and to identify associated clinical and microbiological factors in children with CF (CwCF).
Methods And Settings:
We conducted a retrospective study including CwCF under 20 years of age followed at Armand Trousseau Hospital between April 2018 and July 2024. A total of 48 CwCF and 164 pulmonary function tests (PFTs) including a bronchodilator assessment were analyzed. BDR was assessed using spirometric indexes and respiratory resistance measured by the interrupter technique (Rint). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with BDR.
Results:
Significant BDR (BDR+) was observed in 16 CwCF (33% [95% CI: 20-48]) at least once during follow-up, mainly detected through a significant decrease in Rint (n = 14, 87.5%), and less frequently through spirometric criteria (increase in forced expiratory volumes, n = 6, 37.5%). In multivariate analysis, BDR+ remained independently associated with the presence of an obstructive ventilatory defect (p = 0.007) and with the total number of PFTs performed (p = 0.035). Chronic colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with BDR+ in univariate analysis (p = 0.006) but not after adjustment (p = 0.30). No significant association was found with sex, clinical asthma, or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Conclusion:
Significant bronchodilator reversibility was present in approximately one-third of CwCF, predominantly detected using respiratory resistance measurements. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive functional respiratory follow-up in CwCF, including resistance measurements, and support a more individualized and functionally guided use of inhaled therapies.
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