Table 3

Comparison of lung function in 71 infants with cystic fibrosis and 54 healthy controls

Variables according to test ordernInfants with CFnHealthy controlsΔ (95% CI) CF – controlsp Values
Multiple breath washout
 LCI, z-score* 700.90 (1.38)510.39 (0.88)0.51 (0.10 to 0.91)0.016
 FRCMBW, z-score* 700.15 (0.95)51−0.23 (0.86)0.38 (0.05 to 0.71)0.023
Tidal breathing
 Respiratory rate, z-score 71−0.01 (1.43)540.02 (1.21)−0.03 (−0.50 to 0.44)0.897
 Tidal volume, z-score 710.20 (1.19)54−0.22 (1.09)0.42 (0.01 to 0.82)0.044
 tPTEF/tE, z-score 710.22 (1.05)540.41 (1.0)−0.19 (−0.56 to 0.18)0.312
Passive mechanics
 Crs, z-score 470.22 (1.48)410.14 (0.96)0.08 (−0.44 to 0.60)0.763
 Rrs, z-score 470.52 (0.94)410.28 (1.04)0.24 (−0.18 to 0.66)0.237
Plethysmography
 FRCpleth, z-score 560.77 (1.15)47−0.08 (1.03)0.85 (0.43 to 1.28)<0.001
 ΔFRC z-scores (pleth − MBW)550.68 (1.10)450.19 (0.92)0.48 (0.08 to 0.88)0.018
Raised volume technique
 FEV0.5, z-score 68−1.17 (1.20)52−0.25 (0.80)−0.92 (−1.29 to −0.56)<0.001
 FVC, z-score 68−0.45 (1.07)520.15 (0.71)−0.60 (−0.92 to −0.28)<0.001
 FEF25–75, z-score 68−1.11 (1.38)52−0.46 (1.08)−0.66 (−1.10 to −0.21)0.004
 FEF75, z-score 68−0.74 (1.19)52−0.22 (1.11)−0.53 (−0.95 to −0.11)0.015
  • For comparison with previous publications, results expressed as absolute values, or in relation to body weight, are presented in table E2, online supplement.

  • Data shown as mean (SD).

  • * According to Lum et al. 31

  • According to Nguyen et al. 32

  • According to Lum et al. 34

  • CF, cystic fibrosis; CI, confidence interval of the difference; Δ, mean difference between groups.

  • CF, cystic fibrosis; Crs, total respiratory compliance; FEF75, forced expiratory flow at 75% of vital capacity; FEF25-75, forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity; FEV0.5, forced expiratory volume in 0.5 s; FRC, functional residual capacity; FVC, forced vital capacity; LCI, lung clearance index; MBW, multiple breath washout; pleth, plethysmographic; Rrs, total respiratory resistance; tPTEF/tE, ratio of the time to reach peak tidal expiratory flow in relation to expiratory time.