Series: Lung function in paediatrics (III)Lung Function Testing in Infants
Section snippets
Tidal breathing
The assessment of tidal breathing is one of the most basic measurements of lung function in this age group.12 Tidal flow-volume loops can be used to demonstrate obstruction both at large and small airway levels.11 Tidal volume is classically measured in this age group using either an air-filled cushioned face mask or one sealed with therapeutic putty attached to a pneumotachograph or ultrasonic flowmeter. Because of the small volumes involved, it is important to take into account the dead space
Plethysmography
Whole body plethysmography was one of the original methods adapted from lung function testing in older children for use in infants. It is particularly useful for the measurement of lung volumes and airway resistance. It has been used for many years in studies of airway growth and development in health and disease during the first year of life. Commercially available equipment is now available but specific issues regarding technical aspects such as the provision of respired gas at body
Raised lung volumes
During infant lung function testing a passive full inspiration to total lung capacity (TLC) can be induced by rapidly applying raised airway pressure through a sealed facemask. Pressures of 30 cm H2O released from a 50 L tank of compressed air fully inflate the lungs and this is then followed by rapid compression of the chest through an externally applied inflatable jacket. This is called the “raised volume rapid thoracic compression (RVRTC) technique”. Some infants further inspire before
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Small for gestational age birth may increase airflow limitation in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
2020, Pediatric PulmonologyMultiple breath washout cannot be used for tidal breath parameter analysis in infants
2016, Pediatric Pulmonology