The sensitivity and specificity of the forced oscillation technique in the diagnosis of bronchoconstriction in children

Abstract

Objective

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a useful diagnostic respiratory system for children. However, the final value of the FOT in the diagnosis of bronchoconstriction is still open. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the FOT vs. body plethysmography tests in the measure of bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.

Materials and methods

A total of 102 children aged 2 to 6 years diagnosed with early-onset asthma and 52 healthy controls were included in this prospective, randomized study. All asthmatic patients and healthy controls underwent a basic FOT as one measurement, according to the recommendation of the Resmon Pro FOT. Then, the reversibility test was performed 20 min after the administration of 200 mg salbutamol using the FOT and body plethysmography in all patients.

Results

The mean basic Rrs, Xrs and sRaw in asthmatic patients were, respectively, 11.13 ± 1.28 kPa sL⁻¹, −4.6 ± 1.18 kPa sL⁻1 and 1.72 ± 0.58 kPa s. Similar parameters were significantly better in the control group (p < 0.05). A total of 73 (71.6%) asthmatic patients had a positive test using the FOT according to Calogero. In 4 (7.7%) patients in the control group, a positive test was obtained. In body plethysmography, similar results were reached, with a positive test in 76 (74.5%) study patients and 5 (9.6%) control patients.

Conclusions

A bronchial reversibility test with the use of the FOT is useful for the diagnosis of bronchial asthma, especially with the use of an Rrs parameter, such as the body plethysmography test.

Keywords:

• Diagnostics
• pediatrics

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest