ABSTRACT 410

Abstract

Background and aims: M-mode sonography is a non-invasive method for detection of diaphragmatic movements. Few studies assessed diaphragmatic kinetics in children with diaphragmatic paralysis but no data about normal values in pediatrics are available. Aims: Determine reference values for diaphragmatic excursion and thickness, evaluated by ultrasonography in healthy infants and children and identify correlation between them and anthropometric measurements, age and sex. Methods: 400 healthy subjects aged between 1 month and 16 years, divided into 4 equal groups. Group 1 (1 month - 2 years), group 2 (2 - 6 years), group 3 (6 - 12 years) and group 4 (12 - 16 years) were studied. M-mode sonography was used to measure the excursion and thickness of right and left hemidiaphragm in supine position during quiet breathing. The study was approved by our institutional IRB. Results: Reference values for diaphragmatic excursion and thickness were determined in different age groups. There were no significant differences with respect to sex. Significant positive correlations were found between excursion of right and left hemidiaphragm in all age groups (r = 0.67; 0.50; 0.61; 0.37) for group 1; 2; 3; 4 respectively. Significant correlations were found between excursion and thickness of both hemidiaphragm and anthropometric measurements and age in group 1 only. Conclusions: This study provided normal reference values for diaphragmatic excursions and thickness in infants and children. Significant correlations were found between excursion and thickness of both hemidiaphragm and anthropometric measurements in infants but not in older children.