Spirometry quality in preschool children

Abstract

Carrying out quality spirometric maneuvers in preschool children in both the diagnosis and follow-up of respiratory diseases continues to be very scarce. This is due to several reasons, including a lack of consensus on quality criteria and the acceptability of the test. The purpose of this study is therefore to obtain reference norms from a population of healthy preschool children from the Autonomous Community of Navarre (Spain). A total of 114 healthy preschool children aged between 3 and 7 years of age, without prior experience in carrying out lung function tests, were included. A total of 76 were able to realize at least two acceptable spirometric maneuvers, and 60 of them maneuvers that were acceptable and reproducible, according to ATS/ERS criteria. This represents a global success percentage of 59%. The most common failing was premature and brusque termination of the spirometric maneuver, followed by an inadequate peak in breathing. Over half of the preschool children were able to realize quality spirometric maneuvers. Our data make it possible to recommend the proposed quality criteria as being suitable for routine use, and to encourage the use of spirometry in regular clinical practice within the setting of specialized care.