Pulmonary Function In Adolescents Research Articles

Association between serum albumin and pulmonary function in adolescents: analyses of NHANES 2007–2012

BackgroundPulmonary function tests (PFTs) are an important tool for assessing pulmonary diseases, although clinicians often find it challenging to accurately evaluate the pulmonary function of children.MethodsWe intend to investigate the association between serum albumin (SA) and lung function among U.S. adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 3,072 adolescents (aged 12 to 19) from 2007 to 2012National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PFTs, including forced vital capacity (FVC)%predicted, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)%predicted, FEV1/FVC%predicted, and maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) % predicted, were utilized to assess the association between serum albumin levels and lung function. To explore the potential associations between SA and pulmonary function, we employed multivariate linear regression, subgroup analysis, smoothing curve fitting and threshold effect.ResultsA positive correlation was observed between serum albumin levels and pulmonary function. In the model with a fully adjusted, each 1 g/dL serum albumin increase in SA corresponded to an increase of 2.69% in FVC%pred, 5.8% in FEV1%pred, 10.99% in FEF25–75%pred and 2.98% in FEV1/FVC%pred. This association between SA and FEV1%pred differed across gender subgroups. A non-linear relationship was observed between SA and FEV1/FVC%pred.ConclusionOur results demonstrated a positive correlation between SA and lung function, suggesting a novel modality for evaluating pulmonary function, specifically in children.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Is There a Difference in Pulmonary Functions and Craniovertebral Angle Among Adolescents Based on Their Smartphone Usage Time? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: People who use smartphones for extended periods run the risk of developing cumulative trauma. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of using smartphones on pulmonary function and craniovertebral angle (CVA) among adolescents and compare addicted and nonaddicted ones. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 71 boys and 57 girls; Participants were categorized into two groups according to their scores on the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) for adolescents. Addicted group (score > 32, n =37 M /27 F) while non-addicted group (score ≤ 32, n = 34 M/30 F). The outcome variables were craniovertebral angle (CVA), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Results: The findings of this study suggest a moderately strong negative relationship between smartphone addiction and CVA, as well as a weak negative association between smartphone addiction and the FEV1/FVC ratio. However, no significant correlations were found between smartphone addiction and FEV1 (r = -0.128, p = 0.149) or FVC (r = -0.019, p = 0.835). Conclusion: using smartphones for a long time had a bad impact on CVA and pulmonary function in adolescents.

Effects of spinal mobilisation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of spinal mobilisation on curvature magnitude, angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and pulmonary function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Conducted as a double-blind randomised controlled trial, the study included 40 patients with AIS (Cobb angles 10°-25°) randomised to experimental (n = 20; female = 12, male = 8; age = 12.9 ± 1.8 mean ± SD) and control (n = 20; female = 13, male = 7; age = 12.85 ± 1.81 mean ± SD) groups. The experimental group received spinal mobilisation for 30 min per session followed by 60 min of core stabilisation exercises (CSE), twice a week for 10 weeks. The control group received CSE only at the same frequency and duration. Evaluation of Cobb angle, ATR and pulmonary function tests (PEF: Peak Expiratory Flow, FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s, FVC: Forced Vital Capacity, and FEV1/FVC: Tiffeneau index) were performed at baseline and after the intervention. Both groups showed significant improvements in Cobb angle, ATR, PEF and FVC, with the experimental group showing significantly greater improvements in Cobb angle (-7.65 ± 3.17) and ATR (-2.5 ± 1.43) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, while the control group showed no change in FEV1, the experimental group showed improvement. There was no change in FEV1/FVC ratio in either group. These results indicate that adding spinal mobilisation to treatment sessions can effectively reduce the magnitude of curvature and improve scoliosis-related problems in the short term.

Association of perfluoroalkyl substances with pulmonary function in adolescents (NHANES 2007-2012).

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) constitute an environmentally persistent and widespread class of anthropogenic chemicals that have been used in industrial and commercial applications in the USA and around the world. Animal studies suggested its toxic impact on lung development, but the adverse effect of PFAS exposure on childhood pulmonary function has not been clearly determined. We investigated the potential cross-sectional association of environmental PFAS exposures with pulmonary function in 765 adolescents aged 12-19years from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2012. Exposure to PFASs was estimated by measuring serum concentrations, and pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. Linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were performed to estimate the associations of individual chemicals and chemical mixtures with pulmonary function. Median concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS (detection frequencies > 90%) were 2.70, 6.40, 0.98, and 1.51ng/mL, respectively. No associations were found between the four individual congeners and Σ4PFASs and the pulmonary function measures in total adolescents. Sensitive analyses were further conducted stratified by age (12-15 and 16-19years) and sex (boys and girls). In adolescents aged 12-15years, PFNA was negatively associated with FEV1:FVC (p-trend = 0.007) and FEF25-75% (p-trend = 0.03) among girls, while PFNA was positively associated with FEV1: FVC (p-trend = 0.018) among boys. No associations were found among adolescents aged 16-19years, either boys or girls. The aforementioned associations were confirmed when further applying WQS models, and PFNA was identified to be the most heavily weighing chemical. Our results suggested that environmental exposure to PFNA may affect pulmonary function among adolescents aged 12-15years. Given the cross-sectional analysis and less consistent results, further replications of the association in large prospectivecohort studies are warranted.

Inflammatory markers and pulmonary function in adolescents and young adults 6 months after mild COVID-19.

Both public and scientific attention have shifted from the acute COVID-19 illness to the chronic disability experienced by a proportion of COVID-19 convalescents. Post COVID-19 condition, a term used for long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19, can affect individuals across all disease severity and age groups. Data on post-COVID-19 symptomatology, epidemiology and pathophysiology in adolescents and young adults are scarce. To date, little is known on the immunological and pulmonary trends in these patients after COVID-19. This study investigated immunological markers and pulmonary function in non-hospitalized patients in this group at 6 months after initial mild COVID-19 infection. Non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 positive (n = 405) and SARS-CoV-2 negative (n = 111) adolescents and young adults (aged 12-25 years) were followed prospectively for six months after SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. At baseline and at six months follow-up, all participants underwent an assessment including clinical examination, questionnaires, spirometry, and blood sampling. Cross-sectional comparisons of blood biomarkers; including white blood cell counts, CRP, GDF-15, a 27-multiplex cytokine assay, complement activation products and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; and spirometry measures were performed after classification of all participants according to their COVID-19 status and adherence to post-COVID-19 case criteria. Associations between biomarkers and COVID-19 symptoms were explored. No difference in pulmonary function was detected between the groups. COVID-19 convalescents had higher levels of chemokines eotaxin, MCP-1 and IP-10 than non-infected controls. The increase was modest and not associated with long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms. Elevated inflammatory mediators were found in adolescents and young adults six months after mild COVID-19, but there was no association with post-COVID-19 condition.

273 Exercise, quality of life, and pulmonary function in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis after monitored activity

273 Exercise, quality of life, and pulmonary function in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis after monitored activity

Urinary levels of Phthalate metabolite mixtures and pulmonary function in adolescents

Although an association between urinary phthalate (PAE) metabolites and respiratory symptoms and diseases has been reported, knowledge regarding its effect on pulmonary function is limited, especially in adolescents. Using cross-sectional data from 1389 adolescents (aged 10–19 years) in the 2007–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the association of mixed urinary PAE metabolites with pulmonary function was evaluated using the weighted quantile sum. Moreover, multivariate linear regression was performed to investigate associations between each urinary PAE metabolite and pulmonary function indicators and to estimate the interaction effects between urinary PAE metabolites and demographic characteristics. We found that mixed urinary PAE metabolites were negatively associated with forced expiratory volume at the 1 s (FEV1, p < 0.001) and forced vital capacity (FVC, p = 0.008) levels. In individual PAE metabolite analyses, mono (carboxynonyl) pthalate (MCNP), mono-n-butyl pthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl pthalate (MiBP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) correlated negatively with both FVC and FEV1 values (Holm-Bonferroni corrected p < 0.05). Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) was negatively associated with the FVC value. Significant interactions between sex and urinary MnBP or MBzP levels for the risk of FEV1 decrease in girls were found (p = 0.005), as was a significant interaction between sex and urinary MBzP level for the risk of FVC decline. Our findings suggest that higher PAE exposure is associated with respiratory dysfunction; the association is more pronounced among girls.

Lung Function in Adolescents Exposed to Environmental Contamination and Brickworks in Guadalajara, Mexico

To compare the pulmonary function in adolescents exposed to different concentrations of air pollutants in two different zones. Two zones based on monitoring of environmental pollutant concentration as high (zone 1) and low (zone 2) were chosen. The lung functions of apparently healthy adolescents (12-15 years) residing in two zones were measured for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow (FEF)25-75. A total of 302 adolescents (142, zone 1 and 160, zone 2) resided in the study area, with higher than permissible concentrations of PM10 and ozone at both places. Abnormal lung functions were seen in a higher proportion of adolescents in zone 1 than zone 2 (23% and 14%; P=0.04). A significantly lower mean (SD) FEV1 was seen in adolescents in zone 1 than zone 2 [2.9 (0.5) vs. 3.2 (0.4) L, P = 0.04]. A higher proportion of abnormal FEV1/FVC ratio% was seen in zone 1 than 2 (12% vs. 6%, P=0.04), suggestive of an obstructive pattern on spirometry. Higher risk (b 95% CI) for abnormal lung functions was seen with the zone [2.2 (1.1-4.2)], diagnosis of asthma [5.74 (2.4-13.2)], and living within 500 meters from a brickwork [1.8 (1.0-2.5)]. High exposure to PM10, ozone and living near brickwork were associated with reduced lung function in adolescents.

Hormonal Contraception Effects on Pulmonary Function in Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis.

Estrogens are suspected to have a negative effect on pulmonary function in women with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of our study was to investigate, in a CF adolescent population, the effect of hormonal contraception (HC) on lung function by assessing the forced expiratory volume in 1second (FEV1), the number of exacerbations of pulmonary condition, and antibiotic use. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We conducted a cohort retrospective chart review of girls from age 13 to 18years old who were followed in the CF clinic of a university hospital center. Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction, 2-sample t test, conditional test of Poisson rates, and χ2 test were conducted to identify differences in results between adolescents with or without use of HC for the following outcomes: FEV1, use of antibiotics by nebulizer, and hospital admission for exacerbations of pulmonary condition. Among 127 adolescents, 64/127 (50.4%)took HC; 12/127 (9%) continuously had been taking HC over 3years. For girls taking HC for more than 3years, FEV1 at 18years old was significantly higher than for girls who had never taken HC (85.17% vs 71.05%; P=.043). However, there was no difference in the number of hospital admissions for exacerbation of pulmonary condition between these 2 groups (P=.057). There was no difference between HC vs non-HC users in the percent of patients taking antibiotics by nebulizer over the 6years of follow-up. Our study suggests that in adolescents with CF, HC has no deleterious effects on the FEV1. Further prospective studies could be done to confirm these results.

Response to letter to editor regarding 'In-brace alteration of pulmonary functions in adolescents wearing a brace for idiopathic scoliosis' by Yagci et al. (2019).

Response to letter to editor regarding 'In-brace alteration of pulmonary functions in adolescents wearing a brace for idiopathic scoliosis' by Yagci et al. (2019).

Relationship between radiological parameters and preoperative pulmonary function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis-preliminary study

Relationship between radiological parameters and preoperative pulmonary function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis-preliminary study

In-brace alterations of pulmonary functions in adolescents wearing a brace for idiopathic scoliosis.

Despite the common use of braces to prevent curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis, their functional effects on respiratory mechanics have not been widely studied. The objective was to determine the effects of bracing on pulmonary function in idiopathic scoliosis. A total of 27 adolescents with a mean age of 14.5 ± 1.5 years and idiopathic scoliosis were included in the study. Pulmonary function evaluation included vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity, maximum ventilator volume, peak expiratory flow, and respiratory muscle strengths, measured with a spirometer, and patient-reported degree of dyspnea. The tests were performed once prior to bracing and at 1 month after bracing (while the patients wore the brace). Compared with the unbraced condition, vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity, maximum ventilator volume, and peak expiratory flow values decreased and dyspnea increased in the braced condition. Respiratory muscle strength was under the norm in both unbraced and braced conditions, while no significant difference was found for these parameters between the two conditions. The spinal brace for idiopathic scoliosis tended to reduce pulmonary functions and increase dyspnea symptoms (when wearing a brace) in this study. Special attention should be paid in-brace effects on pulmonary functions in idiopathic scoliosis. Bracing seems to mimic restrictive pulmonary disease, although there is no actual disease when the brace is removed. This study suggests that bracing may result in a deterioration of pulmonary function when adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis are wearing a brace.

Short-term effects of particle size fractions on lung function of late adolescents.

Although ambient air pollution has been linked to reduced lung function in healthy students, longitudinal studies that compare the response of asthmatic and healthy adolescents are lacking. To evaluate lung function responses to short-term ambient air particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) levels, we conducted a study on high school students aged 15-18years. The aim of this study was to assess effects of acute exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM) on lung function in healthy and asthmatic late adolescents. We examined associations of lung function indices and ambient PM levels in 23 asthmatic and 23 healthy students. Paired-samples T test was used to evaluate the association of exposure to airborne PM concentrations with lung function test results (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75). We observed negative impact of exposure to an increased concentration of ambient air PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 on lung function parameters of asthmatic and healthy late adolescents. These findings are consistent with other similar short-term studies which have confirmed the adverse effect of PM air pollution. These associations were stronger in asthmatic subjects compared with those in healthy ones. There are significant adverse effects of ambient air PM on pulmonary function of adolescents, especially asthmatics.

Adipokines, asymmetrical dimethylarginine, and pulmonary function in adolescents with asthma and obesity

Objective: This study was to investigate whether the metabolic abnormalities of adipokines and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) associate with pulmonary function deficits in adolescents with obesity and asthma. Methods: This study enrolled 28 obese adolescents with asthma, 46 obese adolescents without asthma, 58 normal-weight adolescents with asthma, and 63 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of leptin, high-molecule-weight (HMW) adiponectin, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), and pulmonary function were qualified. Results: The obese subjects had higher levels of leptin and ADMA but lower levels of HMW adiponectin than the normal-weight subjects with or without asthma. The subjects with asthma had higher levels of RBP4 than those without asthma. The obese adolescents with asthma had lowest forced expiratory lung volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio among the four study groups. In all the study subjects and in the subjects with asthma alone, the FEV1/FVC ratio associated negatively with leptin, however, such association was rendered non-significant when adjusted for BMI. The pulmonary function deficits associated inversely with BMI percentile in the subjects with asthma. However, the decreased FEV1/FVC ratio was not correlated with HMW adiponectin, RBP4 or ADMA. Conclusions: Our present study confirmed obstructive pattern of pulmonary function characterized by the reduced FEV1/FVC ratio in the obese adolescents with asthma. These pulmonary deficits were associated inversely with the increased BMI percentile.

Intraoperative pulmonary function dynamics in adolescents undergoing reduction mammoplasty: A prospective case series

Background Improvement of lung function following reduction mammoplasty has been previously reported among adult populations in the medical literature. Objectives To evaluate the intraoperative dynamics of pulmonary function in adolescents undergoing reduction mammoplasty. Methods The present study is a prospective case series of female patients 13 to 18 years of age who underwent inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty between November 20, 2006 and April 4, 2011. Documented variables included patient baseline characteristics, operation duration, muscle relaxant use and total breast tissue removed. Intraoperative pulmonary function data documented included: tidal volume, respiratory rate, peak inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, oxygen saturation percentage and pulmonary compliance. Differences in pulmonary function data were calculated as ratio between final and initial intraoperative values. Results Twenty-six patients were included in the analysis. Mean (± SD) age was 16.9±1.1 years and mean body mass index was 28.9±6.1 kg/m2. Mean operation time was 218±52 min, with average total bilateral breast tissue removal of 1810±1065 g. Improvement in lung compliance was observed in 24 patients (92.3%; P&lt;0.0001). Mean intraoperative lung compliance improvement was 23.92% (95% CI 8.3% to 37%; P=0.001). Conclusion Intraoperative improvement in lung compliance was observed in adolescent patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty.

Pulmonary function tests in type 1 diabetes adolescents with diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy

Chronic diabetic complications may afflict all organ tissues including cardiovascular and respiratory system. The aim of the study was to establish if the presence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was associated with impaired pulmonary function tests in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).46 adolescents with T1D and 25 healthy subjects at the age 15–19years were enrolled to the study. Basic anthropometric data, diabetes onset and duration, plasma glucose and A1c were established. Pulmonary function tests were measured by spirometry and the presence of CAN was examined by heart rate variability.Adolescents with T1D had significantly lower pulmonary function test parameters — FVC (p<0.01), FEV1 (p<0.01), MMEF (p<0.05) and PEFR (p<0.05) compared to the control subjects. In diabetic group, patients with CAN (CAN+, n=19) had significantly lower FVC (p<0.05), FEV1 (p<0.05) and PEFR (p<0.05) compared to patients without CAN (CAN−, n=27). All spirometric parameters were significantly lower in CAN+ subjects compared to healthy controls; however, no significant difference was found in these parameters between CAN− subjects and healthy controls. Spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1) significantly positively correlated with diabetes onset and body mass index; and negatively correlated with diabetes duration and resting heart rate.Our results indicate that CAN may be associated with reduced pulmonary functions in adolescents with T1D.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an extrafine fixed pMDI combination of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate in adolescent asthma.

The aim was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an extrafine pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) fixed combination of beclometasone dipropionate (BDP)/formoterol fumarate (FF) in adolescent and adult asthma. This was a three-way crossover study, on 30 asthmatic adolescents receiving BDP/FF pMDI with or without a valved holding chamber (VHC) or a free licenced combination of BDP pMDI and FF pMDI plus a parallel arm of 30 asthmatic adults receiving BDP/FF pMDI. All patients received a single dose of BDP and FF of 400 µg and 24 µg, for each treatment, respectively. Assessments were performed over 8 hours. In adolescents, the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the systemic exposure (AUC(0,t)) geometric mean ratio of the fixed combination with or without VHC vs. the free combination were within the bioequivalence range 0.80-1.25, both for beclometasone-17-monopropionate (B17MP, the active metabolite of BDP) and formoterol. Pharmacodynamic variables for plasma potassium and glucose, pulse rate and pulmonary function in adolescents were equivalent between treatments, 95% CI within 0.9, 1.09. The upper level of 90% CIs for AUC(0,t) geometric mean ratio adolescents : adults of B17MP and formoterol after treatment with BDP/FF pMDI was lower than 1.25, 90% CI 0.78, 1.04 and 0.86, 1.17, respectively. In adolescents the pharmacodynamics and the overall systemic exposure to the active ingredients of an extrafine fixed combination of BDP/FF pMDI with or without a VHC was equivalent to that of a free licenced combination of pMDIs of established safety and efficacy profiles. The systemic exposure in adolescents was not higher than in adults. These results support the indication for use of inhaled corticosteroid/long acting β2 -adrenoceptor agonist pMDIs in adolescents at the same dosage as in adults.

Intraoperative pulmonary function dynamics in adolescents undergoing reduction mammoplasty: A prospective case series.

Improvement of lung function following reduction mammoplasty has been previously reported among adult populations in the medical literature. To evaluate the intraoperative dynamics of pulmonary function in adolescents undergoing reduction mammoplasty. The present study is a prospective case series of female patients 13 to 18 years of age who underwent inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty between November 20, 2006 and April 4, 2011. Documented variables included patient baseline characteristics, operation duration, muscle relaxant use and total breast tissue removed. Intraoperative pulmonary function data documented included: tidal volume, respiratory rate, peak inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, oxygen saturation percentage and pulmonary compliance. Differences in pulmonary function data were calculated as ratio between final and initial intraoperative values. Twenty-six patients were included in the analysis. Mean (± SD) age was 16.9±1.1 years and mean body mass index was 28.9±6.1 kg/m(2). Mean operation time was 218±52 min, with average total bilateral breast tissue removal of 1810±1065 g. Improvement in lung compliance was observed in 24 patients (92.3%; P<0.0001). Mean intraoperative lung compliance improvement was 23.92% (95% CI 8.3% to 37%; P=0.001). Intraoperative improvement in lung compliance was observed in adolescent patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty.

The effect of omeprazole on asthmatic adolescents with gastroesophageal reflux disease

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in patients with asthma and the effect of proton pump inhibitor therapy on asthma outcome has shown variable results. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of omeprazole in the treatment of asthma and improvement of pulmonary function in adolescents with GERD. Thirty-six consecutive patients (range, 13-20 years old) with moderate persistent asthma and GERD were recruited on regular follow-up in Mashhad City. The case group included 18 patients who received oral omeprazole (20 mg twice a day for 6 weeks) and the control group included 18 patients who received placebo. A pulmonary function test was examined in two groups immediately before and 6 weeks after medication. The symptoms of GERD were significantly improved with omeprazole in the case group. After 6 weeks of study, the mean values of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak expiratory flow rate were higher in patients treated with omeprazole (p<0.0001). Treatment by omeprazole is effective for treatment of asthmatic patients with GERD.

Longitudinal Follow-up of Bronchial Inflammation, Respiratory Symptoms, and Pulmonary Function in Adolescents after Repair of Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula

To characterize symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and bronchial responsiveness (BR) in adolescents after repaired esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula and correlate these with endobronchial biopsy findings. After a primary operation, 31 patients underwent endoscopies and bronchoscopies at the age of <3, 3 to 7, and >7 years. A questionnaire on respiratory and esophageal symptoms was sent to patients at a mean age of 13.7 years (range, 9.7-19.4). The questionnaire was completed by 27 of 31 patients (87%), and 25 of the 31 patients (81%) underwent clinical examination and pulmonary functioning tests. Endobronchial biopsies were analyzed for reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness and inflammatory cells. The prevalence of current respiratory and esophageal symptoms was 41% and 44%, respectively. "Doctor-diagnosed asthma" was present in 22% of patients. A restrictive and obstructive spirometric defect was observed in 32% and 30% of patients, respectively. Increased bronchial responsiveness, detected in 24% of patients, was weakly associated with current respiratory symptoms and low forced vital capacity. Mean exhaled nitric oxide was within predicted range. RBM thickness increased slightly with age, whereas inflammatory cell counts varied from normal to moderate, with intraindividual variation. Inflammation of the airways in adolescents with a history of tracheoesophageal fistula, even in the presence of atopy, does not lead, in most cases, to the type of chronic inflammation and RBM changes seen in asthma.