Frequência de sucesso da espirometria em crianças pré-escolares

Introduction: Lung function tests are important for diagnosis and clinical management of respiratory diseases. Spirometry is the key test to assess lung function in adults and older children due to its low cost and simplicity. However, its use in preschoolers is limited by low cooperation, motor incoordination and reduced attention span. Recently, several publications have demonstrated that most pre-school children are able to produce acceptable and reproducible flow volume curves. Objectives: To assess the success rate of spirometry in 3 to 6 years old children without previous training. Methods: Analysis of 440 spirometry tests (327 retrospective and 113 prospective) in children 3 to 6 years old. ATS/ERS criteria for acceptability and reproducibility were used. Success was defined as when the child produced at least 2 acceptable and reproducible curves with duration of expiratory time greater than 1s. Results: 270 children (61%) generated acceptable and reproducible flowvolume curves. The success rate was 30% among children aged 3 years, 52% for 4 years, 70% between 5 and 77% for 6 years. No difference was observed between gender and respiratory status in regard to success in performing spirometry. Girls had higher VRE/FVC when compared to boys. The mean forced expiratory time was 2.22s. Conclusion: Most preschool children can successfully perform spirometry. The information obtained in this age group is reliable and can be used to describe lung development and to make clinical decisions. The assessment of lung function by spirometry should be encouraged in all children above 3 years of age.