Comparison of Forced Oscillation Technique and Spirometry in Paediatric Asthma

The Global Initiative For Asthma- guidelines emphasise the use of spirometry in diagnosing and monitoring asthma in children from 6 years-of-age onwards [1]. Spirometry requires good co-operation and younger children are sometimes unable to perform repeated forced expiratory blows [2]. Alternative pulmonary function measurements, such as forced oscillations technique (FOT), are increasingly more available for children at preschool age [3]. FOT measures lung function by imposing small soundwaves over tidal breathing through a mouthpiece, where pressure and flow changes in the airways are measured to derive respiratory system properties [4, 5]. The first study on bronchodilator responses by FOT in preschool-aged children was published already two decades ago [6]. Guidelines endorse the use of respiratory oscillometry in diagnosing and following-up asthma in young children [3, 7], and it has shown potential in predicting loss of asthma control in older children and adolescents [8]. However, little is known how FOT indices correlate with flow-volume indices, when this technique is used in adjunct with conventional spirometry. Footnotes This manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in the ERJ Open Research . It is published here in its accepted form prior to copyediting and typesetting by our production team. After these production processes are complete and the authors have approved the resulting proofs, the article will move to the latest issue of the ERJOR online. Please open or download the PDF to view this article. Conflict of interest: Dr. Lauhkonen has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Kaltsakas has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Sivagnanasithiyar has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Iles has nothing to disclose.