Abstract
Abstract
Background
Determination of PC20-FEV1during Methacholine bronchial provocation test (MCT) is considered to be impossible in preschool children, as it requires repetitive spirometry sets. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of determining PC20-FEV1in preschool age children and compares the results to the wheeze detection (PCW) method.
Methods
55 preschool children (ages 2.8–6.4 years) with recurrent respiratory symptoms were recruited. Baseline spirometry and MCT were performed according to ATS/ERS guidelines and the following parameters were determined at baseline and after each inhalation: spirometry-indices, lung auscultation at tidal breathing, oxygen saturation, respiratory and heart rate. Comparison between PCW and PC20-FEV1and clinical parameters at these end-points was done by paired Student's t-tests.
Results and discussion
Thirty-six of 55 children (65.4%) successfully performed spirometry-sets up to the point of PCW. PC20-FEV1occurred at a mean concentration of 1.70+/-2.01 while PCW occurred at a mean concentration of 4.37+/-3.40 mg/ml (p 1by 44.7+/-14.5%; PEFR by 40.5+/-14.5 and FEF25–75by 54.7+/-14.4% (P Conclusion
Determination of PC20-FEV1by spirometry is feasible in many preschool children. PC20-FEV1often appears at lower provocation dose than PCW. The lower dose may shorten the test and encourage participation. Significant decrease in spirometry indices at PCW suggests that PC20-FEV1determination may be safer.