Pediatr Res. 2016 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print]
Grønbæk J, Hallas HW, Arianto L, Pedersen K, Thomsen A, Chawes BL, Bisgaard H
BACKGROUND
Multiple breath washout (MBW) is an informative but time-consuming test. This study evaluates the uncertainty of a time-saving predictor algorithm in adolescents.
METHODS
Adolescents were recruited from the Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC2000) birth cohort. MBW trials were performed at 13 y of age with Innocor model Inn00400 using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as tracer gas. Measurements were analyzed using a mixed model focusing on two prediction points doubling (t5%) and quadrupling (t10%) the standard end point (t2.5%).
RESULTS
One hundred and seventy-two MBW trials conducted in 78 adolescents with and without asthma from COPSAC2000 were included. At t10%, the washout time (WoT) was reduced by 41%, and an uncertainty of 0.159 lung clearance index (LCI) units was introduced (±2 SD), ±1.27). At t5%, the WoT was reduced by 25%, with an uncertainty of 0.083 LCI units (±0.558). The optimal prediction point, which led to most saved time and least uncertainty was t5%.
CONCLUSION
The predictor algorithm is capable of shortening the MBW test time but introduces an increasing uncertainty with earlier prediction points. This first-of-a-kind prediction algorithm holds promise in shortening the MBW test in children but should be used with caution in subjects with normal LCI values.Pediatric Research (2016); doi:10.1038/pr.2016.57.
PMID: 27002983
