title: Interrupter technique for evaluation of exercise-induced bronchospasm in children.
abstract: The free running test is a useful method for evaluation of exercise-induced bronchospasm in children. In young children this test simulates real-life circumstances and can be done more easily than histamine or methacholine challenges. The interrupter technique is a noninvasive method for measuring airflow resistance during tidal breathing. This approach requires minimal cooperation, and is therefore promising for use in young children. Fifty children aged 5-15 years with asthma symptoms were tested by exercise challenge consisting of free outdoor running for 8 min at 85% of maximal predicted heart rate for age. Pulmonary function was measured by using the interrupter technique (IR), with a Wright's peak flow meter (WPEF), and by flow-volume spirometry (FVS). The measurements were done before and 10 min after exercise. In addition, WPEF was measured at 5, 15, and 20 min after exercise. A fall of 15% or more in WPEF associated with wheezing or cough symptoms was considered a positive test. The exercise challenge was positive in 16 (32%) of the 50 children. Measurements at 10 min by WPEF identified 9 positive cases. At the same time point the IR identified 10 positive cases; a rise in resistance of 15% or more was considered positive, giving it 80% sensitivity and 93% specificity. The repeatability coefficient (CoR) for the interrupter technique was 0.06 kPa x L(-1) x s (13%) before and 0.07 kPa x L(-1) x s (14%) after exercise. The IR provides a useful alternative for estimation of airway obstruction in children following exercise challenge. The results were comparable with the current reference methods of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak flow measurements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kannisto
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vanninen
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Remes
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Korppi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software