title: [Routine laboratory tests unnecessary for children referred for recurrent wheezing and/or asthma].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the usefulness of laboratory testing and thorax radiography in children, referred to the paediatrician for evaluation of recurrent wheezing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 158 children referred for recurrent wheezing to a specialized child outpatient clinic of the Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, in the period 1 January 1994-31 December 1996, were evaluated according to a routine protocol including haemoglobin, ESR, leucocytes, immunoglobulins, sweat chloride levels and allergy testing and chest roentgenograms. It was determined whether these investigations had yielded abnormal results and whether these test results aided in confirming/rejecting the diagnosis of asthma or were helpful in clinical management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 144 of the 158 (91%) children the diagnosis 'asthma' or 'recurrent wheezing' was made. Although numerous test results were abnormal they were not helpful in establishing the diagnosis. In only one child an abnormal chest radiograph was helpful (the radiograph showed infiltrative abnormalities). Tests for aero-allergy were rarely positive in children younger than 2 years; in children older than 6 years aero-allergy was found frequently, notably to dust mite (41/144).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that--except for allergy testing--routine laboratory testing and chest roentgenograms are not indicated in children referred for evaluation of wheezing disorders. Aero-allergy testing may help to decide on preventive measures.
authors: Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden, locatie Noord. famtt.devries@worldonline.nl
authors: T W
authors: TW
authors: de Vries
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Wormmeester
authors: E
authors: E
authors: van Pinxteren-Nagler
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: Bakker
authors: P L
authors: PL
authors: Brand
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies