title: Reference value of impulse oscillometry in taiwanese preschool children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Impulse oscillometry is a potential technique for assessing the respiratory mechanism-which includes airway resistance and reactance during tidal breathing-in minimally cooperative young children. The reference values available in Asian preschool children are limited, especially in children of Chinese ethnicity. This study aimed to develop reference equations for lung function measurements using impulse oscillometry in Taiwanese children for future clinical application and research exploitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Impulse oscillometry was performed in 150 healthy Taiwanese children (aged 2-6 years) to measure airway resistance and reactance at various frequencies. We used regression analysis to generate predictive equations separately by age, body height, body weight, and gender. The stepwise regression model revealed that body height was the most significant determinant of airway resistance and reactance in preschool young children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With the growth in height, a decrease in airway resistance and a paradoxical increase in reactance occurred at different frequencies. The regression curve of resistance at 5 Hz was comparable to previous reference values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provided reference values for several variables of the impulse oscillometry measurements in healthy Taiwanese children aged 2-6 years. With these reference data, clinical application of impulse oscillometry would be expedient in diagnosing respiratory diseases in preschool children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shen-Hao
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Tsung-Chieh
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.affiliation: Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Sui-Ling
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.affiliation: Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ming-Han
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.affiliation: Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Men-Chin
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Hua
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Kuo-Wei
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Electronic address: hjlong0182@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Jing-Long
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000403:Airway Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D044466:Asian People; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009991:Oscillometry; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012737:Sex Factors; D013624:Taiwan
keywords: Taiwanese; impulse oscillometry; preschool children; reference value