A new non-invasive method of infant spirometry demonstrates a level of repeatability that is comparable to traditional methods.
OBJECTIVE
The FloRight system provides novel non-invasive infant spirometry based on electromagnetic inductance plethysmography. We investigated the consistency of repeated measurements carried out in a Norwegian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) using the system and how well these were tolerated.


METHODS
Tidal flow-volume loops were obtained from 10 preterm infants at discharge, 10 stable growing preterm infants weighing about 1500 g and 10 term-born infants. A nurse experienced with the system measured all patients before and after meals, and these measurements were repeated by nurses new to the system.


RESULTS
The measurements were well tolerated by the infants. The repeatability for the two parameters 'tidal volume' (Vt) and 'time to peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory time' (Tptef/Te) were relatively poor, similar to previous methods. However, the repeatability was good for the new 'flow-volume gravity mid-point' (FVg) parameter. Repeatability was better for term than preterm infants, when measurements were obtained by the experienced nurse and for measurements carried out before meals.


CONCLUSIONS
The FloRight system proved feasible in a NICU setting. The repeatability of the lung function measurements was similar to those reported for traditional infant spirometry. The nurse's experience and the relationship to meals appeared to be important.
Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.|Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Mariann H L
MH
Bentsen
Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.|Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Øystein A
ØA
Haaland
Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Lise B
LB
Lønning
Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Hrefna K
HK
Gudmundsdottir
Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.|Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Trond
T
Markestad
Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.|Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Thomas
T
Halvorsen
D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods*
Infant; Plethysmography; Premature; Respiratory function tests; Spirometry