No abstract

Utility of FEV 0.5 versus FEV 1 in interpreting spirometry in preschool children with asthma Background: FEV 1 is not easily obtained in preschool children. Objective: To evaluate the utility of FEV 0,5 vs FEV 1 in the spirometry of asthmatic preschool children. Material and Methods: spirometry was performed to 39 asthmatic children and 77 controls. Each child performed maneuvers during 15 minutes without nose clip and if required a computer-animation program was used. An acceptable curve was defined as a register with evident peak expiratory flow (PEF) without sudden cessation of air flow at more than 20% of the previously measured PEF. Results: 94% and 90% of healthy and asthmatics performed at least two acceptable curves. Median age in healthy children was 4.7 years-old (2.5 to 5.9) and 3.8 years-old (2.3 to 5.2) in asthmatics. FEV 1 was obtained in 51.3% of controls and in 43% of asthmatics. In contrast FEV0.5 was obtained in all the children. A significant bronchodilator response was observed in FEV 0.5 in 49% of asthmatics. Conclusions: FEV 0.5 was more useful than FEV 1 in interpreting spirometry in 3 to 5 years old children with asthma.