Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate lung functions using tidal breath analysis (TBA) in high-risk infants with recurrent wheezing.

Methods: Lung functions measured using TBA in infants with physician-diagnosed recurrent wheezing (≥3 episodes) who applied our institution between 2018-2020, were retrospectively analyzed. Infants were assigned to two groups: high-risk infants with recurrent wheezing (n=30) and wheezy infants without high risk of atopy (n=33).

Results: High-risk infants with recurrent wheezing had lower mean values of tPTEF, tPTEF: tE, VPTEF, and VPTEF: VE than that of wheezy infants without high risk of atopy. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of Vt/kg and respiratory rate. ROC curve analysis showed that tPTEF: tE ratio <26.5 demonstrated 63.3% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity for detection of high risk of atopy.

Conclusion: This study showed that high-risk infants with recurrent wheezing have lower lung function than those of wheezy infants without high risk of atopy. TBA might be useful method to evaluate lung function in wheezy infants.

Keywords: wheezing, infant, tidal breath analysis, lung function

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