Abstract:
The multiple-breath nitrogen washout (MBN2W) test assesses ventilation distribution by determining the number of functional residual capacity (FRC) lung turnovers required for tidal breathing of 100% oxygen to wash out resident nitrogen from the lungs. In particular, the test has gained significant interest as a tool for monitoring disease progression and prognosis in children with lung disease, with a specific focus on cystic fibrosis (CF) due to its ability to discriminate between health and disease. The use of 100% oxygen has become the preferred choice of inert gas in older children and adults. However, as discussed in the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society consensus statement, there are disadvantages and unknowns as to how patient age, sedation and sleep state may interact with 100% oxygen to alter breathing patterns. It is known that 100% oxygen alters breathing patterns in infants and therefore this approach is not recommended in this age group; however, it is assumed that the effect of 100% oxygen on respiration is diminished beyond infancy, with no reported impact of 100% oxygen on breathing parameters in school-aged children. It remains unknown whether hyperoxia affects tidal breathing in young children, as there are no published studies in this age range. This study aimed to determine whether breathing 100% oxygen altered tidal breathing parameters in healthy young children and young children with CF.
The effect of 100% oxygen on tidal breathing parameters in preschool children
This study aimed to determine whether breathing 100% oxygen altered tidal breathing parameters in healthy young children and young children with CF.