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Oscillometry and spirometry are not interchangeable when assessing the bronchodilator response in children and young adults born preterm
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  • Tiffany K. Bradshaw,
  • Elizabeth Smith,
  • Rhea C. Urs,
  • Denby Evans,
  • Naomi R. Hemy,
  • Graham L. Hall,
  • Andrew Wilson,
  • Shannon Simpson
Tiffany K. Bradshaw
Telethon Kids Institute
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Elizabeth Smith
Telethon Kids Institute

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Rhea C. Urs
Telethon Kids Institute
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Denby Evans
Telethon Kids Institute
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Naomi R. Hemy
Telethon Kids Institute
Author Profile
Graham L. Hall
Telethon Kids Institute
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Andrew Wilson
Telethon Kids Institute
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Shannon Simpson
Telethon Kids Institute
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Abstract

Introduction: The European Respiratory Society Oscillometry Taskforce identified that clinical correlates of bronchodilator responses are needed to advance oscillometry in clinical practice. The understanding of bronchodilator-induced oscillometry changes in preterm lung disease is poor. Here we describe a comparison of bronchodilator assessments performed using oscillometry and spirometry in a population born very preterm and explore the relationship between bronchodilator-induced changes in respiratory function and clinical outcomes. Methods: Participants aged 6-23 born ≤32 (N=288; 132 with bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and ≥37 weeks’ gestation (N=76, term-born controls) performed spirometry and oscillometry. A significant bronchodilator response (BDR) to 400mcg salbutamol was classified according to published criteria. Results: A BDR was identified in 30.9% (n=85) of preterm-born individuals via spirometry and/or oscillometry, with poor agreement between spirometry and oscillometry definitions (k=0.26; 95%CI 0.18 to 0.40, p<0.001). Those born preterm with a BDR by oscillometry but not spirometry had increased wheeze (33% vs 11%, p=0.010) and baseline resistance (Rrs 5 z-score mean difference (MD)= 0.86, 95%CI 0.07 to 1.65, p=0.025), but similar spirometry to the group without a BDR (FEV 1 z-score MD= -0.01, 95%CI -0.66 to 0.68, p>0.999). Oscillometry was more feasible than spirometry (95% vs 85% (FEV 1), 69% (FVC), p<0.001), however being born preterm did not affect test feasibility. Conclusion: In the preterm population, oscillometry is a feasible and clinically useful supportive test to assess the airway response to inhaled salbutamol. Changes measured by oscillometry reflect related but distinct physiological changes to that measured by spirometry and thus these tests should not be used interchangeably.
22 Jun 2023Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
22 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
22 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
22 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
21 Jul 20231st Revision Received
21 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
21 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
21 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Accept