Hiromi Shioya1, Hiromi Tadaki2, Fusae Yamazaki3, Manabu Miyamoto4, Shigemi Yoshihara4, Mayumi Enseki5, Hideyuki Tabata5, Kota Hirai5, Hiroyuki Furuya6, Masahiko Kato5, Shuichi Ito7, Hiroyuki Mochizuki5. 1. Division of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center, Kanagawa, Japan. Electronic address: shiohiro15@gmail.com. 2. Division of Pediatrics, Yamato Municipal Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan. 3. Uchida Iin Y Child Clinic, Kanagawa, Japan. 4. Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan. 5. Department of Pediatrics, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. 6. Department of Basic Clinical Science and Public Health, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. 7. Department of Pediatrics, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breath sound parameters have been suggested as biomarkers of the airway narrowing in children. Using a commercially available breath sound analyzer, the characteristics of the airway condition were investigated in infants with the risk factors for asthma development. METHODS: A total of 443 infants (mean age, 9.9 months; range, 3-24 months) were included in the present study. The breath sound parameters of the frequency limiting 99% of the power spectrum (F99), the roll-off from 600 to 1200 Hz (Slope) and spectrum curve indices, the total area under the curve of the dBm data (A3/AT) and the ratio of power and frequency at 50% and 75% of the highest frequency of the power spectrum (RPF75 and RPF50), were evaluated. Using an ATS-DLD based original Japanese questionnaire, we examined the characteristics of airway condition of infants. RESULTS: Finally, 283 infants in good health were included in the present study. The RPF75, RPF50, Slope and F99 in infants with positive results of allergy and atopic dermatitis were significantly increased more than those in the infants with negative result. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the characteristics of breath sounds in infants with risk factors for asthma. The breath sound analysis may be useful for assessing the airways of infants for asthma development.
BACKGROUND: Breath sound parameters have been suggested as biomarkers of the airway narrowing in children. Using a commercially available breath sound analyzer, the characteristics of the airway condition were investigated in infants with the risk factors for asthma development. METHODS: A total of 443 infants (mean age, 9.9 months; range, 3-24 months) were included in the present study. The breath sound parameters of the frequency limiting 99% of the power spectrum (F99), the roll-off from 600 to 1200 Hz (Slope) and spectrum curve indices, the total area under the curve of the dBm data (A3/AT) and the ratio of power and frequency at 50% and 75% of the highest frequency of the power spectrum (RPF75 and RPF50), were evaluated. Using an ATS-DLD based original Japanese questionnaire, we examined the characteristics of airway condition of infants. RESULTS: Finally, 283 infants in good health were included in the present study. The RPF75, RPF50, Slope and F99 in infants with positive results of allergy and atopic dermatitis were significantly increased more than those in the infants with negative result. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the characteristics of breath sounds in infants with risk factors for asthma. The breath sound analysis may be useful for assessing the airways of infants for asthma development.