How and when to perform pulmonary function testing in infants

Abstract

This article deals with practical aspects of infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT). In its first part we discuss methods of iPFT including information on the preparation of patients for testing, its course and way of procedural sedation.

The second part of the article summarises indications and contraindications of iPFT. We present clinical applications and significance of iPFT in four distinct diseases (cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma/recurrent wheeze, interstitial lung disease of infancy and bronchopulmonary dysplasia).

Keywords

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Chronic lung disease of immaturity/infancy
• Cystic fibrosis
• Infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT)
• Infants
• Interstitial lung disease in infants
• Lung function testing
• Recurrent wheeze