Measurement of airway resistance using the interrupter technique in preschool children in the ambulatory setting

Abstract

This study describes the feasibility, repeatability, and interrater reliability of the measurement of airway resistance by the interrupter technique (R(int)) in children 2-5 yrs of age, and examines whether reversibility to bronchodilator can be demonstrated in wheezy children. The mean of six R(int) values was taken as a measurement. If subjects could complete one measurement and then a second 15 min after bronchodilator, baseline testing and reversibility testing were considered feasible. To measure repeatability, two measurements 30 s apart and measurements before and 15 min after placebo bronchodilator were compared. Measurements by two testers were compared for interrater reliability. C..