Which are the appropriate timed forced expiratory volume parameters in young infants?

Abstract

In older children who are able to cooperate and perform spirometry, the forced expiratory volume expired in 1 second (FEV1), and its ratio to the forced vital capacity (FVC), are often measured serially to provide information about the extent of abnormality, progression of disease and individual response to treatment. The ratio of FEV1 / FVC is normally around 80% in adults and 88% in children (1). The aim of this study was to measure different timed forced expiratory volumes (FEVt) in infants to assess their feasibility and relationship to FVC in order to determine the appropriate equivalent parameter in this age group. Forced expiratory flow-volume curves from raised lung volumes were obta..