Assessment of bronchodilator response in preschool children by pulmonary function tests

We performed pulmonary function test to document bronchodilator response by using tidal breathing flow volume loop (TBFVL), rapid thoracic compression (RTC), and raised volume rapid thoracic compression (RVRTC) techniques. Thirty-nine children (mean age 45.2 months) were evaluated. The parameters that showed significant improvement after bronchodilator administration included TEF10/PTEF ratio in TBFVL, and FEF25-75%, FEV(1)and PEF in RVRTC. None of the parameters measured in RTC showed significant improvement. We conclude FEV1, PEF and FEF25-75% in RVRTC have greater sensitivity for detection of airways changes.