Evaluation of Pulmonary Function in Children Undergoing Lung Resection
Due to Congenital Lung Malformations
Abstract
Introduction: Congenital lung malformations (CLM) are rare
disorders and surgical intervention is the definitive treatment. Our aim
is to evaluate the long term lung function of patients with CLM after
surgery compared to healthy children. Methods: 16 children with
CLM (M/F: 9/7) and 30 age-matched healthy controls (M/F: 13/17) were
included in the study. Demographic data was recorded and both groups
were compared by Spirometry and nitrogen based Lung Clearance Index
(LCI). Results: Mean age of the patients was 12.0 ±5.4 years
old. Mean Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1),
Forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC and Forced
expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of force expiration
(FEF25-75) %pred was, 86.68 ±16.65, 88.00 ±14.58, 97.44
±9.89 and 79.00 ±26.41 respectively in patients group. Patients with
CLM, had significantly lower values in FEV1, FVC,
FEF25-75 values than healthy controls (p:0.002, p:0.007,
p:0.045). While mean LCI2,5% value in patients’ group
was 8.33 ±1.52, it was 7.28 ±0.80 in healthy controls (p:0.023). Strong
inverse correlation between LCI and FEV1,
FEV1/FVC was detected in patients’ group (p: 0.023 r:
-0,581, p: 0.017 r: -0,606 respectively). Conclusion: Current
study revieled that patients operated due to CLM have impairment in the
pulmonary function compared to healthy children in long term follow-up
and LCI may be more accurate detecting airway diseases earlier than
spirometry.