IMPAIRED RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN WITH CAT SENSITIZATION IN THE
EARLY AGES OF CHILDHOOD
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate respiratory functions in children with
cat sensitization using impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry and to
compare these with those of healthy controls. Methods: This
prospective case-control study included 130 children aged 3-17 years
with cat sensitization (CS group) accompanying respiratory allergic
diseases (Group I: asthma, Group II: allergic rhinitis, and Group III:
co-existent asthma and allergic rhinitis), and 70 age- and sex-matched
healthy controls (HC group). The cases’ demographic parameters were
recorded, and respiratory functions were analyzed using IOS and
spirometry. The association between IOS and spirometric parameters was
also evaluated. Results: At IOS evaluation, zR5, R5-20, Fres,
and AX values were higher in children in the CS group compared to the HC
group (p=0.029, p=0.008, p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively),
while zX5 and zX20 values were lower (p=0.001 and p<0.001).
R5-20 and AX were higher in asthma compared to allergic rhinitis
(p=0.008, 0=0.015), but were insignificant compared to both together.
R5-20, Fres, and AX were higher, and zX20 was lower in the pre-school
age group (p<0.001). No correlation was found between zFEV1,
zFVC, zFEV1/FVC, zFEF25-75 and zR5 values in the CS group
(p>0.05). Conclusions: Pulmonary resistance was
higher and reactance was lower in the entire and peripheral airways in
children with cat sensitization accompanying respiratory allergic
diseases compared to the healthy controls. Peripheral airway resistance
and reactance were more impared in asthma group compared to allergic
rhinitis. However, peripheral airway resistance and main airway
reactance were more impaired in the pre-school age group than in the
older age group.