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Impedance Oscillometry: Emerging Role in the Management of Chronic Respiratory Disease

  • Asthma (WJ Calhoun and V Ortega, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chronic respiratory diseases affecting adults and children are widely prevalent, so lung function testing is imperative for diagnosis and management. Spirometry is the traditional standard measure of lung function; however, certain groups of patients are unable to provide accurate and reproducible exhalation maneuvers. Consequently, the impedance oscillometry system (IOS) has been developed as an effort, independent technique to assess airway function in children and the elderly. To better understand this emerging modality, the following review will compare IOS with spirometry, examine the function of the device, provide interpretation strategies, and discuss the evidence supporting its use in adults and children with chronic lung disease.

Recent Findings

In a population of symptomatic adults with suspected COPD, impedance oscillometry resistance measurements correlate with FEV1 and lung resistance increases with the severity of airflow limitation. In patients with asthma, IOS is a sensitive measure of airway hyperresponsiveness and bronchodilator response.

Summary

Impedance oscillometry is evolving as an alternative measure to assess lung function pediatric and adult populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA

    Mohammed F. Zaidan & Alexander Duarte

  2. Division of Allergy/Immunology, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Ashwini P. Reddy

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Zaidan, M.F., Reddy, A.P. & Duarte, A. Impedance Oscillometry: Emerging Role in the Management of Chronic Respiratory Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 18, 3 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-018-0757-y

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