Reference values of diaphragmatic dimensions in healthy children aged 0 –8 years

Conclusion: Ultrasound measurements of Tdi and dTF were highly reproducible in healthy children aged 0 –8 years.   Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number):  NCT04589910.What is Known:• Diaphragmatic thickness and diaphragm thickening fraction are widely used parameters in ultrasound studies of the diaphragm in mechanically ventilated children, but normal values for healthy children to compare these with are scarce.What is New:• We determined normal values of diaphragmatic thickness and diaphragm thickening fraction using ultrasound in 137 healthy children aged 0–8 years old. The diaphragmatic thickness of infants up to 1 year old was significantly greater than that of children from 2 to 8 years old. Diaphragmatic thickness decreased with an increase in body surface area. These normal values in healthy children can be used to assess changes in respiratory muscle thickness in mechanically ventilated children.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research