Structured Light Plethysmography as a method of recording disease severity in Cystic Fibrosis

This study investigates the evaluative capability of Structured Light Plethysmography (SLP), compared to established radiology and lung function (LFT).Stable individuals diagnosed with CF performed contemporaneous SLP, X-Ray and LFT (n=57). X-rays were independently appraised using the modified Chrispin Norman scoring system, with scorers blinded to SLP. Consent and national ethical approval were obtained.X-Ray and LFT were normal until the age of 9 years. Bronchiectasis was the primary X-Ray pathology, which initiated and progressed largely in the upper pulmonary zones. Inspiratory Time (Ti), and Time to Peak Expiratory Flow/ Expiratory Time (Tptef/Te) decreased with disease severity (Table 1, P<0.05). Progression of CF was related to a reduced spontaneity of ribcage contribution and thoracoabdominal phase (P<0.05). Median FEV1 SRRR (bpm)Ti (s)Tptef/Te-3.5318.371.330.25-2.1318.381.400.30-0.3716.401.530.320.7016.711.580.33Airflow limitation led to an abnormal SLP Ti/total breath time (Ti/Ttot), and subsequent thoracoabdominal asynchrony. X-Ray line shadows correlated with Tptef/Te (-0.42), mottled with Ti (-0.41), while large soft shadows with Ti/Te (-0.49) and Ti/Ttot (-0.51) respectively (p<0.05). FEV1 standardised residual (SR) was associated with respiratory rate (RR) (-0.41), Ti (0.49), and Ttot (0.41) respectively (p<0.05).Overall, a reduction in SLP Ti/Ttot is consistent with airflow limitation as CF bronchiectasis progresses. There is potential to reduce C...
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Respiratory function technologists/scient Source Type: research