Measurement of total respiratory impedance in dogs by the forced oscillation technique.

The resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) of the total respiratory system were determined at various frequencies in 14 healthy conscious beagle dogs. A pseudorandom noise pressure wave was produced at the nostrils of the animals by means of a loudspeaker adapted to the nose by a tightly fitting mask. A Fourier analysis of the pressure and flow signals yielded mean Rrs and Xrs, over 16 s, at frequencies from 2 to 26 Hz. The influence of the posture of the dog, the position of its head, the linearity of the respiratory system, the reproducibility of the method and the effects of upper and lower airway obstructions were studied. In sitting and standing healthy dogs with the head in the extended position, Rrs values increased progressively with frequency from 5.4 +/- 0.4 (SEM) cmH2O L-1s at 6 Hz up to 8.8 +/- 0.7 cmH2O L-1s at 26 Hz, the mean resonant frequency being 6.1 +/- 0.5 Hz. No significant differences were observed between measurements performed with the head in the normal or the extended position. In a recumbent posture, all Rrs values were increased but Rrs was still dependent on the frequency in the same way (7.1 +/- 0.7 cmH2O L-1s at 6Hz up to 10.0 +/- 0.5 cmH2O L-1s at 26 Hz). Tracheal compression also induced higher Rrs values without changes in the frequency dependence or in the resonant frequency. In anaesthetized dogs, airway obstruction was induced by inhalation of histamine (4 mg/ml for 5 min; the Rrs values tended to decrease with increasing frequency, and the resonant frequency was markedly increased.

Impedance measurement during air and helium-oxygen breathing before and after salbutamol in COPD patients.

1. The forced oscillation technique is an effort-independent method used to characterize the mechanical impedance of the respiratory system. To support the hypothesis that non-invasive partitioning of total pulmonary resistance is possible by this technique, impedance was measured during air breathing and after equilibration with a mixture of 80% helium (He) and 20% oxygen (O2) in 21 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients by means of a forced pseudo-random noise pressure signal over a frequency spectrum from 4 to 52 Hz. Furthermore, during inhalation of both gas mixtures impedance was determined before and after inhalation of 0.400 mg Salbutamol. 2. He + O2 breathing caused less negative frequency dependence of resistance and a significant decrease in reactance over the range 16-52 Hz. Inhalation of Salbutamol caused a marked increase in reactance values over the range 8-40 Hz. However after equilibration with the He + O2 mixture, Salbutamol caused a significant decrease in resistance and a significant increase in reactance at all frequencies. 3. The results during He + O2 breathing are in accordance with a partitioning of airways resistance into central and peripheral components. The decrease in reactance during He + O2 can be explained by a density dependent decrease in inductive reactance. By comparing the impedance data during air and He + O2 breathing, it can be concluded that a distribution of pulmonary resistance with minimal losses in the larger airways is more sensitive for detecting changes in the peripheral airways in COPD patients.

Measurement of total respiratory impedance in infants by the forced oscillation technique.

The forced oscillation technique according to Làndsér et al. (J. Appl. Physiol. 41:101-106, 1976) was modified for use in infants. Adaptations, including a flexible tube to connect the infant to the measuring system and a bias flow to avoid rebreathing, did not influence impedance values. The linearity of the respiratory system was assessed and confirmed by 1) applying pseudo-random noise oscillations at three different amplitudes to 7 infants and 2) comparing in 12 infants impedance values obtained with pseudo-random noise and with sinusoidal oscillations at 12 and 32 Hz. Intersubject variability, averaged for all frequencies, was 6%. In 17 infants the relative error (+/- SD) between two series of five measurements within a time interval of 15 min was 0.5 +/- 5.7%. No statistically significant difference was found between impedance values before and after repositioning of the infant's head, whereas rotation resulted in a decrease in resistance and no effect on reactance. Our results indicate that the infant-adapted forced pseudo-random noise oscillation technique has the potential to give valuable information about ventilatory lung function in infants.

Assessment of respiratory diseases and therapeutic intervention by the forced oscillation technique in feedlot cattle.

The forced oscillation technique was used to study pulmonary function in bulls during naturally acquired pulmonary-gastrointestinal disease complex known as shipping fever and as it was treated with two different antibiotics. Fifteen double-muscled bulls of the Belgian White and Blue breed were investigated. Clinical, serological and pulmonary function values were recorded during and after naturally occurring respiratory disease. Total respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) were measured by the forced oscillation technique. The antibiotic ceftiofur (group A, n = 10) and oxytetracycline (group B, n = 5) were given over three days. A large increase of Rrs at low frequencies with a marked negative frequency dependence, an increase of the resonant frequency, and a decrease of Xrs were recorded in the initial stage of the disease. The parameters returned to normal values seven days later. Clinical evidence of recovery was more marked in group A than in group B. These results show that moderate shipping fever induces acute small and large airway obstruction which responds to appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Density dependence of respiratory input impedance in normal subjects.

1. The forced oscillation technique is a non-invasive and effort-independent test used to characterize the mechanical impedance of the respiratory system. Total respiratory impedance was assessed from 4 to 52 Hz in 15 normal subjects breathing air and a helium-oxygen mixture. 2. Breathing helium-oxygen reduced respiratory resistance and its frequency dependence as well as respiratory reactance very significantly. Resonant frequency during He-O2 breathing was 1.88 times higher than during air breathing. 3. It is concluded that by impedance measurement of the respiratory system in normal subjects a density-dependent decrease of respiratory resistance due to decreased turbulence in the larger airways and a density-dependent decrease in the inductive reactance can be found during breathing of low density gas mixtures.

[Impedance of the respiratory tract of healthy newborn infants--studies using the polyfrequency oscillation method]. / Die Impedanz des Respirationstraktes gesunder Neugeborener--Untersuchungen mit der polyfrequenten Oszillationsmethode.

Resistance and reactance of the respiratory tract of 40 healthy newborn were measured by means of the polyfrequent oscillation method. Mean resistance had frequency-dependent values between 20.91 and 9.63 cm H2O per litre per second and mean reactance between -29.11 and -3.81 cm H2O/1/s. The resistance--but not the reactance--was found to depend on the body length and the body weight of the infants.

Correspondence between forced oscillation and body plethysmography during bronchoprovocation with carbachol in children.

We compared dose-response curves obtained with the forced oscillation technique (FOT) and with body plethysmography during bronchoprovocation in children. In 40 stable asthmatic children (age, 5-16 yr) we performed challenges with doubling concentrations of inhaled carbachol (0.15-10 mg/mL) until specific airway resistance SRaw had increased by 100% (PC100SRaw). The FOT-response was assessed by total respiratory system resistance (Rrs, cmH2O.1(-1).s) and reactance (Xrs, cmH2O.1(-1).s) from 8 to 26 Hz, expressed as mean Rrs (Rrs), mean Xrs (Xrs), Rrs at 8 Hz (Rrs8), and mean slope of Rrs (dRrs/df). Dose-response curves were analyzed for threshold concentrations (TC) causing a 3 SD change from baseline and sensitivity indices (SI) defined as differences between baseline and postchallenge values (at PC100SRaw) divided by baseline SD. Median TC of Rrs8, Rrs, Xrs, dRrs/df, and SRaw was 0.21, 0.30, 0.34, 0.41, and 0.42 mg/mL, respectively, indicating a slightly higher sensitivity for FOT. Median SI values of SRaw and Xrs (12.0 and 8.2; difference n.s.) were significantly higher than those of the other parameters. Multiple regression analysis revealed only the absolute change of Xrs (delta Xrs), baseline Rrs and age as significantly (P less than 0.001) correlated with the percentage change of SRaw (delta %SRaw). Best correlation (r = 0.86) with delta %SRaw was found for the function: FOT score = -102.5 X delta Xrs X exp(-0.196 X Rrs + 0.038 X age). Provocative concentrations estimated by this FOT score differed from PC100SRaw by less than one (two) concentration steps in 34 (40) out of 40 children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Bronchial provocation in children: a comparison between the polyfrequent oscillation method and body plethysmography]. / Bronchiale Provokation bei Kindern: Ein Vergleich zwischen der polyfrequenten Oszillationsmethode und der Bodyplethysmographie.

With the aid of the forced oscillation technique (FOT), parameters of the mechanics of respiration are measured with a minimum requirement of patient cooperation. This means that this technique is particularly suitable for use in children. The resistance (Rrs) established with the FOT correlates well with the airway resistance (Raw) measured with whole-body plethysmography (BP) (2, 4). So far, the blind resistance (Xrs) also simultaneously measurable with FOT, has received but little attention. The objective of this investigation was, in children, to compare all the resistances measurable with FOT with the parameters of BP during bronchial provocations with carbachol.

Regulation of bronchomotor tone in conscious calves.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of some alpha and beta sympathomimetic and sympatholytic drugs on respiratory impedance in healthy conscious calves. Ten Friesian calves were investigated in this study. The forced oscillation technique was used to measure the resistance (Rrs) and the reactance (Xrs) of the respiratory system at frequencies ranging from 4 to 26 Hz. Isoprenaline (1 microgram/kg i.v.), propranolol (3 micrograms/kg i.v.), noradrenaline (2 micrograms/kg i.v.), xylazine (20 micrograms/kg i.v.) and yohimbine (0.25 mg/kg i.v.) were were administered. Isoprenaline induced a significant decrease of Rrs. An increase of Rrs after administration of propranolol was observed but without any change of the frequency dependence of Rrs. A small increase in the resonant frequency was also recorded. A decrease of Rrs was recorded after yohimbine injection. Noradrenaline and xylazine administration increased the resistances and the resonant frequency and induced a negative frequency dependence of Rrs. These results suggest that (1) the major effects of beta adrenergic drugs are on the central airways, (2) the alpha adrenergic system may play a role on the regulation of bronchomotor tone in calves, (3) the effects of alpha adrenergic drugs are on both central and peripheral airways and (4) the forced oscillation technique allows the differentiation of calibre changes occurring in small and large airways.

Investigation of the effects of histamine inhalation on the tracheobronchial tree of calves by the forced oscillation technique.

Effects of histamine inhalation were investigated with two different techniques in nine conscious, healthy calves. The oesophageal balloon technique was used to measure the dynamic respiratory compliance (Cdyn) and the pulmonary resistance (RL). The reactance (Xrs) and the resistance (Rrs) of the respiratory system were measured at high frequencies by the forced oscillation technique. These parameters were recorded before and after histamine inhalation. Three histamine dihydrochloride solution concentrations were used (16 mg/ml; 32 mg/ml; 64 mg/ml). Histamine inhalation induced a decrease in Cdyn and Xrs an increase in Rrs, RL and of the resonant frequency and a negative frequency dependence of Rrs. Some of these changes were satisfactorily correlated with the histamine solution concentrations. The resonant frequency was well correlated with Cdyn. It was concluded that histamine inhalation induces a decrease of the calibre of small and large airways and a non-homogeneous behaviour of the pulmonary ventilation in awake calves. The forced oscillation technique can be used to perform an inhalation provocation test in unsedated animals.

Measurement of total respiratory impedance in calves by the forced oscillation technique.

We have determined the resistance (Rrs) and the reactance (Xrs) of the total respiratory system in unsedated spontaneously breathing calves at various frequencies. A pseudorandom noise pressure wave was produced at the nostrils of the animals by means of a loudspeaker adapted to the nose by a tightly fitting mask. A Fourier analysis of the pressure in the nostrils and flow signals yielded mean Rrs and Xrs, over 16 s, at frequencies of 2-26 Hz. A good correlation was found between values of pulmonary resistances measured by the isovolume method at the respiratory frequency of animals and values obtained at a frequency of 6 Hz by use of our technique. The linearity of the respiratory system, the reproducibility of the technique, and the effects of upper airways on results have been studied. In healthy calves, Rrs increases with frequency. Mean resonant frequency is 7.5 Hz. Bronchospasm was induced in six calves by administration of intravenous organophosphates. Rrs tended to decrease with increasing frequency. Resonant frequency exceeded 26 Hz. All parameters returned to initial values after administration of atropine. In healthy calves, atropine produces a decrease in Rrs, especially at low frequencies. Values of resonant frequency are not modified.

Physiological analysis of extended-spectrum oscillometry.

Using a forced oscillation technique, the resistance and reactance of the respiratory system in a frequency range between 4 and 52 Hz were described in a group of healthy subjects and a group of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In normal subjects, resistance values increased at higher frequencies. As compared to the results in normal subjects, resistance values were much higher and decreased with frequency in COPD patients. Reactance values were more negative, resulting in an increase of resonant frequency. Using matrix network topography, these findings were analyzed in a modified Mead's model. Compressibility of alveolar gas was incorporated in the model calculations. Resistance and reactance values slightly decreased by adding gas compliance in the model calculations. Our results support Mead's hypothesis that the shunt compliance is formed by the compliance of intrathoracic airway walls. Input impedance measurement by forced oscillation is therefore an easily implemented, non-invasive method to investigate respiratory mechanics not requiring active cooperation from the subject. Analysis of resistance and reactance over an extended frequency range gives information about the distribution of resistance along the bronchial system and about compliance of the intrathoracic airway walls as expanding structures in parallel with the air spaces.

[Forced oscillation respiratory resistance and MEV in the evaluation of nonspecific bronchial reactivity]. / Résistance respiratoire par oscillation forcée et VEMS pour évaluer la réactivité bronchique non spécifique.

We have evaluated bronchial reactivity to histamine in 64 subjects with various degrees of bronchial obstruction, by the usual method of forced expired volume in one second FEV1 (VEMS) (CP20) and by the measurement of respiratory resistance (Rrs) using the forced oscillation technique. The characteristics of the relation of this histamine dose--spirometric response--Rrs was studied and compared with the usual CP20. We have found a significant linear correlation between the fall of VEMS and the rise in Rrs (R = 0.91, p less than 0.001) and the better concordance between CP20 spirometric and CP40 Rrs (r = 0.90, p less than 0.001). The measurement system for Rrs enables an evaluation of the degree of bronchial obstruction comparable to forced spirometry in bronchial provocation test to histamine and could be used to advantage in those subjects in whom collaboration might be doubtful or inadequate.

Measurement of total respiratory impedance via the endotracheal tube; a model study.

The feasibility of applying the forced oscillation technique to determine the impedance of the respiratory system in intubated subjects was investigated on a model. This showed that the losses in kinetic energy occurring at the end of the endotracheal tube are not important when the flow is oscillatory (frequencies of 2 Hz and higher). Also, if the respiratory system is sufficiently linear, the alinearity of the tube can be dealt with if its mechanical characteristics, as well as the size of the oscillatory flow, are known. The tube impedance at that flow can then be subtracted from the total impedance of the tube connected to the respiratory system. When the driving signal is a complex wave containing several frequencies, the impedance of the tube can still be determined (and thus subtracted) by performing the measurements at various amplitudes of the driving flow and by extrapolating the resistance values (corresponding to those amplitudes) to zero flow. The latter is possible only if the measurements are performed during an apnea. To avoid these complexities, pressure can be measured at the outlet, rather than at the entrance of the tube. Accurate measurements of respiratory impedance can thus be obtained, whether the flow is determined at the entrance or outlet of the tube, even with a complex driving signal.

Total resistance and reactance in patients with respiratory complaints with and without airways obstruction.

A comparison was made of the frequency dependence of total respiratory resistance, (Rrs), and reactance (Xrs), determined by a forced oscillation technique in 442 healthy subjects and in 126 patients with respiratory complaints, with or without slight airways obstruction. The comparison was performed by means of a discriminant analysis. The latter demonstrated that the Rrs and Xrs data, measured between 8 and 24 Hz, of patients differ from those of healthy subjects primarily by a decrease of Rrs with frequency associated with more negative Xrs (and thus with an increase in resonant frequency). This probably also applies to patients with more advanced airways obstruction. The addition of the FEV1 values to the analysis provides only a small amount of independent information. The forced oscillation technique thus appears to be a sensitive tool to separate healthy subjects (smokers and nonsmokers) from patients with respiratory complaints associated or not with a reduced FEV1.

Normal values of total respiratory resistance and reactance determined by forced oscillations: influence of smoking.

In 407 healthy male subjects, smokers and nonsmokers, the resistance and reactance of the respiratory system were determined between 4 and 24 Hz, using a forced oscillation technique. The values are significantly correlated with age, weight, height, FEV1, and vital capacity. After standardization of the data for the latter variables, there are no differences between smokers and nonsmokers. The technique thus lacks sensitivity for the detection of the effects of smoking.

Mechanical properties of lungs and chest wall during spontaneous breathing.

Using a forced oscillation technique, we measured the resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) of the respiratory system between 2 and 32 Hz at three different lung volumes in 15 healthy subjects and 7 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rrs and Xrs were partitioned, by means of a pressure recording in the esophagus, into the resistance and reactance of lung and airways (L) and the chest wall. The measurements were validated by checking the adequacy of the frequency response of the esophagus, by the lack of difference between thoracic and mouth flow, by an estimation of the error introduced by the shunt impedance of the cheeks, and by comparisons with the values of pulmonary compliance and resistance determined in the same subjects with classical techniques. In both healthy subjects and patients, the chest wall has a low resistance that increases somewhat at low lung volumes and behaves functionally as a two-compartment system, with low capacitance at frequencies exceeding 4 Hz. Rrs varies with lung volume and is markedly frequency dependent in patients; both phenomena are due primarily to corresponding variations of RL. In healthy subjects, at and above functional residual capacity (FRC) level, the lungs behave as a one-compartment system, the reactance of which is mainly determined by the gaseous inertance, at least beyond 2 Hz. In patients and in healthy subjects breathing below FRC, the observed frequency dependence of resistance and the simultaneous increase in resonant frequency can be simulated satisfactorily by Mead's two-compartment model, assuming a large increase in peripheral airways resistance.