Use of the impulse oscillometry system for testing pulmonary function during methacholine bronchoprovocation in horses

Emmanuelle van Erck Laboratory for Functional Investigation, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bat B42, Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

Search for other papers by Emmanuelle van Erck in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM
,
Dominique M. Votion Laboratory for Functional Investigation, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bat B42, Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

Search for other papers by Dominique M. Votion in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM, PhD
,
Nathalie Kirschvink Laboratory for Functional Investigation, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bat B42, Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

Search for other papers by Nathalie Kirschvink in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM, PhD
,
Tatiana Art Laboratory for Functional Investigation, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bat B42, Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

Search for other papers by Tatiana Art in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM, PhD
, and
Pierre Lekeux Laboratory for Functional Investigation, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bat B42, Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

Search for other papers by Pierre Lekeux in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM, PhD
Full access

Abstract

Objective—To compare sensitivity of the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) with that of the conventional reference technique (CRT; ie, esophageal balloon method) for pulmonary function testing in horses.

Animals—10 horses (4 healthy; 6 with recurrent airway obstruction [heaves] in remission).

Procedure—Healthy horses (group-A horses) and heaves-affected horses (group-B horses) were housed in a controlled environment. At each step of a methacholine bronchoprovocation test, threshold concentration (TC2SD; results in a 2-fold increase in SD of a value) and sensitivity index (SI) were determined for respiratory tract system resistance (Rrs) and respiratory tract system reactance (Xrs) at 5 to 20 Hz by use of IOS and for total pulmonary resistance (RL) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), by use of CRT.

Results—Bronchoconstriction resulted in an increase in Rrs at 5 Hz (R5Hz) and a decrease in Xrs at all frequencies. Most sensitive parameters were Xrs at 5 Hz (X5Hz), R5Hz, and R5Hz:R10Hz ratio; RL and the provocation concentration of methacholine resulting in a 35% decrease in dynamic compliance (PC35Cdyn) were significantly less sensitive than these IOS parameters. The TC2SD for Xrs at 5 and 10 Hz was significantly lower in group-B horses, compared with group-A horses. The lowest TC2SD was obtained for X5Hz in group-B horses and R5Hz in group-A horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In contrast to CRT parameters, IOS parameters were significantly more sensitive for testing pulmonary function. The IOS provides a practical and noninvasive pulmonary function test that may be useful in assessing subclinical changes in horses. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:1414–1420)

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 51 0 0
Full Text Views 1529 1294 17
PDF Downloads 159 71 4
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Issue:
01 Nov 2003
Advertisement