Lung functional follow-up in children after severe viral infection
Gaultier, C.; Beaufils, F.; Boule, M.; Bompard, Y.; Devictor, D.
European Journal of Respiratory Diseases 65(6): 460-467
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0106-4339 PMID: 6432570 Document Number: 229714
Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed in 12 children after viral infection (VI) due to an adenovirus in 9 cases and occurring before the age of 4 in 10. Functional residual capacity (FRC), thoracic gas volume (TGV), total lung resistance (R1), dynamic lung compliance (C1dyn), expiratory flows and blood gases were measured during three periods after VI: from 3 to 12 months (n = 10), from 1 yr 6 months to 3 yr 8 months (n = 8), and from 4 yr 7 months to 8 yr (n = 6). In the short term period one child had normal PFT, while in the remaining cases there was increased R1, decreased C1dyn and hypoxemia. R1, C1dyn and blood gases did not significantly change between short and mid term periods. In the long term period the children had overinflation with trapped gases, airways obstruction and hypoxemia. These functional sequelae may be related to structural lesions due to VI and abnormal postnatal lung growth.