Respiratory oscillometry in infants: present challenges and future opportunities

Abstract

Despite a high burden of respiratory disease among infants globally, limited options exist for lung function testing in this age group. Tidal breathing techniques such as oscillometry allow for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases that originate early in life, thus providing the opportunity to develop timely prevention and treatment strategies. This review summarises the principles of infant oscillometry, the primary oscillometry measures, physiological differences compared to older age groups, commonly used testing platforms, laboratory benchmarking, and future directions for research. Expanding the use of infant oscillometry will require further standardisation of equipment, calibration, protocols, and technical standards, followed by well-designed studies to outline clinical utility. While infant oscillometry is currently limited to the research setting, this technique has the potential for clinical applications in the future, ultimately providing opportunities for improving respiratory outcomes in infants globally.