PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF LUNG-VOLUMES IN YOUNG ASTHMATIC-CHILDREN

In a 9-y prospective study, the occurrence and duration of lung volume abnormalities in 21 young asthmatic children (median age at recruitme nt 4y, range 3-8 y) was determined. The median functional residual cap acity (FRC) at recruitment was 135% of that predicted for height (rang e 79-187%) and 13 children were hyperinflated. The median FRC decrease d significantly after 3 y of follow-up and by 9 y only one child remai ned hyperinflated. We conclude that persistent elevation of lung volum e in young asthmatic children appears to be uncommon.