Abstract
Summary. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a non-invasive method for the functional assessment of respiratory disorders that does not require active participation from the patient during examination. Studies on the use of IOS in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD), including neuromuscular spinal deformities, are limited.The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between spirometry and impulse oscillometry parameters in children with NMD, including those with neuromuscular scoliosis. Materials and methods: A retrospective evaluation of spirometry and impulse oscillometry results was conducted in 56 children aged 5 to 17 years with neuromuscular diseases under medical observation for at least 3 years. These children performed both functional studies correctly. Exclusion criteria included the presence of dyspnea of any etiology, the need for respiratory support, and the inability to communicate with the operator. IOS results were assessed considering the degree of deviation of spirometry indicators from the expected values. Results: In patients with myopathic NMD (Duchenne muscular dystrophy), a statistically significant negative correlation was found between vital capacity (VC), forced VC (FVC), peak cough flow (PCF), and airway resistance indices (high correlation according to Cheddock’s scale, p<0.001), with no correlation between FEV1 indices and impulse oscillometry. No statistically significant correlations were found in the group of patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. Conclusion: In patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the negative correlation between spirometry and impulse oscillometry indicators suggests an increase in airway resistance as lung volumes decrease, which can be used for early diagnosis and dynamic assessment of respiratory impairment progression. In patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, no correlation between spirometry and impulse oscillometry indicators was established.