Diagnostic specificity of dynamic assessment and monitoring of spirometry in asthma.
- Author:
Hong JIANG
1
;
Jiang-Na HAN
;
Wen-Bing XU
;
Yuan-Jue ZHU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Airway Obstruction; Asthma; diagnosis; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Errors; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Spirometry; methods; Young Adult
- From: Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2009;31(4):488-493
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo evaluate the diagnostic specificity of dynamic assessment and monitoring using a portable spirometer in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of asthma.
METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the results of dynamic monitoring of spirometry in 145 symptomatic patients with physician-diagnosed asthma. Flow-volume curve and simultaneous symptoms and mood were measured in a fixed-time thrice-daily assessment schedule for 2 weeks. Patients were allowed to make additional measurements in case of symptom exacerbations.
RESULTSThe clinical data of 51 males and 94 females with a mean age of (39.1 +/- 13.0) years (ranged from 10 to 65 years) were analyzed. Duration of asthma before study was (6.7 +/- 9.9) years. Of 145 patients with physician-diagnosed asthma, 126 (87%) could be conclusively confirmed for a diagnosis of asthma. Asthma was misdiagnosed in 14 patients (9.7%). Overdiagnosis of asthma was observed in 5 patients (3.4%).
CONCLUSIONDynamic assessment and monitoring using a portable spirometer by revealing variability and reversibility of airway obstruction may provide an additional tool for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of asthma.