Evaluation of the efficacy of asthma information videos ('Moving On Asthma') at improving knowledge in teenage children.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a common inflammatory condition that can be life threatening. The National Review of Asthma Deaths (2014) recommended: Parents and children…should be educated about managing asthma. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an educational video on asthma at improving knowledge in adolescent children. METHODS: A 3-min asthma education video was shown to young people aged 13-15 years in two contrasting schools. Knowledge of asthma was evaluated using a 6-question form completed at 3 timepoints: baseline (pre), immediately after intervention (post), and 1 week later (delayed). A total of 151 data sets from two schools were analysed. RESULTS: Knowledge was significantly improved immediately after watching the video for four out of six questions, indicating that the video was successful in effectively educating the children about asthma. There was no significant change to responses between immediately after watching the video and a week later, suggesting retention of the knowledge gained from viewing the intervention material. CONCLUSION: The results suggest acquisition and retention of knowledge in young people after watching a video on asthma, providing evidence to support the use of digital, video-assisted, internet-based learning tools such as the 'Moving on Asthma' website as an aid to regular clinics for young people with asthma.

Exercise induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) in children and young people: Approaches to assessment and management.

Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) is characterised by breathlessness, cough and/or noisy breathing particularly during high intensity exercise. EILO is a subcategory of inducible laryngeal obstruction where exercise is the trigger that provokes inappropriate transient glottic or supraglottic narrowing. It is a common condition affecting 5.7-7.5% of the general population and is a key differential diagnosis for young athletes presenting with exercise related dyspnoea where prevalence rates go as high as 34%. Although the condition has been recognised for a long time, little attention, and awareness of the condition results in many young people dropping out of sporting participation due to troublesome symptoms. With evolving understanding of the condition, diagnostic tests and interventions, this review looks to present the current available evidence and best practice when managing young people with EILO.

Changes in UK paediatric long-term ventilation practice over 10 years.

OBJECTIVES: To provide up-to-date information on the use of long-term ventilation (LTV) in the UK paediatric population and to compare the results with data collected 10 and 20 years previously. DESIGN: A single timepoint census completed by LTV centres in the UK, carried out via an online survey. SETTING AND PATIENTS: All patients attending paediatric LTV services in the UK. RESULTS: Data were collected from 25 LTV centres in the UK. The total study population was 2383 children and young people, representing a 2.5-fold increase in the last 10 years. The median age was 9 years (range 0-20 years). Notable changes since 2008 were an increase in the proportion of children with central hypoventilation syndrome using mask ventilation, an increase in overall numbers of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, chronic lung disease of prematurity and cerebral palsy being ventilated, and a 4.2-fold increase in children using LTV for airway obstruction. The use of 24-hour ventilation, negative pressure ventilation and tracheostomy as an interface had declined. 115 children had received a disease-modifying drug. The use of ataluren and Myozyme did not influence the decision to treat with LTV, but in 35% of the children with SMA type 1 treated with nusinersin, the clinician stated that the use of this drug had or may have influenced their decision to initiate LTV. CONCLUSION: The results support the need for national database for children and young people using LTV at home to inform future recommendations and assist in resource allocation planning.

Reference equations for tidal breathing parameters using structured light plethysmography.

Tidal breathing measurements can be used to identify changes in respiratory status. Structured light plethysmography (SLP) is a non-contact tidal breathing measurement technique. Lack of reference equations for SLP parameters makes clinical decision-making difficult. We have developed a set of growth-adjusted reference equations for seven clinically pertinent parameters of respiratory rate (f R), inspiratory time (t I), expiratory time (t E), duty cycle (t I/total breath time), phase (thoraco-abdominal asynchrony (TAA)), relative thoracic contribution (RTC) and tidal inspiratory/expiratory flow at 50% volume (IE50). Reference equations were developed based on a cohort of 198 seated healthy subjects (age 2-75 years, height 82-194 cm, 108 males). We adopted the same methodological approach as the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) report on spirometric reference equations. 5 min of tidal breathing was recorded per subject. Parameters were summarised with their medians. The supplementary material provided is an integral part of this work and a reference range calculator is provided therein. We found predicted f R to decrease with age and height rapidly in the first 20 years and slowly thereafter. Expected t I, t E and RTC followed the opposite trend. RTC was 6.7% higher in females. Duty cycle increased with age, peaked at 13 years and decreased thereafter. TAA was high and variable in early life and declined rapidly with age. Predicted IE50 was constant, as it did not correlate with growth. These reference ranges for seven key measures ensure that clinicians and researchers can identify tidal breathing patterns in disease and better understand and interpret SLP and tidal breathing data.

Custom-made 3D printed masks for children using non-invasive ventilation: a comparison of 3D scanning technologies and specifications for future clinical service use, guided by patient and professional experience.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is assisted mechanical ventilation delivered via a facemask for people with chronic conditions that affect breathing. Mass-produced masks are available for both the adult and paediatric markets but masks that fit well are difficult to find for children who are small or have asymmetrical facial features. A good fit between the mask and the patient's face to minimise unintentional air leakage is essential to deliver the treatment effectively. We present an innovative use of 3D assessment and manufacturing technologies to deliver novel custom-made facemasks for children for whom a well-fitting standard mask is not available. This paper aims to describe the processes undertaken to investigate and compare currently available technologies for 3D scanning children and to explore the design of a system for creating custom-made paediatric NIV masks within the NHS. The paper therefore considers not only the quality and accuracy of the data, but also other factors such as the time and ease of process. Searches for all currently available scanning technologies were made. Photogrammetry image stitch using a smartphone and a digital camera, and two structured light scanners were selected and compared in the laboratory, in discussion with user groups, and in adult volunteers. Using the processes described, it became apparent that the optimal 3D scanning system for this purpose was the handheld structured light scanner. This option offered both superior accuracy and convenience and was more cost effective.

Pediatric Dysfunctional Breathing: Proposed Components, Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management.

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is an overarching term describing deviations in the normal biomechanical patterns of breathing which have a significant impact on quality of life, performance and functioning. Whilst it occurs in both children and adults, this article focuses specifically on children. DB can be viewed as having two components; breathing pattern disorder (BPD) and inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). They can be considered in isolation, however, are intricately related and often co-exist. When both are suspected, we propose both BPD and ILO be investigated within an all-encompassing multi-disciplinary dysfunctional breathing clinic. The MDT clinic can diagnose DB through expert history taking and a choice of appropriate tests/examinations which may include spirometry, breathing pattern analysis, exercise testing and laryngoscopic examination. Use of the proposed algorithm presented in this article will aid decision making regarding choosing the most appropriate tests and understanding the diagnostic implications of these tests. The most common symptoms of DB are shortness of breath and chest discomfort, often during exercise. Patients with DB typically present with normal spirometry and an altered breathing pattern at rest which is amplified during exercise. In pediatric ILO, abnormalities of the upper airway such as cobblestoning are commonly seen followed by abnormal activity of the upper airway structures provoked by exercise. This may be associated with a varying degree of stridor. The symptoms, however, are often misdiagnosed as asthma and the picture can be further complicated by the common co-presentation of DB and asthma. Associated conditions such as asthma, extra-esophageal reflux, rhinitis, and allergy must be treated appropriately and well controlled before any directed therapy for DB can be started if therapy is to be successful. DB in pediatrics is commonly treated with a course of non-pharmaceutical therapy. The therapy is provided by an experienced physiotherapist, speech and language therapist or psychologist depending on the dominant features of the DB presentation (i.e., BPD or ILO in combination or in isolation) and some patients will benefit from input from more than one of these disciplines. An individualized treatment program based on expert assessment and personalized goals will result in a return to normal function with reoccurrence being rare.

Custom-made 3D printed masks for children using non-invasive ventilation: a feasibility study of production method and testing of outcomes in adult volunteers.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is assisted mechanical ventilation delivered via a facemask for people with chronic conditions that affect breathing. NIV is most commonly delivered via an interface (mask) covering the nose (nasal mask) or the nose and mouth (oronasal mask). The number of children in the UK requiring NIV is currently estimated to be around 5000. Mass-produced masks are available for both the adult and paediatric markets but masks that fit well are difficult to find for children who are small or have asymmetrical facial features. A good conforming fit between the mask and the patient's face to minimise unintentional air leakage is essential to deliver the treatment effectively; most ventilators will trigger an alarm requiring action if such leakage is detected. We present an innovative use of 3D scanning and manufacturing technologies to deliver novel mask-face interfaces to optimise mask fit to the needs of individual patients. Ahead of planned user trials with paediatric patients, the project team trialled the feasibility of the process of creating and printing bespoke masks from 3D scan data and carried out testing of the masks in adult volunteers to select the strongest design concept for the paediatric trial. The evaluation of the process of designing a bespoke mask from scan data, arranging for its manufacture and carrying out user testing has been invaluable in gaining knowledge and discovering the pitfalls and timing bottlenecks in the processes. This allowed the team to iteratively refine the techniques and methods involved, informing user trials later on in the project. It has also provided indicative cost estimates for 3D printed mask prototype components which are useful in project decision making and trial planning. The value of the process extends to considerations for future implementation of the process within a clinical pathway.

Getting to grips with 'dysfunctional breathing'.

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is common, frequently unrecognised and responsible for a substantial burden of morbidity. Previously lack of clarity in the use of the term and the use of multiple terms to describe the same condition has hampered our understanding. DB can be defined as an alteration in the normal biomechanical patterns of breathing that result in intermittent or chronic symptoms. It can be subdivided into thoracic and extra thoracic forms. Thoracic DB is characterised by breathing patterns involving relatively inefficient, excessive upper chest wall activity with or without accessory muscle activity. This is frequently associated with increased residual volume, frequent sighing and an irregular pattern of respiratory effort. It may be accompanied by true hyperventilation in the minority of subjects. Extra thoracic forms include paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction and the increasingly recognised supra-glottic 'laryngomalacia' commonly seen in young sportsmen and women. While the two forms would appear to be two discreet entities they often share common factors in aetiology and respond to similar interventions. Hence both forms are considered in this review which aims to generate a more coherent approach to understanding, diagnosing and treating these conditions.

Thoracic Kyphosis is Now Uncommon Amongst Children and Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis.

Historically, thoracic kyphosis has been reported to be common amongst patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The mechanisms leading to the development of this abnormality of the chest wall are not fully understood. In order to explore the prevalence of the condition amongst children with CF in the early twenty-first century and to explore factors that might be contributing to its development, a retrospective cross sectional study was undertaken in a regional CF unit. Data were obtained from 74 children with CF aged 8-16 years attending for their annual review. Thoracic kyphosis was measured from lateral chest X-ray using an alternative Cobb method. Lung function, disease severity, and nutritional status were also recorded. Correlations between measures were explored using a multiple linear regression model. The range of Cobb angles measured was 5.4-44.3° with thoracic kyphosis identified in only two subjects. There was no correlation between age and thoracic kyphosis, however, there was a significant correlation between lung function and thoracic kyphosis (p = 0.004). Regression coefficient (b) was -0.26 (95% CI: -0.44, -0.08). The prevalence of thoracic kyphosis is significantly less amongst children with CF than previously reported. This appears likely to be associated with the overall improvements in pulmonary status. Studies of older populations may bring further understanding of increasing thoracic kyphosis in people with CF.

Assessment of hyperpolarized 3He lung MRI for regional evaluation of interventional therapy: a pilot study in pediatric cystic fibrosis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether regional changes in lung ventilation in a group of pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients following a course of chest physiotherapy could be detected with (3)He MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The reproducibility of lung ventilation volume measurements obtained with (3)He lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was established in a group of five children with CF age 6-15 years. The same methodology was then used to evaluate whether standard chest physiotherapy (percussion and drainage) had any immediate effect on regional ventilated lung volumes in a further group of nine age-matched CF children (5-15 years). RESULTS: Global lung ventilation volumes remained the same within the limits of sensitivity derived from the reproducibility study; however, regional lung ventilation was observed to change in most patients after therapy. CONCLUSION: (3)He MRI can be successfully used in children with CF, and has the sensitivity to detect regional quantitative changes in lung ventilation following chest physiotherapy.