Forced oscillation technique (FOT): a new tool for epidemiology of occupational lung diseases?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the forced oscillation technique (FOT) in the assessment of occupation-related airway changes. The forced oscillation technique and conventional lung function tests were applied in 80 underground coalface workers, aged 35-48 yrs, with chest roentgenogram films classified 0/1 or 1/0 according to the International Labour Office (ILO) classification (G group), and two control groups matched for age and smoking habits. The first control group, was made up of face-workers having normal chest radiographs, whilst the second comprised underground non-face-workers with normal chest radiographs. Spirometric, plethysmographic and transfer factor of the lungs for carbon monoxide single-breath (TL,CO,sb) indices revealed no significant differences between the three groups. As regards the forced oscillation technique, a higher value of resistance/frequency slope (Pa.L-1.s2) was found in the G group compared with the control groups; 2.11 vs 1.06 in the face-workers, and 1.58 in the underground workers. In all three groups, the forced oscillation technique indices (mean resistance (R), resistance at zero frequency (RO), resistance/frequency slope (S), and resonant frequency (fo)) were found to be higher in subjects having a decreased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (< or = 90% predicted) or a mildly obstructive pattern of ventilatory function, even though this did not reach statistical significance in each of the groups. These findings together with the feasibility and acceptability of the forced oscillation technique would suggest that it may be a suitable tool for epidemiological studies of occupational respiratory diseases.

[1]  K. P. Van de Woestijne,et al.  Total resistance and reactance in patients with respiratory complaints with and without airways obstruction. , 1983, Chest.

[2]  R Peslin,et al.  Respiratory transfer impedances with pressure input at the mouth and chest. , 1986, Journal of applied physiology.

[3]  Comparative value of respiratory input and transfer impedances in field studies. , 1987, Bulletin europeen de physiopathologie respiratoire.

[4]  Stephenie P. Joyner.  SAS/STAT guide for personal computers, version 6 edition , 1985 .

[5]  Density dependence of respiratory input impedance re-evaluated with a head generator minimizing upper airway shunt. , 1988, The European respiratory journal.

[6]  D. Navajas,et al.  Mesure de l'impedance thoraco-pulmonaire par oscillations forcees presentation d'un appareil , 1990 .

[7]  R. Pimmel,et al.  Detection of respiratory mechanical dysfunction by forced random noise impedance parameters. , 1979, The American review of respiratory disease.

[8]  E. Wouters.  Total respiratory impedance measurement by forced oscillations: a noninvasive method to assess bronchial response in occupational medicine. , 1990, Experimental lung research.

[9]  R. Peslin,et al.  Comparison of various methods for reading maximal expiratory flow-volume curves. , 2015, The American review of respiratory disease.

[10]  L. Brasseur,et al.  A modified measurement of respiratory resistance by forced oscillation during normal breathing. , 1975, Journal of applied physiology.

[11]  R. Peslin,et al.  Respiratory input and transfer impedances in children 9-13 years old. , 1987, Bulletin europeen de physiopathologie respiratoire.

[12]  G Grimby,et al.  Frequency dependence of flow resistance in patients with obstructive lung disease. , 1968, The Journal of clinical investigation.

[13]  K. P. Van de Woestijne,et al.  Normal values of total respiratory resistance and reactance determined by forced oscillations: influence of smoking. , 1982, Chest.

[14]  A. W. Brody,et al.  Oscillation mechanics of lungs and chest in man. , 1956, Journal of applied physiology.

[15]  Measurement of respiratory impedance by forced oscillation: comparison of the standard and head generator methods. , 1994, The European respiratory journal.

[16]  D. Speers,et al.  Frequency dependence of total respiratory resistance in early airway disease. , 2015, The American review of respiratory disease.

[17]  K. P. Van de Woestijne,et al.  Total respiratory resistance and reactance in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. , 1991, The American review of respiratory disease.

[18]  D. Nolte,et al.  Theoretical and Clinical Aspects of Impedance Measurements of the Respiratory System , 1979 .

[19]  B F Visser,et al.  Impedance measurements of the respiratory system before and after salbutamol in COPD patients. , 1989, Respiratory medicine.

[20]  D. Berger,et al.  Vergleichsmessungen des Atemwiderstandes mit der Oszillationsmethode und mit der Bodyplethysmographie , 1978 .

[21]  H. Lorino,et al.  Density and frequency dependence of resistance in early airway obstruction. , 1987, The American review of respiratory disease.

[22]  C. Metz.  Basic principles of ROC analysis. , 1978, Seminars in nuclear medicine.

[23]  E. Wouters,et al.  Forced expiratory flow and oscillometric impedance measurement in evaluating airway obstruction. , 1990, Respiratory medicine.