Novas perspectivas na avaliação da função pulmonar de lactentes

Objective: To review literature regarding lung function tests (LFT) in infants, their application and perspectives. Methods: English, Spanish and Portuguese articles were included, from PubMed, Embase, Scielo and Lilacs bases, dating from 1940 to 2008. Books, review articles, clinical trials and consensus were selected employing the following key-words: infant, lung function, tidal volume, forced expiratory fl ows, plethismography and respiratory mechanics. Results: Over the last years there has been a marked improvement in the development and standardization of LFT in infants. Th e most employed techniques are: tidal breathing parameters analysis, passive respiratory mechanics, lung volumes (plethismography or diff usion methods), forced expiratory fl ows (thoracoabdominal compression) either from tidal volume or from raised volume. Sedation is necessary in the majority of tests and Choral derivatives are most commonly used. Main contraindications of LFT in infants are upper airway obstruction, and heart and neurological diseases. Complications of the tests are extremely rare but trained personnel and available resuscitation equipment is recommended. Although mainly employed for research, LFT in infants already have defi ned clinical indications. Conclusion: LFT in infants can actually be considered a useful and feasible tool in the management and research of infants with lung diseases. Th e knowledge of LFT’s can be helpful for health professionals involved in infant care and for new perspectives in the evolution of respiratory therapy. Key-words: lung function test, infant, plethysmography, forced