Results

The data of pulmonary function are given in the Appendix, page 6. They were plotted against time for each child as exemplified in Fig. 2. It is evident from the diagrams that the pulmonary function dimensions deviated markedly from normal during attacks (predicted for each child on the basis of the relationship to height). Rapid changes towards normal level occurred during the days following attack. When the clinical status had stabilized the pulmonary function gradually attained stability and only minor changes with no particular trend could he detected. The same pattern was found in all children studied. In view of the multitude of data the material had to he treated by extensive statistical analyses. These analyses were performed cross-sectionally and longitudinally.