Measures of Respiratory Health

Functional abnormalities associated with lung disease such as cystic fibrosis (CF) occur in early childhood, but have historically gone undetected until the onset of clinical symptoms, at which point irreversible lung damage may have already occurred (1-3). Consequently, over the last ten years the focus of clinical care has shifted to early intervention and prevention of these structural changes. To facilitate early intervention there is a pressing need for surrogate markers of early obstructive lung disease that are also sensitive enough to detect treatment effects (4).

The Lung Clearance Index (LCI) is a promising marker for detecting early lung disease. The LCI is measured by multiple breath washout (MBW) and is an indicator of ventilation inhomogeneity. MBW is performed during quiet tidal breathing and requires minimal effort from patients. It is feasible in all age groups when adaptions are made for younger children.

While there are Health Canada licensed washout systems available that can determine LCI; these devices have not been adequately validated; thus their use in routine lung function testing is controversial. As part of an international effort to validate multiple breath washout testing to measure LCI, the specific device is licensed in Europe, but as of yet is not Health Canada approved. Thus, testing with this device is considered research. This study will utilize technology to assess lung function in patients undergoing routine lung function testing for clinical indications. In addition, healthy controls of different ages will be asked to perform this lung function test to gain reference data that can be used to interpret LCI in patients with lung disease.