Clinical utility of lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) in children: a retrospective single-center study
Key Points
To assess the clinical utility of lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) testing in children.
Retrospective analysis conducted at a single center.
Evaluated the quality standards of DLco tests and clinical outcomes.
Identified indications for DLco testing in pediatric populations.
High proportion of DLco tests in children failed quality standards.
Abnormal DLco results were rare and did not impact clinical management.
Suggests limited routine utility for DLco in pediatric populations.
Abstract
DLco testing in children is technically challenging, with a high proportion of tests failing quality standards. Abnormal results were rare and did not impact clinical management. These findings suggest limited routine utility for DLco in pediatric populations, underscoring the need for targeted indications and further prospective research.