What question did this study set out to answer?

This review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of oscillometry in diagnosing asthma in children.

May 2, 2026

Oscillometry for the diagnosis of asthma in children: a systematic review.

Key Points

This review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of oscillometry in diagnosing asthma in children.
Systematic review of existing studies on oscillometry for asthma diagnosis in children and young people.
Evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of oscillometry thresholds established by the European Respiratory Society.
Assessment of bronchodilator response parameters using oscillometry.
Oscillometry thresholds showed a sensitivity of 73.6% (95% CI 71.9-75.3%) for detecting asthma in response to methacholine challenge testing (MCT).
Recommended ERS thresholds for bronchodilator response detection via oscillometry demonstrate low sensitivity.
Need for prospective validation of proposed oscillometry thresholds for better diagnostic accuracy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing asthma in children and young people (CYP) remains challenging. Oscillometry is a promising tool and is feasible from 2 years of age. European Respiratory Society (ERS) technical standards and bronchodilator response (BDR) oscillometry thresholds have been published, but diagnostic accuracy is not established. METHODS: ) or >80% decrease in the area under the reactance curve); secondary aims were to identify oscillometry threshold values optimising both sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: had sensitivity and specificity of 73.6% (95% CI 71.9-75.3%) for MCT. CONCLUSION: Currently recommended ERS thresholds for oscillometry BDR have low sensitivity. Proposed thresholds for defining positive BDR and MCT by oscillometry require prospective validation and adoption of standards for measuring and reporting oscillometry parameters in future diagnostic comparative studies.

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