TY - JOUR T1 - Determinants of baseline lung function and bronchodilator response in 4-year-old children JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J SP - 371 LP - 381 DO - 10.1183/09031936.00100813 VL - 44 IS - 2 AU - Sandra Dom AU - Joost J. Weyler AU - Jos H.J. Droste AU - Margo M. Hagendorens AU - Elke Dierckx AU - Chris H. Bridts AU - Wilfried De Backer AU - Ellie Oostveen Y1 - 2014/08/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/2/371.abstract N2 - The prolonged period required for maturation of the respiratory system makes it vulnerable to environmental exposure. This study aimed to investigate the association between early-life factors and lung function in preschool children. Children aged 4 years, who were included in a prospective birth cohort, underwent lung function testing at baseline (n=535) and after bronchodilation (n=498) by forced oscillations. Information on symptoms and exposures was collected through half-yearly questionnaires. Allergen-specific serum IgE was quantified at 1 and 4 years. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the baseline respiratory resistance and reactance area were larger in the children with previous wheeze, those with early-onset sensitisation to inhalant allergens and those who were smaller. Furthermore, children with previous lower respiratory tract infections exhibited higher baseline resistance values. The baseline resistance was the only independent determinant of the bronchodilator-induced change in resistance, whereas current height and baseline reactance area were independently associated with the change in reactance area. In conclusion, previous lower respiratory tract infections, the timing of previous wheeze, inhalant sensitisation and current height independently influence the baseline lung function of 4-year-old children, whereas baseline lung function is the principal determinant of the bronchodilator response. Height, LRTIs, wheeze and sensitisation to inhalant allergens are determinants of lung function in preschool children http://ow.ly/x6vlH ER -