Association of Dyslipidemia and Respiratory Resistance Assessed by the Forced Oscillation Technique in Asthmatic Children

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the associations between dyslipidemia and pulmonary function parameters assessed by spirometry and the forced oscillation technique in asthmatic children. Methods Asthmatic children (5-18 years old) had fasting serum lipid profiles including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations, and C-reactive protein (CRP) measured. Pulmonary function tests were assessed by spirometry and the forced oscillation technique (FOT). Results One hundred forty-one asthmatic children were enrolled with a mean (SD) age of 11.82 (3.38) years. Eighty-eight (62.4%) children were boys, 64 (45.4%) had dyslipidemia, and 20 (14.2%) were obese. Among the children with dyslipidemia, a high LDL-C concentration (65.6%) was the most common form of dyslipidemia, followed by high TC (57.8%), high TG (35.9%), and low HDL-C concentrations (15.6%). Multivariable analysis showed significant associations between HDL-C concentrations and respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R-5) and respiratory resistance at 20 Hz (R-20), and TC concentrations were modestly associated with reactance at 5 Hz (X-5), the frequency of resonance (Fres), and the area of reactance (ALX). Asthmatic children who had high LDL-C concentrations had a significantly higher expiratory phase R-5, whole breath R-20, and expiratory phase R-20 than those in children with normal LDL-C concentrations. Conclusion This study suggests an association of blood cholesterol, especially HDL-C and LDL-C, and respiratory resistance measured by the FOT, irrespective of the obesity status. An intervention for improving LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations may be beneficial on lung function parameters in asthmatic children.

Automated summary

This study found an association between dyslipidemia and pulmonary function parameters in asthmatic children, especially with HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations and respiratory resistance.