[Testing of lung physiology in infants].

We evaluate the clinical value of pulmonary function testing in infants. 194 infants were examined over a period of two years. Pulmonary function testing was found valuable in adjusting the ventilator to avoid overdistension of the lungs in the treatment of severe respiratory distress syndrome. In patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasi, forced expiratory flows were valuable in evaluating the degree of obstruction and for testing drug effects. Both systems used (Pulmonary Evaluation and Diagnostic System (PEDS) and Partial Forced Flow System (PUFFS)) were found to be user friendly.