Impulse oscillometry in the assessment of asthmatic children and adolescents: from a narrative to a systematic review.

Diagnosis and management of asthma often relies mostly on symptoms because spirometry is not always reliable in some age groups, such as preschoolers. It is unclear whether impulse oscillometry (IOS) can supplement or replace spirometry. Available reports suggest that IOS has been applied with success in asthmatic children and adolescents to assess exacerbations, level of control, severity and response to treatment in the short and long term. Very few studies using adequate sample sizes and methods have been performed comparing the accuracy of IOS to spirometry for the diagnosis of asthma. Our systematic review found only four studies that met the eligibility criteria. However, no meta-analysis was possible with the available data. Consequently, this review helps to identify research gaps involving IOS, highlighting opportunities for future studies.