The pulmonary function test was performed using a Jaeger MS diffusion lung function device and aerosol activation system (Erich Jaeger GmbH, Germany), as described elsewhere for use when asthma is suspected.
Therefore a custom-made lung-function device that allows application of defined aerosol doses during measurement was developed.
The newly developed lung-function device, however, contains an aerosol generator combined with a computerized dose control system.
Therefore, we developed a custom-made lung-function device with simultaneous inhalation that allows application of defined aerosol doses during measurement.
Intubated animals were immediately connected to the lung-function device via a pneumotachometer linked to a pressure transducer (differential low-pressure transducer DLP 2.5, Hugo Sachs Elektronik, Harvard Apparatus) to determine tidal flow.
A tracheal cannula was inserted and connected to an integrated ventilation and lung function measurement device (Scireq flexiVent; EmkaTechnologies, Paris, France).
Each child was asked to complete three consecutive expiratory maneuvers in the morning and again in the evening on 14 consecutive days during each of the 11 seasonal measurement periods using a hand-held digital lung function monitoring device (AirWatch; iMetrikus Inc., Carlsbad, CA).
As common in long-term lung function studies, spirometry devices had to be updated with new software or replaced during follow-up.
In an effort to simplify and reduce terminology to a common denominator, Zwischenberger and Bartlett [ 46] proposed the term 'extracorporeal life support' (ECLS), to describe prolonged but temporary (1-30 daysupportoft of heart or lung function using mechanical devices.
For lung function assessment, identical spirometer devices (Sensormedics model 2200; Sensormedics, Yorba Linda, CA, USA) and protocols were used at both examinations (Ackermann-Liebrich et al. 2005).
