Background: Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) may be associated with asthma. In the absence of a gold standard diagnosis for children, its impact on asthma has been rarely assessed.
Objective: To assess the impact of HVS on the symptoms and lung function of children with asthma and determine the diagnostic value of the Nijmegen questionnaire in comparison to a hyperventilation test (HVT).
Methods: Data from asthmatic children followed in the department of Pediatric Pulmonology of Necker Hospital and explored for HVS were retrospectively analyzed. HVS was diagnosed by a positive HVT. Asthma exacerbations, control and lung function were assessed in children with or without a positive HVT. The sensitivity and specificity of the Nijmegen questionnaire were determined relative to the positivity of a HVT. The Nijmegen questionnaire threshold was ≥23.
Results: Data from 112 asthmatic children, median age 13.9 years [11.6-16], were analyzed. Twenty-eight children (25%) had mild or moderate asthma and 84 (75%) severe asthma. The HVT was performed on 108 children and was negative for 34 (31.5%) and positive for 74 (68.5%). The number of asthma exacerbations in the past 12 months, Asthma Control Test (ACT) score, and lung function did not differ between children with a positive HVT and a negative HVT. The Nijmegen questionnaire was administered to 103 children. Its sensitivity was 56.3% and specificity 56.3%.
Conclusion: The symptoms and lung function of adolescents with asthma are not affected by the presence of HVS. The sensitivity and specificity of the Nijmegen questionnaire are low.
Keywords: Hyperventilation syndrome; children; hyperventilation test; severe asthma.