Breath detection algorithms affect multiple-breath washout outcomes in pre-school and school age children

Background Accurate breath detection is essential for the computation of outcomes in the multiple-breath washout (MBW) technique. This is particularly important in young children, where irregular breathing is common, and the designation of inspirations and expirations can be challenging. Aim To investigate differences between a commercial and a novel breath-detection algorithm and to characterize effects on MBW outcomes in children. Methods We replicated the signal processing and algorithms used in Spiroware software (v3.3.1, Eco Medics AG). We developed a novel breath detection algorithm (custom) and compared it to Spiroware using 2,455 nitrogen (N₂) and 325 sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) trials collected in infants, children, and adolescents. Results In 83% of N₂ and 32% of SF₆ trials, the Spiroware breath detection algorithm rejected breaths and did not use them for the calculation of MBW outcomes. Our custom breath detection algorithm determines inspirations and expirations based on flow reversal and corresponding CO₂ elevations, and uses all breaths for data analysis. In trials with regular tidal breathing, there were no differences in outcomes between algorithms. However, in 10% of pre-school children tests the number of breaths detected differed by more than 10% and the commercial algorithm underestimated the lung clearance index by up to 21%. Conclusion Accurate breath detection is challenging in young children. As the MBW technique relies on the cumulative analysis of all washout breaths, the rejection of breaths should be limited. We provide an improved algorithm that accurately detects breaths based on both flow reversal and CO₂ concentration.