Panel discussion: Lung function in epidemiological studies from infancy to childhood with focus on urban environment

Lung function is a frequently used outcome in epidemiological studies as it is a relatively easy to assess indicator of respiratory health in healthy as well as in diseased populations, using traditional methods such as spirometry. The use of infant lung function measurements has allowed researchers and clinicians to evaluate respiratory health already from birth and throughout the lung growth period and identify impairment early on. Environmental factors are often implicated as part of the complex mechanisms that may lead to lung function impairment and they have been studied in population-based and clinical cohort studies. However, we still have much to learn about the effect of air pollution and other environmental factors on the early stages of development and during the lung growth period.

This webinar will provide an update on current literature on the topic and will discuss first-hand experiences from utilising spirometry and infant lung function measurements in cohort studies. It is linked to the topic of “Determinants of lung function trajectories from infancy to adulthood”, which was one of the topics identified as main priorities for the next ERS Congress by the members of Assembly 7.

Educational aims

• To give an overview of how environmental factors including air pollution and residential green space may affect lung function throughout childhood
• To highlight the value of lung function measurements, including infant lung function, in epidemiological research
• To discuss experiences and practical knowledge of researchers, including ECMs, from epidemiological studies that utilise lung function as an outcome measure

Topics

• Measuring infant lung function in research (Philipp Latzin)
• Infant lung function in epidemiological research- the impact of air pollution (Fabienne Decrue)
• The impact of greenspaces on lung function throughout childhood (Elaine Fuertes)
• Spirometry as an outcome measure in epidemiological studies- experiences of an ECM (Alicia Abellan)

Format

Two state of the art presentations and two ECMs input presentations followed by panel discussion, with Dr. Myrofora Goutaki and Dr. Maribel Casas as moderators.

Learning outcomes

Following this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Have an overview on how environmental factors could affect lung function of children, from birth to late childhood
• Understand the value of infant and paediatric lung function as an outcome measure in cohort studies
• Evaluate epidemiological studies assessing the impact of environmental factors on paediatric lung function.

CME credit

An application for accreditation of this webinar has been made to the European Board for Accreditation in Pneumology (EBAP) for 1 CME credit per 1-hour attendance. If accredited, the CME credit will be granted upon attendance of at least 60 minutes during the live webinar only.

What is a webinar?

A webinar closely simulates a lecture-based teaching experience. The speaker can interact with the audience, just as in a classroom setting. During the webinar, you will be asked to share your opinion on issues related to the topic using interactive polls.

All participants will be able to hear the lecturer and see the slides throughout the presentation. As a participant you will be able to pose questions or discuss ideas with the other participants via the text chat facility and the speaker will respond to the questions via the microphone.

Login guidelines

More information will be communicated in due course.

• Please log in to the webinar 20 minutes before it is scheduled to commence. If you have any technical difficulties whilst trying to log in or during the session please contact e-learning@ersnet.org.
• Check Central European Time.
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