[Advances in the study of infant lung function: forced expiratory maneuvers from an increased lung volume].

Forced expiratory maneuvers from an increased lung volume in infants date from 1989 and consist of raising the inspiratory volume by applying a specific inflation pressure until a level close to the total lung capacity is reached. The chest and abdomen are then compressed by means of an inflatable jacket in order to obtain a forced expiratory flow-volume curve similar to that obtained for an adult. Forced expiration from an increased lung volume in infants is useful, just as the maneuver is in older patients, for studying airway function, diagnosing obstructive diseases early, and assessing response to treatment. The objective of this review is to provide information on the physiological bases and technical aspects of a lung function test that has proven highly useful for the study of the airways of healthy infants as well as those with respiratory diseases.