The Abbreviated Methacholine Challenge Test is Safe for Children

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety of an abbreviated methacholine challenge test (MCT) protocol in children.

Study design: This prospective, observational study enrolled children aged 6 through 18 years referred for the MCT. The abbreviated protocol was initiated with a methacholine dose of 0.03 mg/ml and escalated in fourfold increments, unless the forced expiratory volume at 1 second decline exceeded 10%, at which point the next dose was only doubled. The safety of this abbreviated approach was assessed by monitoring adverse events, and specifically, decreases in forced expiratory volume at 1 second over 40%, hypoxemia, or uncontrollable cough. The number of methacholine doses and test duration were recorded and compared with estimated outcomes derived from the full-length MCT protocol.

Results: One hundred twelve participants, aged 13.7 years (±3.3), successfully completed the protocol. Fifty-seven (51%) presented a positive MCT response. No significant clinical adverse events were observed. Of all participants, 2.7% exhibited an exaggerated response, in line with previously reported findings for the full-length protocol. The abbreviated approach resulted in an estimated average time-savings of 18:19 minutes per participant, thus reducing test length by 22:47 minutes for a negative MCT and by 14:34 minutes for a positive outcome.

Conclusions: This abbreviated MCT protocol is safe for children and effectively shortens the duration of the MCT.

Keywords: abbreviated MCT protocol; bronchial hyperresponsiveness; forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV(1)); methacholine challenge test (MCT).