Potential difference measurements in the lower airway of children with and without cystic fibrosis.

Nasal potential difference measurements are valuable endpoint assays in clinical studies of novel treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF). Similar measurements made on the lower airway via the bronchoscope have been successful in adults, but have not been reported in children, the group most likely to benefit from such therapies. Here we report the design and validation of a small, single-lumen catheter technique allowing baseline potential difference and chloride secretion to be assessed in the distal airways of children as young as 1 year of age.