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Clinical and Molecular Allergy

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Exhaled nitric oxide and urinary EPX levels in infants: a pilot study

Authors: Fredrik Carlstedt, Dagmara Lazowska, Carl-Gustaf Bornehag, Anna-Carin Olin, Mikael Hasselgren

Published in: Clinical and Molecular Allergy | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Background

Objective markers of early airway inflammation in infants are not established but are of great interest in a scientific setting. Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and urinary eosinophilic protein X (uEPX) are a two such interesting markers.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of measuring FeNO and uEPX in infants and their mothers and to determine if any relations between these two variables and environmental factors can be seen in a small sample size. This was conducted as a pilot study for the ongoing Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and child Asthma and allergy study (SELMA).

Methods

Consecutive infants between two and six months old and their mothers at children's health care centres were invited, and 110 mother-infant pairs participated. FeNO and uEPX were analysed in both mothers and infants. FeNO was analyzed in the mothers online by the use of the handheld Niox Mino device and in the infants offline from exhaled air sampled during tidal breathing. A 33-question multiple-choice questionnaire that dealt with symptoms of allergic disease, heredity, and housing characteristics was used.

Results

FeNO levels were reduced in infants with a history of upper respiratory symptoms during the previous two weeks (p < 0.002). There was a trend towards higher FeNO levels in infants with windowpane condensation in the home (p < 0.05). There was no association between uEPX in the infants and the other studied variables.

Conclusion

The use of uEPX as a marker of early inflammation was not supported. FeNO levels in infants were associated to windowpane condensation. Measuring FeNO by the present method may be an interesting way of evaluating early airway inflammation. In a major population study, however, the method is difficult to use, for practical reasons.

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Title: Exhaled nitric oxide and urinary EPX levels in infants: a pilot study
Authors: Fredrik Carlstedt
Dagmara Lazowska
Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
Anna-Carin Olin
Mikael Hasselgren
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Clinical and Molecular Allergy / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1476-7961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-7961-9-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Exhaled nitric oxide and urinary EPX levels in infants: a pilot study

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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