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Published in: European Journal of Medical Research 4/2009

01-12-2009 | Research

Factors attributable to the level of exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic children

Authors: P Banovcin, M Jesenak, Z Michnova, E Babusikova, S Nosal, J Mikler, J Fabry, M Barreto

Published in: European Journal of Medical Research | Special Issue 4/2009

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Abstract

Background

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with variable symptoms especially in children. Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has proved to be a marker of inflammation in the airways and has become a substantial part of clinical management of asthmatic children due to its potential to predict possible exacerbation and adjust the dose of inhalant corticosteroids.

Objectives

We analyzed potential factors that contribute to the variability of nitric oxide in various clinical and laboratory conditions.

Materials and methods

Study population consisted of 222 asthmatic children and 27 healthy control subjects. All children underwent a panel of tests: fractioned exhaled nitric oxide, exhaled carbon monoxide, asthma control test scoring, blood sampling, skin prick tests, and basic spirometry.

Results

FeNO and other investigated parameters widely changed according to clinical or laboratory characteristics of the tested children. Asthmatics showed increased levels of FeNO, exhaled carbon monoxide, total serum IgE, and higher eosinophilia. Boys had higher FeNO levels than girls. We found a significant positive correlation between FeNO levels and the percentage of blood eosinophils, %predicted of forced vital capacity, total serum IgE levels, and increasing age.

Conclusions

Various phenotypes of children's asthma are characterized by specific pattern of the results of clinical and laboratory tests. FeNO correlates with total serum IgE, blood eosinophilia, age, and some spirometric parameters with different strength. Therefore, the coexistence of atopy, concomitant allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, and some other parameters should be considered in critical evaluation of FeNO in the management of asthmatic children.
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Metadata
Title
Factors attributable to the level of exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic children
Authors
P Banovcin
M Jesenak
Z Michnova
E Babusikova
S Nosal
J Mikler
J Fabry
M Barreto
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
European Journal of Medical Research / Issue Special Issue 4/2009
Electronic ISSN: 2047-783X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-783X-14-S4-9

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