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Using FeNO Measurement in Clinical Asthma Management. Chest 2021; 161:906-917. [PMID: 34673021 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a common and heterogeneous disease, characterised by lower airway inflammation and airflow limitation. Critical factors in asthma management include establishing an accurate diagnosis and ensuring appropriate selection and dosage of anti-inflammatory therapies. The majority of asthma patients exhibit type 2 (T2) inflammation, with increased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 signalling, often with associated eosinophilia. Identifying lower airway eosinophilia with sputum induction improves asthma outcomes, but is time consuming and costly. Increased T2-inflammation leads to upregulation of nitric oxide (NO) release into the airway, with increasing fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) reflecting greater T2-inflammation. FeNO can be easily and quickly measured in the clinic, offering a point of care surrogate measure of the degree of lower airway inflammation. FeNO testing can be used to help confirm an asthma diagnosis, to guide inhaled corticosteroid therapy, to assess adherence to treatment, and to aid selection of appropriate biologic therapy. However, FeNO levels may also be influenced by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors other than asthma, including nasal polyposis and cigarette smoking, and must be interpreted in the broader clinical context rather than viewed in isolation. This review discusses the clinical application of FeNO measurement in asthma care, from diagnosis to treatment selection, and describes its place in current international expert guidelines.
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Wang W, Liu QB, Jing W. Astragalus membranaceus improves therapeutic efficacy of asthmatic children by regulating the balance of Treg/Th17 cells. Chin J Nat Med 2019; 17:252-263. [PMID: 31076129 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(19)30029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus may be a potential therapy for childhood asthma but its driving mechanism remains elusive. The main components of A. membranaceus were identified by HPLC. The children with asthma remission were divided into two combination group (control group, the combination of budesonide and terbutaline) and A. membranaceus group (treatment group, the combination of budesonide, terbutaline and A. membranaceus). The therapeutic results were compared between two groups after 3-month therapy. Porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from venous blood by using density gradient centrifugation on percoll. The levels of FoxP3, EGF-β, IL-17 and IL-23 from PBMCs and serum IgE were measured. The relative percentage of Treg/Th17 cells was determined using flow cytometry. The main components of A. membranaceus were calycosin-7-O-glucoside, isoquercitrin, ononin, calycosin, quercetin, genistein, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and formononetin, all of which may contribute to asthma therapy. Lung function was significantly improved in the treatment group when compared with a control group (P < 0.05). The efficacy in preventing the occurrence of childhood asthma was higher in the treatment group than the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of IgE, IL-17 and IL-23 were reduced significantly in the treatment group when compared with the control group, while the levels of FoxP3 and TGF-β were increased in the treatment group when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). A. membranaceus increased the percentage of Treg cells and reduced the percentage of Th17 cells. A. membranaceus is potential natural product for improving the therapeutic efficacy of combination therapy of budesonide and terbutaline for the children with asthma remission by modulating the balance of Treg/Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Pediatric, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qing-Bin Liu
- Department of Pediatric, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wei Jing
- Department of Pediatric, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
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Dharmage SC, Perret JL, Custovic A. Epidemiology of Asthma in Children and Adults. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:246. [PMID: 31275909 PMCID: PMC6591438 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 555] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a globally significant non-communicable disease with major public health consequences for both children and adults, including high morbidity, and mortality in severe cases. We have summarized the evidence on asthma trends, environmental determinants, and long-term impacts while comparing these epidemiological features across childhood asthma and adult asthma. While asthma incidence and prevalence are higher in children, morbidity, and mortality are higher in adults. Childhood asthma is more common in boys while adult asthma is more common in women, and the reversal of this sex difference in prevalence occurs around puberty suggesting sex hormones may play a role in the etiology of asthma. The global epidemic of asthma that has been observed in both children and adults is still continuing, especially in low to middle income countries, although it has subsided in some developed countries. As a heterogeneous disease, distinct asthma phenotypes, and endotypes need to be adequately characterized to develop more accurate and meaningful definitions for use in research and clinical settings. This may be facilitated by new clustering techniques such as latent class analysis, and computational phenotyping methods are being developed to retrieve information from electronic health records using natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to assist in the early diagnosis of asthma. While some important environmental determinants that trigger asthma are well-established, more work is needed to define the role of environmental exposures in the development of asthma in both children and adults. There is increasing evidence that investigation into possible gene-by-environment and environment-by-environment interactions may help to better uncover the determinants of asthma. Therefore, there is an urgent need to further investigate the interrelationship between environmental and genetic determinants to identify high risk groups and key modifiable exposures. For children, asthma may impair airway development and reduce maximally attained lung function, and these lung function deficits may persist into adulthood without additional progressive loss. Adult asthma may accelerate lung function decline and increase the risk of fixed airflow obstruction, with the effect of early onset asthma being greater than late onset asthma. Therefore, in managing asthma, our focus going forward should be firmly on improving not only short-term symptoms, but also the long-term respiratory and other health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adnan Custovic
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Calciano L, Portas L, Corsico AG, Olivieri M, Degan P, Ferrari M, Fois A, Pasini AMF, Pasini A, Zanolin ME, de Marco R, Accordini S. Biomarkers related to respiratory symptoms and lung function in adults with asthma. J Breath Res 2018; 12:026012. [PMID: 29167414 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/aa9c86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for easily measurable biomarkers that are able to identify different levels of asthma severity. AIM To assess the association between peripheral blood cell counts, fractional nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO), urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 8-isoprostane), and asthma severity in adult patients from the general population. METHODS In the Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases study, 287 subjects with asthma (aged 20-64) were identified from the general population in Verona (Italy) (2008-2010). Self-reported asthma attacks, asthma-like symptoms and the use of hospital services in the past year were synthesized in a score of respiratory symptoms (SRS). The association of biomarkers with SRS and lung function measures (pre-bronchodilator FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC) was assessed using quasi-Poisson and Gaussian regression models, respectively. RESULTS Eosinophils (ratio of expected scores: RES[95%CI] = 1.19[1.09,1.30]), basophils (RES[95%CI] = 1.24[1.10,1.40]), lymphocytes (RES[95%CI] = 1.27[1.12,1.45]) and FeNO (RES[95%CI] = 1.18[1.02,1.37]) were positively associated with SRS. However, only eosinophils (RES[95%CI] = 1.15[1.02,1.30]) and lymphocytes (RES[95%CI] = 1.25[1.06,1.47]) showed an independent association. Furthermore, eosinophils (change in the expected outcome for 1-SD increase: CEO[95%CI] = -1.18[-2.09, -0.27]%), basophils (CEO[95%CI] = -1.24[-2.16, -0.33]%) and lymphocytes (CEO[95%CI] = -1.07[-1.99, -0.14]%) were individually, but not independently, associated with FEV1/FVC. Finally, neutrophils were negatively associated with FEV1% predicted (CEO[95%CI] = -2.22[-4.00, -0.44]%). CONCLUSIONS We identified a pattern of association between a set of biomarkers and asthma endotypes in adult patients from the general population, which could improve understanding of the heterogeneity and severity of the disease and could be useful in defining targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Calciano
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Pavord ID, Beasley R, Agusti A, Anderson GP, Bel E, Brusselle G, Cullinan P, Custovic A, Ducharme FM, Fahy JV, Frey U, Gibson P, Heaney LG, Holt PG, Humbert M, Lloyd CM, Marks G, Martinez FD, Sly PD, von Mutius E, Wenzel S, Zar HJ, Bush A. After asthma: redefining airways diseases. Lancet 2018; 391:350-400. [PMID: 28911920 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)30879-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 671] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Pavord
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, UK.
| | - Richard Beasley
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alvar Agusti
- Respiratory Institute, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gary P Anderson
- Lung Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Bel
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Guy Brusselle
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Departments of Epidemiology and Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul Cullinan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | - Francine M Ducharme
- Departments of Paediatrics and Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - John V Fahy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Urs Frey
- University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Gibson
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Liam G Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Patrick G Holt
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marc Humbert
- L'Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France; Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Paris, France; INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Paris, France
| | - Clare M Lloyd
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Guy Marks
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fernando D Martinez
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, The University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Peter D Sly
- Department of Children's Health and Environment, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Children's Health Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Erika von Mutius
- Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Sally Wenzel
- University of Pittsburgh Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross Children's Hospital and Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andy Bush
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College, London, UK; Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
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Thorhallsdottir AK, Gislason D, Malinovschi A, Clausen M, Gislason T, Janson C, Benediktsdottir B. Exhaled nitric oxide in a middle-aged Icelandic population cohort. J Breath Res 2016; 10:046015. [PMID: 27902492 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/10/4/046015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of atopy and asthma is relatively low in Iceland. The purpose of this study was to describe exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in the general population in correlation with demographic characteristics, smoking status, asthma, rhinitis, atopic status and lung function tests. Altogether 403 subjects, from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) III who answered the main questionnaire and were checked by FeNO measurements, lung function testing, skin prick testing and measurement of total IgE and specific IgE were included. The geometric mean (95% CI) of FeNO was 16.2 ppb (15.2-17.1) and the prevalence of higher FeNO (⩾25 ppb) was 19.5% in the random sample. Subjects with higher FeNO levels were less likely to be current smokers and more likely to have asthma and rhinitis. Having higher FeNO values was also associated with higher total IgE, having specific IgE to at least one allergen and being skin prick test positive. Current smokers had significantly lower levels of FeNO, geometric mean (95% CI) 9.6 ppb (8.4-11.0), than ex-smokers 18.2 ppb (16.6-20.0) and never smokers 17.3 ppb (16.1-18.5). In multivariable models, having asthma (OR (95% CI) 2.10 (1.20-3.67)), having a specific IgE (OR 2.30 (1.25-4.23)) and being skin prick test positive (OR 2.06 (1.18-3.60)) were independently positively associated with a higher FeNO (⩾25) whereas current smoking was independently negatively associated with a higher FeNO (OR 0.19 (0.06-0.63)). Higher levels of FeNO (⩾25 ppb) were found in one out of five Icelanders; FeNO was positively associated with asthma and allergy and negatively with smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kristin Thorhallsdottir
- Primary Health Care Centre, Gardabaer, Iceland. Department of Respiratory Medicine and Sleep, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed. Primary Health Care Centre, Gardabaer, Iceland
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Marsden PA, Satia I, Ibrahim B, Woodcock A, Yates L, Donnelly I, Jolly L, Thomson NC, Fowler SJ, Smith JA. Objective Cough Frequency, Airway Inflammation, and Disease Control in Asthma. Chest 2016; 149:1460-6. [PMID: 26973014 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2016.02.676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cough is recognized as an important troublesome symptom in the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma. Asthma control is thought to be determined by the degree of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness but how these factors relate to cough frequency is unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationships between objective cough frequency, disease control, airflow obstruction, and airway inflammation in asthma. METHODS Participants with asthma underwent 24-h ambulatory cough monitoring and assessment of exhaled nitric oxide, spirometry, methacholine challenge, and sputum induction (cell counts and inflammatory mediator levels). Asthma control was assessed by using the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ). The number of cough sounds was manually counted and expressed as coughs per hour (c/h). RESULTS Eighty-nine subjects with asthma (mean ± SD age, 57 ± 12 years; 57% female) were recruited. According to GINA criteria, 18 (20.2%) patients were classified as controlled, 39 (43.8%) partly controlled, and 32 (36%) uncontrolled; the median ACQ score was 1 (range, 0.0-4.4). The 6-item ACQ correlated with 24-h cough frequency (r = 0.40; P < .001), and patients with uncontrolled asthma (per GINA criteria) had higher median 24-h cough frequency (4.2 c/h; range, 0.3-27.6) compared with partially controlled asthma (1.8 c/h; range, 0.2-25.3; P = .01) and controlled asthma (1.7 c/h; range, 0.3-6.7; P = .002). Measures of airway inflammation were not significantly different between GINA categories and were not correlated with ACQ. In multivariate analyses, increasing cough frequency and worsening FEV1 independently predicted measures of asthma control. CONCLUSIONS Ambulatory cough frequency monitoring provides an objective assessment of asthma symptoms that correlates with standard measures of asthma control but not airflow obstruction or airway inflammation. Moreover, cough frequency and airflow obstruction represent independent dimensions of asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Marsden
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England; University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England; Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, England
| | - Imran Satia
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England; University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England
| | - Baharudin Ibrahim
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ashley Woodcock
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England; University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England
| | - Lucy Yates
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England
| | - Iona Donnelly
- Institute of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Lisa Jolly
- Institute of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Neil C Thomson
- Institute of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Stephen J Fowler
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England; Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, England
| | - Jaclyn A Smith
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England; University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England.
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Custovic A. To what extent is allergen exposure a risk factor for the development of allergic disease? Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:54-62. [PMID: 25381695 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The role of allergen exposure in the development of allergic disease has been a matter of considerable debate, and our understanding of the importance of allergens has evolved over the last 25 years. Several observational and primary prevention studies have investigated these relationships, and different studies reported inconsistent, and sometimes opposite findings. It has to be emphasized that a clear understanding of how aeroallergen exposure occurs, and accurate and reproducible measurement of exposure are essential prerequisites for understanding the role of exposure. However, our current understanding of how we get exposed to allergens is not based on solid evidence, but on a number of assumptions, and we urgently need to develop better proxy measures (or indices) of exposure. In addition, the relative importance of the timing of exposure (e.g. early compared to exposure in later life) is unknown. It is also unclear which route of exposure is the most relevant (e.g. inhaled vs. oral vs. transcutaneous). Available data suggest that the dose-response relationship between allergen exposure and allergic disease may differ between different allergens, dose ranges and exposure patterns, and these relationships may further differ between different populations and geographical areas. It is increasingly clear that childhood asthma and atopy are not single phenotypes, and it is likely that allergen exposure has different effect on distinct subgroups under the umbrella terms of 'sensitization' and 'asthma'. Susceptibility to allergen exposure, other environmental exposures and their interactions may also differ between individuals with different genetic predispositions. However, the precise nature of these complex relationships is unclear. We need a holistic approach offered by systems biology, with integration of information on the standardized and reliable measures of exposures (including allergens and other relevant exposures) with genetic and biological data to fully understand the role of allergens in the development of allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Custovic
- Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester & University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Walters GI, Moore VC, McGrath EE, Burge S. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide in the interpretation of specific inhalational challenge tests for occupational asthma. Lung 2014; 192:119-24. [PMID: 24232978 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-013-9531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurements are recommended for the assessment of eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma. Clinically relevant increases in FENO have been reported 24 h after positive specific inhalational challenge (SIC) tests in occupational asthma. We aimed to determine whether positive SICs could be discriminated from control tests, on the basis of change in FENO. METHODS We reviewed all positive SICs to a variety of agents performed at our institution 2008-2012 and gathered data on age, sex, asthmatic response (immediate/dual/late), smoking status, inhaled corticosteroid usage, and FENO pre- and 24-h postcontrol and positive SIC from each worker. Changes in FENO after positive SICs were compared with control SICs from each worker, by using paired Student's t tests. RESULTS In 16 workers, negative control challenges were associated with mean changes in FENO of 9 % (95 % CI -1.14 to 19.01) or 1.1 ppb (95 % CI -3.59 to 5.84); 2 of 16 (13 %) workers tested showed increases in FENO that were clinically relevant based on recent guidelines. Subsequent positive SICs were associated with mean changes in FENO of 7 % (95 % CI −15.73 to 29.6) or 2.1 ppb (95 % CI -6.07 to 10.19), which were not significantly different to controls; only 2 of 16 (13 %) workers had FENO changes that were clinically relevant. CONCLUSIONS FENO changes above the upper confidence limits of ≥20 % or ≥6 ppb may be considered to be outside the range of normality. However, the majority of workers who had clearly positive SICs to common low molecular weight agents also had no statistically or clinically relevant increase in FENO. Therefore, change in FENO does not predict a positive SIC in this group.
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Smith NLD, Bromley MJ, Denning DW, Simpson A, Bowyer P. Elevated levels of the neutrophil chemoattractant pro-platelet basic protein in macrophages from individuals with chronic and allergic aspergillosis. J Infect Dis 2014; 211:651-60. [PMID: 25193981 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus fumigatus causes chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in overtly immunocompetent and atopic individuals, respectively. Disease mechanisms are poorly understood but may be related to increased neutrophil presence and activation. Pro-platelet basic protein (PPBP) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and activator whose expression is repressed by interleukin 10 (IL-10). METHODS PPBP expression by monocyte-derived macrophages from patients with ABPA or CCPA and asthmatic and healthy controls (10 individuals per group) was analyzed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. PPBP and IL-10 protein levels in cell culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two PPBP single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 638 individuals. The gene was resequenced in 20 individuals. RESULTS PPBP expression and protein levels were significantly increased in the ABPA (19.7-fold) and CCPA (27.7-fold) groups, compared with the control groups. PPBP SNPs were not associated with disease. IL-10 protein levels were significantly lower in the ABPA and CCPA groups, compared with the healthy group, suggesting that differences in PPBP levels may result from regulatory mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a role for increased PPBP expression in ABPA and CCPA. Repression of PPBP expression may benefit some patients. Increased PPBP expression in ABPA and CCPA may be useful as a future diagnostic tool or possible target for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola L D Smith
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group Manchester Academic Health Science Centre National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group Manchester Academic Health Science Centre National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, United Kingdom
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group Respiratory and Allergy Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Science, University of Manchester Manchester Academic Health Science Centre National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Simpson
- Respiratory and Allergy Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Science, University of Manchester Manchester Academic Health Science Centre National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group Manchester Academic Health Science Centre National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, United Kingdom
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Prosperi MC, Marinho S, Simpson A, Custovic A, Buchan IE. Predicting phenotypes of asthma and eczema with machine learning. BMC Med Genomics 2014; 7 Suppl 1:S7. [PMID: 25077568 PMCID: PMC4101570 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-7-s1-s7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is increasing recognition that asthma and eczema are heterogeneous diseases. We investigated the predictive ability of a spectrum of machine learning methods to disambiguate clinical sub-groups of asthma, wheeze and eczema, using a large heterogeneous set of attributes in an unselected population. The aim was to identify to what extent such heterogeneous information can be combined to reveal specific clinical manifestations. Methods The study population comprised a cross-sectional sample of adults, and included representatives of the general population enriched by subjects with asthma. Linear and non-linear machine learning methods, from logistic regression to random forests, were fit on a large attribute set including demographic, clinical and laboratory features, genetic profiles and environmental exposures. Outcome of interest were asthma, wheeze and eczema encoded by different operational definitions. Model validation was performed via bootstrapping. Results The study population included 554 adults, 42% male, 38% previous or current smokers. Proportion of asthma, wheeze, and eczema diagnoses was 16.7%, 12.3%, and 21.7%, respectively. Models were fit on 223 non-genetic variables plus 215 single nucleotide polymorphisms. In general, non-linear models achieved higher sensitivity and specificity than other methods, especially for asthma and wheeze, less for eczema, with areas under receiver operating characteristic curve of 84%, 76% and 64%, respectively. Our findings confirm that allergen sensitisation and lung function characterise asthma better in combination than separately. The predictive ability of genetic markers alone is limited. For eczema, new predictors such as bio-impedance were discovered. Conclusions More usefully-complex modelling is the key to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and personalised healthcare: further advances are likely with the incorporation of more factors/attributes and longitudinal measures.
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Sposato B, Scalese M, Migliorini MG, Di Tomassi M, Scala R. Small airway impairment and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma onset. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2014; 6:242-51. [PMID: 24843800 PMCID: PMC4021243 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2014.6.3.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Our study tried to find a relationship between baseline FEF25-75% and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and whether a greater FEF25-75% impairment may be a marker of a more severe hyperresponsiveness in subjects with normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC and suggestive asthma symptoms. Besides, we tried to asses a FEF25-75% cut-off value to identify hyper-reactive subjects. Methods 4,172 subjects (2,042 M; mean age: 38.3±14.9; mean FEV1 % predicted: 100.5±12.7 and FEV1/FVC: 85.4±6.8) were examined after performing a methacholine (Mch) test. All subjects reported a symptom onset within 3 years before the test. Subjects with PD20<400 or >400 µg were arbitrarily considered affected by moderate/severe and borderline AHR, respectively. Results PD20 values were 213 (IQR:86-557), 340 (IQR:157-872) and 433 (IQR:196-1032) µg in subjects with baseline FEF25-75≤50%, FEF25-75 between 50 and 70% and FEF25-75>70% respectively (P<0.0001). Only in moderate/severe hyper-reactive subjects (excluded borderlines), PD20 was lower in the FEF25-75≤50% subgroup than in the 1 with FEF25-75>70%. The hyperreactive subjects percentage, was higher in those with FEF25-75≤50% and lower in those with FEF25-75>70% (P<0.0001). FEF25-75<50% (compared to FEF25-75>70%) was a higher AHR risk factor, especially in subjects with moderate/severe AHR (OR: 2.18 [IQR:1.41-3.37]; P<0.0001). Thresholds yielding the highest combined sensitivity/specificity for FEF25-75% were 75.19 (area under curve [AUC]: 0.653) and 74.95 (AUC:0.688) in subjects with PD20<2,400 and <400 µg respectively. FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC measured in subjects with different FEF25-75≤50%, FEF25-75>50 and ≤70% or FEF25-75>70% levels were similar both in normoreactive and hyperreactive subjects. Conclusions At asthma onset, reduced baseline FEF25-75 values with normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC may predict AHR. Detectable predictive cut-off values do not exist because even normoreactive subjects can show lower FEF25-75 values. Furthermore, a greater FEF25-75 reduction may be associated to a more severe AHR, suggesting a possible FEF25-75 role in the management of asthma when FEV1 and FEV1/FVC are normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sposato
- Unit of Pneumology, "Misericordia" Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Marco Scalese
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Raffaele Scala
- Unit of Pneumology and UTIP, "S.Donato" Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
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Price D, Ryan D, Burden A, Von Ziegenweidt J, Gould S, Freeman D, Gruffydd-Jones K, Copland A, Godley C, Chisholm A, Thomas M. Using fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to diagnose steroid-responsive disease and guide asthma management in routine care. Clin Transl Allergy 2013; 3:37. [PMID: 24195942 PMCID: PMC3826517 DOI: 10.1186/2045-7022-3-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a surrogate marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and good predictor of corticosteroid response. AIM To evaluate how FeNO is being used to guide primary care asthma management in the United Kingdom (UK) with a view to devising practical algorithms for the use of FeNO in the diagnosis of steroid-responsive disease and to guide on-going asthma management. METHODS Eligible patients (n = 678) were those in the Optimum Patient Care Research Database (OPCRD) aged 4-80 years who, at an index date, had their first FeNO assessment via NIOX MINO® or Flex®. Eligible practices were those using FeNO measurement in at least ten patients during the study period. Patients were characterized over a one-year baseline period immediately before the index date. Outcomes were evaluated in the year immediately following index date for two patient cohorts: (i) those in whom FeNO measurement was being used to identify steroid-responsive disease and (ii) those in whom FeNO monitoring was being used to guide on-going asthma management. Outcomes for cohort (i) were incidence of new ICS initiation at, or within the one-month following, their first FeNO measurement, and ICS dose during the outcome year. Outcomes for cohort (ii) were adherence, change in adherence (from baseline) and ICS dose. OUTCOMES In cohort (i) (n = 304) the higher the FeNO category, the higher the percentage of patients that initiated ICS at, or in the one month immediately following, their first FeNO measurement: 82%, 46% and 26% of patients with high, intermediate and low FeNO, respectively. In cohort (ii) (n = 374) high FeNO levels were associated with poorer baseline adherence (p = 0.005) but greater improvement in adherence in the outcome year (p = 0.017). Across both cohorts, patients with high FeNO levels were associated with significantly higher ICS dosing (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In the UK, FeNO is being used in primary practice to guide ICS initiation and dosing decisions and to identify poor ICS adherence. Simple algorithms to guide clinicians in the practical use of FeNO could improved diagnostic accuracy and better tailored asthma regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Price
- Research in Real Life, Cambridge, UK
- Respiratory Effectiveness Group, Cambridge, UK
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Dermot Ryan
- Woodbrook Medical Centre, Loughborough and Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | | | - Daryl Freeman
- Mundesley Medical Practice and Norfolk Community Health & Care, Norfolk, UK
| | - Kevin Gruffydd-Jones
- Box Surgery, Wiltshire; Respiratory Lead, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, and Honorary Lecturer, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mike Thomas
- Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Sposato B, Scalese M, Migliorini MG, Riccardi MP, Balducci MT, Petruzzelli L, Scala R. Obesity can influence children's and adolescents' airway hyperresponsiveness differently. Multidiscip Respir Med 2013; 8:60. [PMID: 24028436 PMCID: PMC3844670 DOI: 10.1186/2049-6958-8-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature is still arguing about a possible relationship between airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and body mass index (BMI). This study aimed at evaluating the influence of BMI on AHR and pulmonary function in children and adolescents that performed a methacholine test for suggestive asthma symptoms. METHODS 799 consecutive children/adolescents (535 M; mean age: 15 ± 3 yrs; median FEV1% predicted: 101.94% [93.46-111.95] and FEV1/FVC predicted: 91.07 [86.17-95.38]), were considered and divided into underweight, normal, overweight and obese. Different AHR levels were considered as moderate/severe (PD20 ≤ 400 μg) and borderline (PD20 > 400 μg). RESULTS 536 children/adolescents resulted hyperreactive with a median PD20 of 366 μg [IQR:168-1010.5]; 317 patients were affected by moderate/severe AHR, whereas 219 showed borderline hyperresponsiveness. Obese subjects aged > 13 years showed a lower (p = 0.026) median PD20 (187μg [IQR:110-519]) compared to overweight (377 μg [IQR:204-774]) and normal-weight individuals' values (370.5 μg [IQR:189-877]). On the contrary, median PD20 observed in obese children aged ≤ 13 years (761 μg [IQR:731-1212]) was higher (p = 0.052) compared to normal-weight children's PD20 (193 μg [IQR:81-542]) and to obese adolescents' values (aged > 13 years) (p = 0.019). Obesity was a significant AHR risk factor (OR:2.853[1.037-7.855]; p = 0.042) in moderate/severe AHR adolescents. Females showed a higher AHR risk (OR:1.696[1.046-2.751] p = 0.032) compared to males. A significant relationship was found between BMI and functional parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC) only in hyperreactive females. CONCLUSIONS Obesity seems to influence AHR negatively in female but not in male adolescents and children. In fact, AHR is higher in obese teenagers, in particular in those with moderate/severe hyperresponsiveness, and may be mediated by obesity-associated changes in baseline lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sposato
- Unit of Pneumology, Azienda Ospedaliera, "Misericordia" Hospital, Via Senese 161, 58100, Grosseto, Italy.
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Ibrahim B, Marsden P, Smith JA, Custovic A, Nilsson M, Fowler SJ. Breath metabolomic profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in asthma. Allergy 2013; 68:1050-6. [PMID: 23888905 DOI: 10.1111/all.12211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolomic profiling of exhaled breath condensate offers opportunities for the development of noninvasive diagnostics in asthma. We aimed to determine and validate discriminatory metabolomic profiles in adult asthma and to explore profiles in clinically relevant disease phenotypes. METHODS Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to analyse breath condensate samples from 82 subjects with asthma and 35 healthy volunteers. Multivariate modelling was performed on a 'training set' (70% of the total sample) in order to produce a discriminatory model classifying asthmatics from healthy controls, and the model tested in the remaining subjects. Secondary analyses were performed to determine the models for the identification of asthmatic subgroups based on sputum eosinophilia, neutrophilia, asthma control and inhaled corticosteroid use. RESULTS A classification model consisting of five discriminating spectral regions was derived using data from the training set with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.84. In the test set (the remaining 30% of subjects), the AUROC was 0.91, thus providing external validation for the model. The success of the technique for classifying asthma phenotypes was variable, with AUROC for: sputum eosinophilia (3% cut-off) 0.69; neutrophilia (65% cut-off) 0.88; asthma control (cut-off Asthma Control Questionnaire score of 1) 0.63; and inhaled corticosteroid use 0.89. CONCLUSION Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of breath condensate successfully differentiates asthmatics from healthy subjects. With identification of the discriminatory compounds, this technique has the potential to provide novel diagnostics and identify novel pathophysiological mechanisms, biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P. Marsden
- The University of Manchester; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility; University Hospital of South Manchester; Manchester; UK
| | - J. A. Smith
- The University of Manchester; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility; University Hospital of South Manchester; Manchester; UK
| | - A. Custovic
- The University of Manchester; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility; University Hospital of South Manchester; Manchester; UK
| | - M. Nilsson
- School of Chemistry; University of Manchester; Manchester; UK
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Nittner-Marszalska M, Liebhart J, Pawłowicz R, Kazimierczak A, Marszalska H, Kraus-Filarska M, Panaszek B, Dor-Wojnarowska A. Fractioned exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) is not a sufficiently reliable test for monitoring asthma in pregnancy. Nitric Oxide 2013; 33:56-63. [PMID: 23756211 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that fractioned exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) can be used for monitoring airway inflammation and for asthma management but conclusions drawn by different researchers are controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of FENO assessment for monitoring asthma during pregnancy. We monitored 72 pregnant asthmatics aged 18-38years (Me=29 years) who underwent monthly investigations including: the level of asthma control according to GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma), the occurrence of exacerbations, ACT (Asthma Control Test), as well as FENO and spirometry measurements. In 50 women, during all visits, asthma was well-controlled. In the remaining 22 women, asthma was periodically uncontrolled. FENO measured at the beginning of the study did not show significant correlation with retrospectively evaluated asthma severity (r=0.07; p=0.97). An analysis of data collected during all 254 visits showed that FENO correlated significantly but weakly with ACT scores (r=0.25; p=0.0004) and FEV1 (r=0.21; p=0.0014). FENO at consecutive visits in women with well-controlled asthma (N=50) showed large variability expressed by median coefficient of variation (CV)=32.0% (Min 2.4%, Max 121.9%). This concerned both: atopic and nonatopic groups (35.5%; and 26.7%, respectively). Large FENO variability (35.5%) was also found in a subgroup of women (N=11) with ACT=25 constantly throughout the study. FENO measured at visits when women temporarily lost control of asthma (N=22; 38 visits), showed an increasing tendency (64.2 ppb; 9.5 ppb-188.3 ppb), but did not differ significantly (p=0.13) from measurements taken at visits during which asthma was well-controlled (27.6 ppb; 6.2 ppb-103.4 ppb). The comparison of FENO in consecutive months of pregnancy in women who had well-controlled asthma did not show significant differences in FENO values during the time of observation. The assessment of asthma during pregnancy by means of monitoring FENO is of limited practical value due to this parameter's considerable intrasubject variability, regardless of the degree of asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Nittner-Marszalska
- Departament of Internal Diseases, Geriatrics and Allergology Medical University Wrocław, 50-367 Wrocław, Ul. Pasteura 4, Poland
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Yoon SA, Yoon JY, Kim H, Hahn YS. Relationship between methacholine PC 20level and asthma control status among pediatric patients with atopic asthma. ALLERGY ASTHMA & RESPIRATORY DISEASE 2013. [DOI: 10.4168/aard.2013.1.1.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ae Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Ji-Yong Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Youn-Soo Hahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
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Sposato B, Scalese M, Scichilone N, Pammolli A, Balducci MT, Migliorini MG, Scala R. BMI can influence adult males' and females' airway hyperresponsiveness differently. Multidiscip Respir Med 2012; 7:45. [PMID: 23157852 PMCID: PMC3529699 DOI: 10.1186/2049-6958-7-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiological data indicate that obesity is a risk factor for asthma, but scientific literature is still debating the association between changes in body mass index (BMI) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Methods This study aimed at evaluating the influence of BMI on AHR, in outpatients with symptoms suggestive of asthma. 4,217 consecutive adult subjects (2,439 M; mean age: 38.2±14.9 yrs; median FEV1 % predicted: 100 [IQR:91.88-107.97] and FEV1/FVC % predicted: 85.77% [IQR:81.1-90.05]), performed a methacholine challenge test for suspected asthma. Subjects with PD20 < 200 or 200 < PD20 < 800 or PD20 > 800 were considered affected by severe, moderate or mild AHR, respectively. Results A total of 2,520 subjects (60% of all cases) had a PD20 < 3,200 μg, with a median PD20 of 366 μg [IQR:168–1010.5]; 759, 997 and 764 patients were affected by mild, moderate and severe AHR, respectively. BMI was not associated with increasing AHR in males. On the contrary, obese females were at risk for AHR only when those with moderate AHR were considered (OR: 1.772 [1.250-2.512], p = 0.001). A significant reduction of FEV1/FVC for unit of BMI increase was found in moderate AHR, both in males (β = −0.255; p =0.023) and in females (β = −0.451; p =0.017). Conclusions Our findings indicate that obesity influences AHR only in females with a moderate AHR level. This influence may be mediated by obesity-associated changes in baseline lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sposato
- Unit of Pneumology, "Misericordia" Hospital, Via Senese 161, 58100, Grosseto, Italy.
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Jedrychowski W, Maugeri U, Mroz E, Flak E, Rembiasz M, Jacek R, Sowa A. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide in healthy non-asthmatic 7-year olds and prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: nested regression analysis. Pediatr Pulmonol 2012; 47:1131-9. [PMID: 22588790 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.22570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The main goal of the study was to assess possible association between transplacental exposure to genotoxic PAH compounds assessed by the cord blood PAH-DNA adducts and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measured in healthy non-asthmatic children at the age of 7 years. The subjects included the subsample of 89 children who took part in the ongoing population based birth cohort study in Krakow and attended FeNO testing. The effect of transplacental PAH exposure was adjusted for potential confounders, such as maternal allergy and children's specific atopy to common domestic allergens. RESULTS FeNO values were significantly elevated in children with higher prenatal PAH exposure (gmean = 7.7 ppb; 95% CI: 5.8-10.2 ppb) compared with those at low exposure level (gmean = 3.8 ppb; 95% CI: 2.3-6.3) (P = 0.011). Children with maternal allergy had also significantly higher mean FeNO values (gmean = 13.7 ppb, 95% CI: 8.8-21.4 ppb) compared with the subjects whose mothers denied allergy (gmean = 5.6 ppb, 95% CI: 4.3-7.3 ppb) (P = 0.012). Similarly, FeNO values in atopic children were higher (gmean = 11.2 ppb; 95% CI: 3.8-32.8 ppb) than in non-atopic individuals (gmean = 6.0 ppb; 95% CI: 4.7-7.7 ppb, P = 0.079). The results of the nested multivariable linear regression analysis showed that both maternal allergy and sensitization of children to domestic aeroallergens jointly explained 10.4% of FeNO variance, however, the additional 10.9% was determined by prenatal PAH exposure. CONCLUSION FeNO is more than a marker useful for screening atopy or symptomatic bronchial inflammation and may also be a proxy for cytokine deregulation and "allergic response" phenotype possibly established in fetal period due to transplacental PAH exposure. Preliminary results of our study should encourage more studies on intrauterine PAH exposure and later respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieslaw Jedrychowski
- Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
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Ludviksdottir D, Diamant Z, Alving K, Bjermer L, Malinovschi A. Clinical aspects of using exhaled NO in asthma diagnosis and management. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2012; 6:193-207. [DOI: 10.1111/crj.12001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kjell Alving
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Uppsala University; Uppsala; Sweden
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergology; Skane University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Andrei Malinovschi
- Department of Medical Sciences: Clinical Physiology; Uppsala University; Uppsala; Sweden
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de la Riva-Velasco E, Krishnan S, Dozor AJ. Relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and exposure to low-level environmental tobacco smoke in children with asthma on inhaled corticosteroids. J Asthma 2012; 49:673-8. [PMID: 22799435 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2012.701363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The relationship between exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and asthma severity or control is inconsistent. Active smoking lowers FeNO, but the relationship between passive smoking and FeNO is less clear. Children may be exposed to low-level environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or thirdhand smoke, even if parents avoid smoking in the presence of their children. Our hypothesis was that FeNO is lower in children with asthma exposed to low-level ETS when compared with those who are not exposed. METHODS Children with stable asthma, 8-18 years of age, on low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were enrolled. Spirometry, Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), FeNO, exhaled breath condensate pH (EBC pH), and EBC ammonia were compared between children with and without ETS exposure as determined by urinary cotinine. RESULTS Thirty-three subjects were enrolled, of which 10 (30%) had urinary cotinine levels ≥1 ng/ml. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, BMI percentile, atopy status, FEV(1), EBC pH, or EBC ammonia. Median ACQ was 0.29 (IQR: 0.22-0.57) for those with cotinine levels <1 ng/ml and 0.64 (IQR: 0.57-1.1) for those with cotinine levels of ≥1 ng/ml, p = .02. Median FeNO (ppb) was 23.9 (IQR: 15.2-34.5) for unexposed subjects and 9.6 (IQR: 5.1-15.8) for exposed subjects, p = .008. CONCLUSIONS Children with asthma on low to medium doses of ICS and recent low-level ETS exposure have lower FeNO levels when compared with non-ETS-exposed subjects. Exposure to low-level ETS or thirdhand smoke may be an important variable to consider when interpreting FeNO as a biomarker for airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth de la Riva-Velasco
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
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17q12-21 variants are associated with asthma and interact with active smoking in an adult population from the United Kingdom. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012; 108:402-411.e9. [PMID: 22626592 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although an association between 17q12-21 and asthma has been replicated across different populations, some inconsistencies have been found between different studies. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between genetic variation in this region with asthma, lung function, airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and atopy in a case-control study of United Kingdom adults. The interaction between genotype and smoking was also evaluated. METHODS Study subjects (n = 983) were carefully phenotyped using questionnaires, measurement of lung function, AHR (methacholine challenge), exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), and assessment of atopic status. Blood/saliva/buccal swabs were collected, and 47 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17q12-21 were genotyped using MALDI-TOF (Matrix-assisted LASER desorption/ionisation-time of flight) mass spectrometry. We conducted a comprehensive investigation of 28 common SNPs within 6 genes of interest (IKZF3, ZPBP2, ORMDL3, GSDMA, GSDMB, TOP2A). RESULTS Sixteen SNPs were significantly associated with asthma after multiple testing correction (P ≤ .01), of which 5 (rs2290400, rs8079416, rs3894194, rs7212938, and rs3859192) were strongly associated (FDR P ≤ .0002), and one was novel (IKZF3-rs1453559). For 3 of these SNPs, we found significant interaction with smoking and asthma (rs12936231, rs2290400, and rs8079416). Smoking modified the associations between 8 SNPs and lung function (rs9911688, rs9900538, rs1054609, rs8076131, rs3902025, rs3859192, rs11540720, and rs11650680). We observed significant interaction between 5 SNPs and smoking on AHR, and 3 interacted with smoking in relation to asthma with AHR (rs4795404, rs4795408, rs3859192). CONCLUSION We found 1 novel association and replicated several previously reported associations between 17q12-21 polymorphisms and asthma. We demonstrated significant interactions between active smoking and polymorphisms in 17q12-21 with asthma, lung function, and AHR in adults. Our data confirm that 17q12-21 is an important asthma susceptibility locus.
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Anim SO, Strunk RC, DeBaun MR. Asthma morbidity and treatment in children with sickle cell disease. Expert Rev Respir Med 2012; 5:635-45. [PMID: 21955234 DOI: 10.1586/ers.11.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and a comorbid condition of asthma have increased numbers of vaso-occlusive pain and acute chest syndrome episodes, and all-cause mortality. When assessed systematically, asthma prevalence is probably similar among children with SCD when compared with the general African-American population. With increasing recognition of the importance of asthma in the management of SCD, hematologists must become familiar with asthma and develop a multidisciplinary approach, including early recognition, appropriate management and referral to asthma specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel O Anim
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Marinho S, Simpson A, Marsden P, Smith JA, Custovic A. Quantification of atopy, lung function and airway hypersensitivity in adults. Clin Transl Allergy 2011; 1:16. [PMID: 22410099 PMCID: PMC3339334 DOI: 10.1186/2045-7022-1-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in children have shown that concentration of specific serum IgE (sIgE) and size of skin tests to inhalant allergens better predict wheezing and reduced lung function than the information on presence or absence of atopy. However, very few studies in adults have investigated the relationship of quantitative atopy with lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). OBJECTIVE To determine the association between lung function and AHR and quantitative atopy in a large sample of adults from the UK. METHODS FEV1 and FVC (% predicted) were measured using spirometry and airway responsiveness by methacholine challenge (5-breath dosimeter protocol) in 983 subjects (random sample of 800 parents of children enrolled in a population-based birth cohort enriched with 183 patients with physician-diagnosed asthma). Atopic status was assessed by skin prick tests (SPT) and measurement of sIgE (common inhalant allergens). We also measured indoor allergen exposure in subjects' homes. RESULTS Spirometry was completed by 792 subjects and 626 underwent methacholine challenge, with 100 (16.0%) having AHR (dose-response slope>25). Using sIgE as a continuous variable in a multiple linear regression analysis, we found that increasing levels of sIgE to mite, cat and dog were significantly associated with lower FEV1 (mite p = 0.001, cat p = 0.0001, dog p = 2.95 × 10-8). Similar findings were observed when using the size of wheal on skin testing as a continuous variable, with significantly poorer lung function with increasing skin test size (mite p = 8.23 × 10-8, cat p = 3.93 × 10-10, dog p = 3.03 × 10-15, grass p = 2.95 × 10-9). The association between quantitative atopy with lung function and AHR remained unchanged when we repeated the analyses amongst subjects defined as sensitised using standard definitions (sIgE>0.35 kUa/l, SPT-3 mm>negative control). CONCLUSIONS In the studied population, lung function decreased and AHR increased with increasing sIgE levels or SPT wheal diameter to inhalant allergens, suggesting that atopy may not be a dichotomous outcome influencing lung function and AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Marinho
- The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Short PM, Lipworth SIW, Lipworth BJ. Relationships between airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and calibre in asthma. Lung 2011; 189:493-7. [PMID: 21984113 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-011-9328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have focused upon the relationship between airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness with different conclusions. We re-examined the relationship between airway inflammation (FE(NO)), hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (AHR), and calibre (FEV(1) % predicted) in mild-to-moderate asthmatics. METHODS We searched our database for asthmatics who had attended our research department. FEV(1) % predicted, FE(NO), and methacholine PC(20) were collected. Patients were divided into groups based upon AHR as follows: severe (<0.5 mg/ml, group A), moderate (>0.5-2 mg/ml, group B), and mild (>2-8 mg/ml, group C), and upon FE(NO): low (<25 ppb, group D), medium (25-50 ppb, group E), and high (>50 ppb, group F). RESULTS In 208 asthmatics, when stratified by AHR, there was an 8.5% difference in FEV(1) % predicted (95% CI 2.6-14.4%; P = 0.002) and a 29% difference in FE(NO) between groups A and C (95% CI 2-48%; P = 0.034). When stratified by FE(NO,) there was a 1.29 doubling dilution difference in methacholine PC(20) (95% CI 0.26-2.33; P = 0.009) between groups D and F. There was no difference between FEV(1) % predicted when grouped by FE(NO). Multivariate regression analysis with covariates, including inhaled corticosteroids, supported our findings from categorical analysis. CONCLUSIONS We found no relationship between airway inflammation and calibre, whilst showing significant relationships between AHR and airway calibre and AHR and airway inflammation. Whilst relationships exist, the lack of complete concordance highlights the important role each contributes to the assessment of the asthmatic individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Short
- Division of Medical Sciences, Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Centre for Cardiovascular and Lung Biology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
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Exhaled nitric oxide levels during treatment of pediatric acute asthma exacerbations and association with the need for hospitalization. Pediatr Emerg Care 2011; 27:249-55. [PMID: 21490536 PMCID: PMC4406238 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e318212a4fa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine how exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels measured before and after treatment of asthma exacerbations relate to emergency department (ED) disposition. METHODS We enrolled children 6 to 17 years old treated for asthma exacerbations in a pediatric ED. Using an offline single-breath eNO sampling technique, we collected replicate initial samples before treatment and replicate final samples when disposition was decided. We determined correlations and coefficients of variability of eNO values (parts per billion, ppb) of samples and compared by disposition (hospitalization or discharge) mean initial and final eNO levels and initial-to-final change. RESULTS Eighty-one subjects had initial and final eNO values; 24 subjects with more severe presentations had final values only. Replicate eNO samples were correlated (initial r = 0.98, final r = 0.99) and had low coefficients of variability (initial, 0.059 ± 0.057; final, 0.061 ± 0.070). For subjects with initial and final values, initial eNO levels were similar by disposition (mean difference, -8.0 ppb; 95% confidence interval [CI], -24.8 to 8.9 ppb), as were final levels (mean difference, -2.8 ppb; 95% CI, -23.8 to 18.2 ppb). Overall, final eNO was higher than initial (36.3 ± 29.7 vs 31.5 ± 23.9 ppb), but only 63% of subjects had any increase. Change in eNO was similar by disposition (mean difference, 4.6 ppb; 95% CI, -3.4 to 12.6). For more severe subjects with final eNO only, eNO was similar by disposition (P = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS For children aged 6 to 17 years with asthma exacerbations, eNO levels can be reliably measured. However, eNO levels measured before treatment or when disposition was determined did not distinguish children needing hospitalization.
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Raviv S, Dixon AE, Kalhan R, Shade D, Smith LJ. Effect of obesity on asthma phenotype is dependent upon asthma severity. J Asthma 2010; 48:98-104. [PMID: 21091180 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2010.534220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently reported that obese and non-obese patients with asthma have similar airflow limitation and bronchodilator responsiveness, but obese patients have more symptoms overall. There is limited information on the effect of obesity on asthmatics of varying severity measured by objective physiological parameters. Understanding how obesity affects asthmatics of differing severity can provide insights into the pathogenesis of asthma in the obese and a rationale for the therapeutic approach to such patients. METHODS Participants with asthma from two American Lung Association--Asthma Clinical Research Center (ALA-ACRC) studies were grouped by tertiles of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)%) predicted, FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC)) and methacholine reactivity (PC(20)FEV(1)). Within each tertile, we examined the independent effect of body mass index (BMI), divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories, on lung function, airway reactivity, and symptoms. RESULTS Overall, both FEV(1) and FVC decreased and symptoms worsened with increasing BMI; airway reactivity was unchanged. When stratified by the degree of airflow obstruction, higher BMI was not associated with greater airway reactivity to methacholine. Higher BMI was associated with more asthma symptoms only in the least obstructed FEV(1)/FVC tertile. When stratified by degree of airway reactivity, BMI was inversely associated with FVC in all PC(20)FEV(1) tertiles. BMI was directly associated with asthma symptoms only in those with the least airway reactivity. CONCLUSIONS Obesity does not influence airway reactivity in patients with asthma and it is associated with more symptoms only in those with less severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Raviv
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northshore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
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Tomlinson KL, Davies GCG, Sutton DJ, Palframan RT. Neutralisation of interleukin-13 in mice prevents airway pathology caused by chronic exposure to house dust mite. PLoS One 2010; 5. [PMID: 20957211 PMCID: PMC2948524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Repeated exposure to inhaled allergen can cause airway inflammation, remodeling and dysfunction that manifests as the symptoms of allergic asthma. We have investigated the role of the cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13) in the generation and persistence of airway cellular inflammation, bronchial remodeling and deterioration in airway function in a model of allergic asthma caused by chronic exposure to the aeroallergen House Dust Mite (HDM). Methodology/Principal Findings Mice were exposed to HDM via the intranasal route for 4 consecutive days per week for up to 8 consecutive weeks. Mice were treated either prophylactically or therapeutically with a potent neutralising anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody (mAb) administered subcutaneously (s.c.). Airway cellular inflammation was assessed by flow cytometry, peribronchial collagen deposition by histocytochemistry and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) by invasive measurement of lung resistance (RL) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn). Both prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with an anti-IL-13 mAb significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the generation and maintenance of chronic HDM-induced airway cellular inflammation, peribronchial collagen deposition, epithelial goblet cell upregulation. AHR to inhaled methacholine was reversed by prophylactic but not therapeutic treatment with anti-IL-13 mAb. Both prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with anti-IL-13 mAb significantly reversed (P<0.05) the increase in baseline RL and the decrease in baseline Cdyn caused by chronic exposure to inhaled HDM. Conclusions/Significance These data demonstrate that in a model of allergic lung disease driven by chronic exposure to a clinically relevant aeroallergen, IL-13 plays a significant role in the generation and persistence of airway inflammation, remodeling and dysfunction.
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Simon MR, Chinchilli VM, Phillips BR, Sorkness CA, Lemanske RF, Szefler SJ, Taussig L, Bacharier LB, Morgan W. Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio in relation to clinical and physiological parameters in asthmatic children with normal FEV1 values. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 126:527-34.e1-8. [PMID: 20638110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2009] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assumption that the assessment of forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF(25-75)) does not provide additional information in asthmatic children with normal FEV(1) percent predicted has not been adequately tested. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether the measurement of FEF(25-75) percent predicted offers advantages over FEV(1) percent predicted and FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) percent predicted for the evaluation of childhood asthma. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of data from the Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial and the Characterizing the Response to a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist and Inhaled Corticosteroid trials. Pearson correlation coefficients, Pearson partial correlation coefficients, canonical correlations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed. RESULTS Among 437 children with normal FEV(1) percent predicted, FEF(25-75) percent predicted, and FEV(1)/FVC percent predicted were (1) positively correlated with log(2) methacholine PC(20), (2) positively correlated with morning and evening peak expiratory flow percent predicted, and (3) negatively correlated with log(10) fraction of exhaled nitric oxide and bronchodilator responsiveness. Pearson partial correlations and canonical correlations indicated that FEF(25-75) percent predicted was better correlated with bronchodilator responsiveness and log(2) methacholine PC(20) than were FEV(1) percent predicted or FEV(1)/FVC percent predicted. In the ROC curve analysis, FEF(25-75) at 65% of predicted value had a 90% sensitivity and a 67% specificity for detecting a 20% increase in FEV(1) after albuterol inhalation. CONCLUSION FEF(25-75) percent predicted was well correlated with bronchodilator responsiveness in asthmatic children with normal FEV(1). FEF(25-75) percent predicted should be evaluated in clinical studies of asthma in children and might be of use in predicting the presence of clinically relevant reversible airflow obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Simon
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich, USA
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Verini M, Consilvio NP, Di Pillo S, Cingolani A, Spagnuolo C, Rapino D, Scaparrotta A, Chiarelli F. FeNO as a Marker of Airways Inflammation: The Possible Implications in Childhood Asthma Management. J Allergy (Cairo) 2010; 2010:691425. [PMID: 20948878 PMCID: PMC2948939 DOI: 10.1155/2010/691425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 01/30/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify FeNO usefulness, as a marker of bronchial inflammation, in the assessment of therapeutic management of childhood asthma. We performed a prospective 1-year randomized clinical trial evaluating two groups of 32 children with allergic asthma: "GINA group", in which therapy was assessed only by GINA guidelines and "FeNO group", who followed a therapeutic program assessed also on FeNO measurements. Asthma Severity score (ASs), Asthma Exacerbation Frequency (AEf), and Asthma Therapy score (ATs) were evaluated at the start of the study (T1), 6 months (T2), and 1 year after (T3). ASs and AEf significantly decreased only in the FeNO group at times T2 and T3 (p[T1-T2] = 0.0001, and p[T1-T3] = 0.01; p[T1-T2] = 0.0001; and p[T1-T3] < 0.0001, resp.). After six months of follow-up, we found a significant increase of patients under inhaled corticosteroid and/or antileukotrienes in the GINA group compared to the FeNO group (P = .02). Our data show that FeNO measurements, might be a very useful additional parameter for management of asthma, which is able to avoid unnecessary inhaled corticosteroid and antileukotrienes therapies, however, mantaining a treatment sufficient to obtain a meaningful improvement of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Verini
- Allergological and Pneumological Service, Department of Pediatric, University “G. D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Pietro Consilvio
- Allergological and Pneumological Service, Department of Pediatric, University “G. D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sabrina Di Pillo
- Allergological and Pneumological Service, Department of Pediatric, University “G. D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Cingolani
- Allergological and Pneumological Service, Department of Pediatric, University “G. D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cynzia Spagnuolo
- Allergological and Pneumological Service, Department of Pediatric, University “G. D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniele Rapino
- Allergological and Pneumological Service, Department of Pediatric, University “G. D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scaparrotta
- Allergological and Pneumological Service, Department of Pediatric, University “G. D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Scott M, Raza A, Karmaus W, Mitchell F, Grundy J, Kurukulaaratchy RJ, Arshad SH, Roberts G. Influence of atopy and asthma on exhaled nitric oxide in an unselected birth cohort study. Thorax 2010; 65:258-62. [PMID: 20335297 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2009.125443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is considered to be associated with elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). The nature of this relationship and how it is influenced by atopy are still not resolved. METHODS The Isle of Wight birth cohort (N=1456) was reassessed at 18 years of age. Participants able to attend the research centre were assessed by questionnaires, skin prick testing and FeNO in order to explore the interrelationship between asthma, atopy and FeNO. RESULTS Atopy was significantly associated with higher levels of FeNO. However, the level of FeNO for non-atopic asthmatic participants was no different to the non-atopic no-asthma group. The highest levels of FeNO were seen in subjects with both atopy and asthma. In addition, FeNO was positively associated with increasing atopic burden as evidenced by increasing FeNO with increasing skin prick testing positivity, and with increasing severity of atopic asthma as evidenced by the number of attacks of wheezing. FeNO and current inhaled corticosteroid use were not significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS FeNO behaves as a biomarker of atopy and the "allergic asthma" phenotype rather than asthma itself. This may explain why FeNO-guided asthma treatment outcomes have proved to be of limited success where atopic status has not been considered and accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Scott
- The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5TG, UK
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Puckett JL, Taylor RWE, Leu SY, Guijon OL, Aledia AS, Galant SP, George SC. Clinical patterns in asthma based on proximal and distal airway nitric oxide categories. Respir Res 2010; 11:47. [PMID: 20426813 PMCID: PMC2876084 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) signal is a marker of inflammation, and can be partitioned into proximal [J'awNO (nl/s), maximum airway flux] and distal contributions [CANO (ppb), distal airway/alveolar NO concentration]. We hypothesized that J'awNO and CANO are selectively elevated in asthmatics, permitting identification of four inflammatory categories with distinct clinical features. METHODS In 200 consecutive children with asthma, and 21 non-asthmatic, non-atopic controls, we measured baseline spirometry, bronchodilator response, asthma control and morbidity, atopic status, use of inhaled corticosteroids, and eNO at multiple flows (50, 100, and 200 ml/s) in a cross-sectional study design. A trumpet-shaped axial diffusion model of NO exchange was used to characterize J'awNO and CANO. RESULTS J'awNO was not correlated with CANO, and thus asthmatic subjects were grouped into four eNO categories based on upper limit thresholds of non-asthmatics for J'awNO (>or= 1.5 nl/s) and CANO (>or= 2.3 ppb): Type I (normal J'awNO and CANO), Type II (elevated J'awNO and normal CANO), Type III (elevated J'awNO and CANO) and Type IV (normal J'awNO and elevated CANO). The rate of inhaled corticosteroid use (lowest in Type III) and atopy (highest in Type II) varied significantly amongst the categories influencing J'awNO, but was not related to CANO, asthma control or morbidity. All categories demonstrated normal to near-normal baseline spirometry; however, only eNO categories with increased CANO (III and IV) had significantly worse asthma control and morbidity when compared to categories I and II. CONCLUSIONS J'awNO and CANO reveal inflammatory categories in children with asthma that have distinct clinical features including sensitivity to inhaled corticosteroids and atopy. Only categories with increase CANO were related to poor asthma control and morbidity independent of baseline spirometry, bronchodilator response, atopic status, or use of inhaled corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Puckett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 2420 Engineering Tower, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Moore VC, Anees W, Jaakkola MS, Burge CBSG, Robertson AS, Burge PS. Two variants of occupational asthma separable by exhaled breath nitric oxide level. Respir Med 2010; 104:873-9. [PMID: 20129769 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2009] [Revised: 01/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) has been used as a marker of asthmatic inflammation in non-occupational asthma, but some asthmatics have a normal FE(NO). In this study we investigated whether, normal FE(NO) variants have less reactivity in methacholine challenge and smaller peak expiratory flow (PEF) responses than high FE(NO) variants in a group of occupational asthmatics. METHODS We measured FE(NO) and PD(20) in methacholine challenge in 60 workers currently exposed to occupational agents, who were referred consecutively to a specialist occupational lung disease clinic and whose serial PEF records confirmed occupational asthma. Bronchial responsiveness (PD(20) in methacholine challenge) and the degree of PEF change to occupational exposures, (measured by calculating diurnal variation and the area between curves score of the serial PEF record in Oasys), were compared between those with normal and raised FE(NO). Potential confounding factors such as smoking, atopy and inhaled corticosteroid use were adjusted for. RESULTS There was a significant correlation between FE(NO) and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in methacholine challenge (p = 0.011), after controlling for confounders. Reactivity to methacholine was significantly lower in the normal FE(NO) group compared to the raised FE(NO) group (p = 0.035). The two FE(NO) variants did not differ significantly according to the causal agent, the magnitude of the response in PEF to the asthmagen at work, or diurnal variation. CONCLUSIONS Occupational asthma patients present as two different variants based on FE(NO). The group with normal FE(NO) have less reactivity in methacholine challenge, while the PEF changes in relation to work are similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky C Moore
- Occupational Lung Disease Unit, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK.
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Warrier PJ, Bellamkonda P, Stokes JR, Casale TB. Utility and limitations of objective measures of asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2009; 102:518-22. [PMID: 19558012 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60127-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priya J Warrier
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68131, USA
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Saraiva-Romanholo BM, Machado FS, Almeida FM, Nunes MDPT, Martins MA, Vieira JE. Non-asthmatic patients show increased exhaled nitric oxide concentrations. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2009; 64:5-10. [PMID: 19142544 PMCID: PMC2671975 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322009000100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Accepted: 08/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate whether exhaled nitric oxide may serve as a marker of intraoperative bronchospasm. INTRODUCTION Intraoperative bronchospasm remains a challenging event during anesthesia. Previous studies in asthmatic patients suggest that exhaled nitric oxide may represent a noninvasive measure of airway inflammation. METHODS A total of 146,358 anesthesia information forms, which were received during the period from 1999 to 2004, were reviewed. Bronchospasm was registered on 863 forms. From those, three groups were identified: 9 non-asthmatic patients (Bronchospasm group), 12 asthmatics (Asthma group) and 10 subjects with no previous airway disease or symptoms (Control group). All subjects were submitted to exhaled nitric oxide measurements (parts/billion), spirometry and the induced sputum test. The data was compared by ANOVA followed by the Tukey test and Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn's test. RESULTS The normal lung function test results for the Bronchospasm group were different from those of the asthma group (p <0.05). The median percentage of eosinophils in induced sputum was higher for the Asthma [2.46 (0.45-6.83)] compared with either the Bronchospasm [0.55 (0-1.26)] or the Control group [0.0 (0)] (p <0.05); exhaled nitric oxide followed a similar pattern for the Asthma [81.55 (57.6-86.85)], Bronchospasm [46.2 (42.0 -62.6] and Control group [18.7 (16.0-24.7)] (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Non-asthmatic patients with intraoperative bronchospasm detected during anesthesia and endotracheal intubation showed increased expired nitric oxide.
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Marsden PA, Smith JA, Kelsall AA, Owen E, Naylor JR, Webster D, Sumner H, Alam U, McGuinness K, Woodcock AA. A comparison of objective and subjective measures of cough in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 122:903-7. [PMID: 18842290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2008] [Revised: 08/22/2008] [Accepted: 08/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cough is widely recognized as a key symptom in the diagnosis and the monitoring of asthma, but little is known about how best to assess cough in asthma. OBJECTIVE To determine how objective cough rates correlate with subjective measures of cough in asthma. METHODS We studied 56 subjects, median age 42.0 years (range, 28.5-71), 34 (60.7%) female, with asthma. Subjects performed cough reflex sensitivity testing (concentration of citric acid causing 2 and 5 coughs [C2 and C5]), 24-hour fully ambulatory cough recordings, subjectively scored the severity of their cough (visual analog scales and 0-5 score) and completed a cough-related quality of life questionnaire (Leicester Cough Questionnaire). Ambulatory cough recordings were manually counted and reported in cough seconds per hour (cs/h). RESULTS The median time spent coughing was 2.6 cs/h (range, 0.0-14.2), with subjects spending more time coughing by day (median, 3.9 cs/h [0.0-18.5]) than by night (median, 0.3 cs/h [0.0-8.7]; P < .001). A weak inverse relationship was seen between day cough rates and log(10)C2 (r = -0.39; P = .03) but not log(10)C5 (r = -0.08; P = .65). Objective time spent coughing was also weak-moderately associated with subjective cough scores and visual analog scales, and most strongly correlated with cough-related quality of life (r = -0.54; P < .001). CONCLUSION Subjective measures of cough and cough reflex sensitivity are poor surrogates for objective cough frequency in asthma. When designing studies to assess interventions for cough in asthma, we advocate a combination of both objective measures of cough and cough-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Marsden
- North West Lung Research Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Puckett JL, George SC. Partitioned exhaled nitric oxide to non-invasively assess asthma. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2008; 163:166-77. [PMID: 18718562 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2008.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2008] [Revised: 07/17/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness. Chronic repetitive bouts of acute inflammation lead to airway wall remodeling and possibly the sequelae of fixed airflow obstruction. Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive molecule synthesized by NO synthases (NOS). NOS are expressed by cells within the airway wall and functionally, two NOS isoforms exist: constitutive and inducible. In asthma, the inducible isoform is over expressed, leading to increased production of NO, which diffuses into the airway lumen, where it can be detected in the exhaled breath. The exhaled NO signal can be partitioned into airway and alveolar components by measuring exhaled NO at multiple flows and applying mathematical models of pulmonary NO dynamics. The airway NO flux and alveolar NO concentration can be elevated in adults and children with asthma and have been correlated with markers of airway inflammation and airflow obstruction in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies which specifically address the clinical potential of partitioning exhaled NO for diagnosis, managing therapy, and predicting exacerbation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Puckett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
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Bernstein IL, Li JT, Bernstein DI, Hamilton R, Spector SL, Tan R, Sicherer S, Golden DBK, Khan DA, Nicklas RA, Portnoy JM, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Lang DM, Oppenheimer J, Randolph CC, Schuller DE, Tilles SA, Wallace DV, Levetin E, Weber R. Allergy diagnostic testing: an updated practice parameter. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2008; 100:S1-148. [PMID: 18431959 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60305-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Paro-Heitor MLZ, Bussamra MHCF, Saraiva-Romanholo BM, Martins MA, Okay TS, Rodrigues JC. Exhaled nitric oxide for monitoring childhood asthma inflammation compared to sputum analysis, serum interleukins and pulmonary function. Pediatr Pulmonol 2008; 43:134-41. [PMID: 18085692 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.20747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The level of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is significantly elevated in uncontrolled asthma and decreases after anti-inflammatory therapy. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the behavior of FENO in the follow-up and management of the inflammation in asthmatic pediatric patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), compared to sputum cellularity, serum interleukins (IL), and pulmonary function. Twenty-six clinically stable asthmatic children aged from 6 to 18 years, previously treated or not with ICS were included. Following an international consensus (GINA), the patients were submitted to standard treatment with inhaled fluticasone for 3 months according to the severity of the disease. During this period, each patient underwent three assessments at intervals of approximately 6 weeks. Each evaluation consisted of the measurement of FENO, determination of serum interleukins IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and interferon gamma (INF-gamma), spirometry and cytological analysis of spontaneous or induced sputum. A significant reduction in mean FENO and IL-5, without concomitant changes in FEV1, was observed along the study. There was no significant correlation between FeNO and FEV1 in the three assessments. A significant correlation between FeNO and IL-5 levels was only observed in the third assessment (r = 0.499, P = 0.025). In most patients, serum IL-10, IL-13, and INF-gamma concentrations were undetectable throughout the study. Sputum samples were obtained spontaneously in 11 occasions and in 56 by induction with 3% hypertonic saline solution (success rate: 50.8%), with 39 (69.9%) of them adequate for analysis. Only two of the 26 patients produced adequate samples in the three consecutive evaluations, which impaired the determination of a potential association between sputum cellularity and FeNO levels throughout the study. In conclusion, among the parameters of this study, it was difficult to perform and to interpret the serial analysis of spontaneous or induced sputum. Serum interleukins, which remained at very low or undetectable levels in most patients, were not found to be useful for therapeutic monitoring, except for IL-5 that seems to present some correlation with levels of FeNO exhaled. Monitoring of the mean FEV1 indicated no significant variations during the treatment, demonstrating that functional stability or the absence of obstruction may not reflect the adequate management of asthma. Serial measurement of FeNO seemed to best reflect the progressive anti-inflammatory action of ICS in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Z Paro-Heitor
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clinicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ko HS, Chung SH, Choi YS, Choi SH, Rha YH. Relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and pulmonary function test in children with asthma. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2008. [DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2008.51.2.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Seok Ko
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, East-West Neo-medical Center, Kyung Hee University, Korea
| | - Yeong-Ho Rha
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Korea
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Gandhi RK, Blaiss MS. What are the best estimates of pediatric asthma control? Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2006; 6:106-12. [PMID: 16520674 DOI: 10.1097/01.all.0000216853.18194.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To evaluate asthma outcome measures in the face of the variable nature of asthma. The outcome measures are divided into objective and subjective clinical measures, humanistic measures such as quality of life, and costs of asthma control. RECENT FINDINGS Objective measures of asthma include those traditionally used such as spirometry, peak expiratory flow rate, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Recently, more attention has been geared towards markers of inflammation including exhaled nitric oxide and sputum eosinophils. Subjective measures of asthma control include patient-derived parameters such as number of wheezing episodes, nocturnal symptoms, exercise-induced symptoms, short-acting beta-agonist use, steroid bursts, emergency-department visits, and hospitalizations. Asthma-related quality of life is related to asthma morbidity, and patients with better baseline quality of life have improved outcomes. Asthma-related costs include direct costs mostly comprised of hospitalizations and emergency-room visits, and indirect costs including school absenteeism. SUMMARY There is no ideal outcome measure for evaluating pediatric asthma control, but each of these outcome measures must be used together to evaluate a patient at each outpatient visit. Patient-centered measures of asthma control must also be further incorporated into office visits for improved asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha K Gandhi
- Department of Clinical Allergy and Immunology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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de Meer G, van Amsterdam JGC, Janssen NAH, Meijer E, Steerenberg PA, Brunekreef B. Exhaled nitric oxide predicts airway hyper-responsiveness to hypertonic saline in children that wheeze. Allergy 2005; 60:1499-504. [PMID: 16266381 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) has shown good validity for the assessment of airway inflammation in asthmatic children. In large-scale epidemiological studies, this method would be preferred above airway challenge tests, because it is a quick and easy applicable tool. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to assess the discriminatory capacity of eNO, and prechallenge FEV1 for airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) in 8-13-year old schoolchildren. MATERIALS AND METHODS Parents completed the ISAAC questionnaire, and children were tested for atopy, AHR to hypertonic (4.5%) saline (HS), and eNO. Diagnostic value was assessed by the area under the receiver operating curves (ROC), and calculation of positive and negative predicted values at different cut-off points for eNO and prechallenge FEV1. RESULTS Areas under the ROC-curves of AHR were 0.65 for eNO and 0.62 for FEV1. Values increased to 0.71 and respectively 0.75 for a combined occurrence of AHR and current wheeze. Highest sensitivity and specificity were obtained at a cut-off value of 43 ppb for eNO and 103% predicted for FEV1. At these cut-off values, the positive predictive values for the presence of AHR in symptomatic children were respectively 83% (eNO) and 33% (FEV1), and negative predictive values in asymptomatic children were, respectively, 90 (eNO) and 80% (FEV1). CONCLUSION Exhaled nitric oxide is a valid screening tool for AHR to HS in children that present with current wheeze, and it outperforms FEV1 as a predictor of AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- G de Meer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental & Occupational Health Unit, Utrecht University, Utrecht
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Mappa L, Cardinale F, Camodeca R, Tortorella ML, Pietrobelli A, Armenio L, Boner AL. Exaled nitric oxide and air trapping correlation in asthmatic children. Allergy 2005; 60:1436-9. [PMID: 16197478 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00905.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels have been shown to correlate with atopy and with airway hyperresponsiveness but not with standard spirometry. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between eNo levels and functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV), RV to total lung capacity (TLC) ratio, and pulmonary resistances in asthmatic children ages 6-13 years. Forty-nine patients (35 males) were enrolled in the study. Nineteen of them were not receiving inhaled corticosteroids. The eNO levels were measured by chemiluminescence's analyzer and lung function study were performed by body box plethysmography. As expected, there was no correlation between eNO levels and forced vital capacity (FVC); forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1); mid respiratory flow between 25 and 75% of the vital capacity (MEF(25 -75)), FEV1/FVC, and pulmonary resistances. Instead a correlation was found between eNO level and RV both considering all the study population together (r = 0.51, P = 0.001) and separately the asthmatic children not receiving ICS (r = 0.6, P = 0.003). In the patients receiving ICS the correlation was still present (r = 0.43, P = 0.01). The correlation between eNo levels and RV may reflect the effect of airway inflammation on NO production and diffusion as well as peripheral airway trapping and consequent RV.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mappa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Smith AD, Taylor DR. Is exhaled nitric oxide measurement a useful clinical test in asthma? Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2005; 5:49-56. [PMID: 15643344 DOI: 10.1097/00130832-200502000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Exhaled nitric oxide measurements (FENO) are easy to perform and are repeatable. Given the strong correlations between FENO and bronchial biopsy and induced sputum eosinophilia, as well as airway hyper-responsiveness, FENO may now be advocated as a surrogate for these tests in certain circumstances. They provide the opportunity to assess pathological rather than physiological changes in asthma. This review highlights recent advances in applying this technology to the diagnosis and ongoing assessment of asthma in the clinical and epidemiological settings. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiological data confirm that whereas FENO measurements reflect the presence and severity of airway inflammation, levels do not correlate strongly with symptoms or lung function abnormalities. Although reference values and thresholds for an abnormal test still need to be agreed internationally, there are now sufficient data for clinicians to use the test meaningfully in clinical practice. Studies confirm the relatively high diagnostic accuracy of FENO measurements compared with conventional tests to distinguish asthma from nonasthma. Further, dose-response relationships for changes in FENO with inhaled steroids have been confirmed, and provide the basis for using FENO to assess asthma control and, potentially, to determine antiinflammatory treatment requirements. SUMMARY The measurement of FENO is evolving to provide a complementary role alongside existing pulmonary function tests. Further work is required to establish reference values and possibly prediction equations in relation to age and height. Its role in determining optimum steroid requirements in chronic asthma and to identify steroid responsiveness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are two important areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Smith
- Respiratory Research Unit, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Langley SJ, Goldthorpe S, Craven M, Woodcock A, Custovic A. Relationship between exposure to domestic allergens and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in non-sensitised, atopic asthmatic subjects. Thorax 2005; 60:17-21. [PMID: 15618577 PMCID: PMC1747172 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2004.027839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of exposure to allergens not causing sensitisation in atopic asthmatic subjects has not previously been studied. A study was undertaken to assess the degree of asthma severity (measured by spirometry, airway reactivity and exhaled nitric oxide) in atopic asthmatic patients not sensitised to the domestic allergen to which they were exposed. METHODS Dust samples were collected from the living room carpet and mattress in the homes of 248 subjects and dust mite, cat and dog allergen concentrations were measured. Spirometry, non-specific bronchial reactivity (BR), and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) were ascertained. Patients' sensitisation status was assessed by skin prick testing. RESULTS Adult atopic asthmatics not sensitised to mite but exposed to high levels of mite allergen had significantly more severe BR than subjects not exposed to high levels of mite (PD(20), geometric mean (GM) 0.21 mg (95% CI 0.09 to 0.47) v 0.86 mg (95% CI 0.44 to 1.67), mean ratio difference 4.1 (95% CI 1.5 to 11.4), p=0.008). Subjects not sensitised but exposed to high levels of dog allergen also had significantly more severe BR than subjects not exposed (PD20 GM 0.16 v 0.52 mg, mean ratio difference 3.3 (95% CI 1.2 to 9.2), p=0.01). The differences in BR between these groups were still significant after adjusting for confounding factors. This effect of greater airway reactivity was not seen in subjects exposed but not sensitised to cat allergens. CONCLUSION Atopic asthmatic subjects who are exposed to high levels of dust mite or dog allergens but not sensitised to these allergens have evidence of increased airway reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Langley
- Medicines Evaluation Unit, North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK.
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