The predictive value of exhaled nitric oxide measurements in assessing changes in asthma control

Jones, SL; Kittelson, J; Cowan, JO; Flannery, EM; Hancox, RJ; McLachlan, CR; Taylor, DR

HERO ID

625816

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2001

Language

English

PMID

11549525

HERO ID 625816
In Press No
Year 2001
Title The predictive value of exhaled nitric oxide measurements in assessing changes in asthma control
Authors Jones, SL; Kittelson, J; Cowan, JO; Flannery, EM; Hancox, RJ; McLachlan, CR; Taylor, DR
Journal American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume 164
Issue 5
Page Numbers 738-743
Abstract Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels are increased in untreated or unstable asthma and measurements can be made easily. Our aim was to assess the usefulness of eNO for diagnosing and predicting loss of control (LOC) in asthma following steroid withdrawal. Comparisons were made against sputum eosinophils and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to hypertonic saline (4.5%). Seventy-eight patients with mild/moderate asthma had their inhaled steroid therapy withdrawn until LOC occurred or for a maximum of 6 wk. Sixty (77.9%) developed LOC. There were highly significant correlations between the changes in eNO and symptoms (p < 0.0001), FEV(1) (p < 0.002), sputum eosinophils (p < 0.0002), and saline PD(15) (p < 0.0002), and there were significant differences between LOC and no LOC groups. Both single measurements and changes of eNO (10 ppb, 15 ppb, or an increase of > 60% over baseline) had positive predictive values that ranged from 80 to 90% for predicting and diagnosing LOC. These values were similar to those obtained using sputum eosinophils and saline PD(15) measurements. We conclude that eNO measurements are as useful as induced sputum analysis and AHR in assessing airway inflammation, with the advantage that they are easy to perform.
Doi 10.1164/ajrccm.164.5.2012125
Pmid 11549525
Wosid WOS:000170996800006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword asthma; exacerbation; nitric oxide; eosinophils; bronchial provocation tests