Daily ambulatory exhaled nitric oxide measurements in asthma

Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2006 May;17(3):189-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2006.00394.x.

Abstract

Exhaled NO (FENO) is a non-invasive, validated marker for asthmatic airway inflammation. Recently, a new hand-held NO-analyzer has been developed which makes it possible to monitor FENO at home. We assessed feasibility and analyzed variability of daily FENO home measurements. Twenty-one asthmatics (mean age 14.5 yr; range 8-25 yr) participated. Nineteen used a stable dose of inhaled corticosteroids and all of them were in a stable clinical condition. FENO was measured twice daily for 14 consecutive days. Measurements and symptom scores were recorded on a smart card in the analyzer. Symptom score items included well-being, wheeze, activity, and nocturnal symptoms. Measurements showed a success rate of 93%. We found a significant diurnal variation in FENO with geometric mean morning levels 14% higher than evening levels (95% CI: 4%-25%; p = 0.013). Individual subjects showed marked fluctuation of FENO. The mean intrasubject coefficient of variation of FENO was 40% for morning and 36% for evening values. FENO and cumulative symptom scores did not correlate. Home FENO measurements are feasible, and offer the possibility to asses airway inflammation on a daily basis. Further study is needed to interpret and evaluate possible benefits of FENO home monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ambulatory Care*
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Breath Tests* / instrumentation
  • Breath Tests* / methods
  • Child
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Exhalation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nitric Oxide / analysis*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Self Care

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Nitric Oxide