Off-line fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement is useful to screen allergic airway inflammation in an adult population

J Asthma. 2007 Dec;44(10):805-10. doi: 10.1080/02770900701645595.

Abstract

To determine whether off-line fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement is applicable to screen allergic airway inflammation for epidemiologic studies, we examined 280 adults, measuring off-line FeNO samplings, pulmonary function, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). Subjects with recurrent wheeze (recurrent wheezers) had significantly higher FeNO and IgE levels and significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) than non-wheezers. Statistical analysis showed that FeNO and FEV1/FVC were significant predictors for recurrent wheezers, independent of smoking. The cut-off FeNO level for screening allergic airway inflammation was 38 ppb in non-smokers and 32.9 ppb in smokers. Thus, off-line FeNO can be used as a good marker to screen allergic airway inflammation, regardless of smoking.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Exhalation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitric Oxide / analysis*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / metabolism*
  • Respiratory Sounds

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide