Exhaled nitric oxide, serum ECP and airway responsiveness in mild asthmatic children

The purpose of the present study was to assess the possible relationships between exhaled nitric oxide (ENO), a circulating marker of eosinophil activation, serum eosinophil cationic protein (SECP), level of airway responsiveness to methacholine and lung function in asthmatic children, as well as to compare these markers between children with and without inhaled steroid therapy. In a cross-sectional study ENO, SECP and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine were evaluated in a group of 57 asthmatic children (21 without and 36 with regulator inhaled steroid therapy; aged 6-13 yrs). ENO was significantly lower in steroid treated children (p<0.01). No significant differences between steroid treated and untreated children were observed for the provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; PC20), SECP and FEV1. In the whole study population significant increase correlations were observed between PC20 and SECP (r=-0.329, p=0.013) and between ENO and FEV1% of predicted (r=-0.348, p<0.01). In the group not receiving inhaled steroids the inverse relationship between PC20 and SECP was more evident (r=-0.581, p<0.001). In the steroid-treated group a significant inverse relationship was observed between ENO and FEV1 (r=-0.426, p=0.0011). The level of exhaled nitric oxide and the relationships between lung function, bronchial reactivity and markers of inflammation are different between steroid-treated and untreated asthmatic children. This has implications for the monitoring of asthma in childhood.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L P Malmberg, A S Pelkonen, T Haahtela, and M Turpeinen Exhaled nitric oxide rather than lung function distinguishes preschool children with probable asthma Thorax, June 1, 2003; 58(6): 494 - 499. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J D Leuppi, S H Downs, S R Downie, G B Marks, and C M Salome Exhaled nitric oxide levels in atopic children: relation to specific allergic sensitisation, AHR, and respiratory symptoms Thorax, June 1, 2002; 57(6): 518 - 523. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T J Warke, P S Fitch, V Brown, R Taylor, J D M Lyons, M Ennis, and M D Shields Exhaled nitric oxide correlates with airway eosinophils in childhood asthma Thorax, May 1, 2002; 57(5): 383 - 387. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M Silvestri, F Sabatini, D Spallarossa, L Fregonese, E Battistini, M G Biraghi, and G A Rossi Exhaled nitric oxide levels in non-allergic and allergic mono- or polysensitised children with asthma Thorax, November 1, 2001; 56(11): 857 - 862. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. Scalfaro, P. D. Sly, C. Sims, and W. Habre Salbutamol Prevents the Increase of Respiratory Resistance Caused by Tracheal Intubation During Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Asthmatic Children Anesth. Analg., October 1, 2001; 93(4): 898 - 902. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]