Abstract
Introduction
Mannitol is used as an indirect challenge test to assess airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Recently, it has been tested in adults as an sputum inducer (Wood, L.G. et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2010; 40:232-41).
The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the feasibility and safety of the mannitol challenge test to obtain induced sputum in young children.
Methods
17 children (10 healthy and 7 asthmatics) aged 7-13 years were recruited. The mannitol challenge test (Osmohale®; Aldo-Unión, Esplugues de Ll., Barcelona, Spain) was performed as previously published and induction sputum was done during the test. Sputum was processed using a slight modification of the method described by Pizzichini et al. (Pizzichini, E. et al. Eur Respir J 1996; 9:1174-80). Sputum eosinophlia was established when the percentage of eosinophils was ≥ 2.5%.
Results
Mannitol test was positive in 7 children (4 asthmatic and 3 healthy), provoking dose to induce a 15% fall in FEV1 (PD15) ranged from 75 to 565.38 mg and the response-dose ratio (RDR: % fall in FEV1/cumulative dose) ranged from 0.03 to 0.14% fall in FEV1/mg. Sputum samples (viability > 50%; squamous cells < 20%; weight ranged from 0.1 to 0.38g) were obtained in 15 children. Eosinophilia was present in 7 samples (5 asthmatic children). Adverse events were mild.
Conclusions
Mannitol can be used to induce good-quality sputum in young children.
- © 2014 ERS
