Abstract
Background: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a common biomarker used in the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma in children. Little is known about the variability of FeNO beyond one week in healthy or asthmatic children. We investigated the medium-term variability of FeNO in children with and without asthma. Methods: Children from the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study attended follow-up at the age of 11 years on two occasions. Skin prick testing was completed. FeNO and spirometry were measured on each visit. Clinically significant FeNO variability (∆FeNO) was defined according to ATS 2011 recommendations. Results: Of the 425 children who had FeNO measured on two occasions [median (IQR) 20 (9-47) days apart], 11% had current asthma and 33% were atopic. Mean (SD) FeNO in children with current asthma [37.5 (31.6) ppb] or atopy [34.6 (32.2) ppb] was higher than those without [16.7 (21.0) ppb and 10.9 (9.4) ppb, respectively, p Conclusion: Increased medium-term variability of FeNO were observed in children with current wheeze and atopy compared to those without. History of hayfever, asthma medication use and atopy were independent confounding factors for clinically significant variability in FeNO.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
