Exhaled Biomarkers and Gene Expression at Preschool Age Improve Asthma Prediction at 6 Years of Age

Abstract

EMM Klaassen, KDG van de Kant, Q Jobsis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2015;191(2):201–207 The objective of this study was to assess whether exhaled biomarkers, expression of inflammation genes, and early lung function measurements can improve early asthma prediction in the wheezing preschool child when used in conjunction with the Asthma Predictive Index (API). The study included 202 children, aged 2 to 4 years, with history of recurrent wheeze who were prospectively followed up yearly until 6 years of age. At age 6, a diagnosis of asthma or transient wheeze was determined on the basis of symptoms, use of asthma medication, and lung function features. At initial recruitment, researchers collected exhaled breath condensate, measuring exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and …