Abstract
BackgroundObjective markers of early airway inflammation in infants are not established but are of great interest in a scientific setting. Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and urinary eosinophilic protein X (uEPX) are a two such interesting markers.ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of measuring FeNO and uEPX in infants and their mothers and to determine if any relations between these two variables and environmental factors can be seen in a small sample size. This was conducted as a pilot study for the ongoing Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and child Asthma and allergy study (SELMA).MethodsConsecutive infants between two and six months old and their mothers at children's health care centres were invited, and 110 mother-infant pairs participated. FeNO and uEPX were analysed in both mothers and infants. FeNO was analyzed in the mothers online by the use of the handheld Niox Mino device and in the infants offline from exhaled air sampled during tidal breathing. A 33-question multiple-choice questionnaire that dealt with symptoms of allergic disease, heredity, and housing characteristics was used.ResultsFeNO levels were reduced in infants with a history of upper respiratory symptoms during the previous two weeks (p < 0.002). There was a trend towards higher FeNO levels in infants with windowpane condensation in the home (p < 0.05). There was no association between uEPX in the infants and the other studied variables.ConclusionThe use of uEPX as a marker of early inflammation was not supported. FeNO levels in infants were associated to windowpane condensation. Measuring FeNO by the present method may be an interesting way of evaluating early airway inflammation. In a major population study, however, the method is difficult to use, for practical reasons.
Highlights
Objective markers of early airway inflammation in infants are not established but are of great interest in a scientific setting
FeNO levels were reduced in infants with a history of upper respiratory symptoms during the previous two weeks (p < 0.002)
The study Dampness in Buildings and Health (DBH) showed that asthma and allergies among children are associated with exposure to chemicals such as phthalates from plasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), organic compounds associated with cleaning products, and a low ventilation rate in the house [1]
Summary
Objective markers of early airway inflammation in infants are not established but are of great interest in a scientific setting. Asthma and allergic diseases in children are important public health problems, but they are not fully understood from an aetiological point of view. Allergic diseases usually start in early childhood with food allergies and atopic dermatitis, followed by asthma and rhinitis. These conditions are usually diagnosed in a clinical setting when they are manifest. There is a strong need for early and objective markers of preclinical disease, as eosinophilic inflammation, both in clinical and scientific settings. The study Dampness in Buildings and Health (DBH) showed that asthma and allergies among children are associated with exposure to chemicals such as phthalates from plasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), organic compounds associated with cleaning products, and a low ventilation rate in the house [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
