Research about application of exhaled nitric oxide in the diagnosis and remedy of children with bronchial asthma

Abstract

Objective The study examined the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and maximum peak flow (PEF) as well as the correlation between the both in children between the year of 6 and 16 with bronchial asthma (asthma) and chronic cough variant asthma (CVA).Furthermore,the research study the diagnosis and remedy value of exhaled nitric oxide of children with asthma and CVA.Methods The eNO level was measured with electrochemical photometry in 23 cases diagnosed as asthma,29 cases diagnosed as CVA and 37 cases without atopic disease and acute respiratory infection as well as without family history of atopic disease served as the control group.Results The levels of eNO in the asthma and the CVA groups were significant higher than those in the control group ( P ＜0.01),and the levels of PEF in the asthma and the CVA groups were significant lower than those in the control group ( P ＜0.05).The level of eNO and PEF in the CVA groups were higher than those in the asthma ( P ＜0.01).However the level of eNO was not correlated with PEF ( r =0.061,P ＞0.05).In the CVA group,the eNO level of 21 patients was higher than 30 ppb (the normal level is between 5 and 25 ppb).After one month of ICS therapy,the symptoms of 19 cases was obviously relieved,2 cases was relieved.Meanwhile,among the rest 8 cases,three of them was relieved,5 cases have no great effect.Conclusions The patients with asthma and CVA have high levels of eNO.However the level of eNO was not correlated with PEF.Fnrthermore,if the eNO level of CVA patients has improved,the therapy of ICS will be effected. Key words: Exhaled nitric oxide; Bronchial asthma; Cough variant asthma; Children