Diagnostic utility of inflammatory biomarkers in asthma: Exhaled nitric oxide and induced sputum eosinophil count

Summary Background Even though an inflammatory process is known to be the underlying cause of asthma, diagnosis is based on clinical history, reversible airway obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness according to international guidelines. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO ) and induce...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Respiratory medicine 2007-11, Vol.101 (11), p.2416-2421
Main Authors: Fortuna, Ana M, Feixas, Teresa, González, Mercedes, Casan, Pere
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Airway management
Asthma
Asthma - diagnosis
Asthma - metabolism
Biological and medical sciences
Biomarkers
Breath Tests
Bronchial Provocation Tests - methods
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma
Diagnosis
Disease
Eosinophils
Female
Forced Expiratory Volume - physiology
Hospitals
Humans
Induced sputum
Inflammation
Leukocyte Count
Male
Medical diagnosis
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Nitric oxide
Nitric Oxide - analysis
Pneumology
Prospective Studies
Pulmonary/Respiratory
Sensitivity and Specificity
Spirometry
Sputum - cytology
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Summary:Summary Background Even though an inflammatory process is known to be the underlying cause of asthma, diagnosis is based on clinical history, reversible airway obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness according to international guidelines. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO ) and induced sputum eosinophil count (Eos%) have been used as non-invasive inflammatory biomarkers. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of FENO , Eos% and spirometry and to assess whether their combined use in clinical practice would improve diagnostic yield. Methods In 50 patients with asthma symptoms we performed spirometry, a methacholine challenge test, FENO measurement and assessment of Eos% in induced sputum. The standard diagnosis of asthma followed the guidelines of the Global Initiative for Asthma. Results Twenty-two of the 50 patients were diagnosed with asthma. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy were higher for FENO measurement (77%; area under the receiver operating curve [AUC], 0.8) than for spirometry (22%; AUC, 0.63). The sensitivity and specificity of Eos% in induced sputum were 40% and 82%, respectively, and the diagnostic accuracy of Eos% was lower (AUC, 0.58). When both inflammatory biomarkers were used together specificity increased to 76%. Conclusions The diagnostic accuracy of FENO measurement was superior to that of the standard diagnostic spirometry in patients with symptoms suggestive of asthma. The use of FENO measurement and induced sputum Eos% together to diagnose asthma in clinical practice is more accurate than spirometry or FENO assessment alone and easier to perform.
ISSN:0954-6111
1532-3064
DOI:10.1016/j.rmed.2007.05.019