Use of exhaled nitric oxide measurement to identify a reactive, at-risk phenotype among patients with asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Exhaled nitric oxide (Fe(NO)) is a biomarker of airway inflammation in mild to moderate asthma. However, whether Fe(NO) levels are informative regarding airway inflammation in patients with severe asthma, who are refractory to conventional treatment, is unknown. Here, we hypothesized that classification of severe asthma based on airway inflammation as defined by Fe(NO) levels would identify a more reactive, at-risk asthma phenotype.

Methods

Fe(NO) and major features of asthma, including airway inflammation, airflow limitation, hyperinflation, hyperresponsiveness, and atopy, were determined in 446 individuals with various degrees of asthma severity (175 severe, 271 non-severe) and 49 healthy subjects enrolled in the Severe Asthma Research Program.

Measurements an

SUBMITTER: Dweik RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2874447 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature