Longitudinal measurements of exhaled nitric oxide in children–what is a significant change in FENO?. Issue 6 (31st July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cutts, Rebecca; Turner, Steve
• Is Part Of: Pediatric allergy and immunology. Volume 24:Issue 6(2013)
• Page Start: 540
• Page End: 548
• Publication Date: 2013-07-31
• Subjects: asthma -- child -- nitric oxide -- longitudinal study; Allergy in children -- Periodicals; Immunologic diseases in children -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1111/pai.12101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-6157

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The principle aim of this study was to describe the variability of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO ) concentrations over 10 months in children with and without asthma. Methods: FENO was measured on six occasions at 2‐month intervals in a community‐based cohort of children with and without asthma. Results: There were 178 children recruited, 47 had asthma, mean age 9.6 yr. A total of 851 FENO measurements were made. The change in FENO values was positively associated with the initial FENO concentration (p < 0.001) and duration between paired measurements (p = 0.016) but not asthma diagnosis; there was an interaction between initial FENO and duration between measurements. As an approximate rule‐of‐thumb, a child's FENO may rise by up to 100% of their current FENO over 2 and 4 months, independent of asthma. Conclusions: Both the baseline FENO and interval between repeated FENO measurements are relevant to FENO values, independent of asthma. These findings may be useful to clinical interpretation of FENO results in children.