ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) is used as a marker of airway inflammation. Factors such as spirometric maneuvers (SPM), ß(2)-agonists, or tobacco smoking have been postulated to affect ENO measurements. Guidelines on measurement techniques have been published based on expert opinions. Nevertheless, there is no strong clinical evidence of many aspects because they have not been supported by research data. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of performing a spirometry or receiving inhaled salbutamol on ENO readings. METHODS: One hundred forty-five adults and 62 children with allergic asthma were included with a mean age of 36 ± 13 years for adults and 13 ± 2 years for children. A control group comprised 30 healthy adults and 30 children with a mean age of 37 ± 14 years and 13 ± 2 years, respectively. ENO measurements were performed with a NIOX-MINO® electrochemical device. In 179 patients ENO was measured before and after performing SPM and in 88 patients before and 15 min after SPM plus 2 puffs of salbutamol (100 µg/puff). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean ENO levels before and after SPM or before and after SPM plus 2 puffs of inhaled salbutamol in adults or children (asthmatic or healthy). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of ENO are not significantly affected by SPM or salbutamol inhalation.
Subject(s)
Albuterol/pharmacology , Asthma/metabolism , Bronchodilator Agents/pharmacology , Hypersensitivity/metabolism , Nitric Oxide/analysis , Administration, Inhalation , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Breath Tests , Case-Control Studies , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Spirometry , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of fruit sensitisation by skin prick test (SPT) is fast and easy to perform. Nevertheless, some fruit is not available throughout the year. Freezing aliquots of these fresh fruits to be defrosted would be a good solution to perform SPT at any time. OBJECTIVE: To compare the reproducibility of SPT with Rosaceae and Cucurbitaceae frozen fruit with fresh and commercial fruit extracts. METHODS: SPT with the following fruit were performed: apricot, cherry, strawberry, nectarine, Japanese medlar, peach, (peel and pulp), yellow and red plum, melon and watermelon. We compared fresh fruit, commercial extract and fruit which had been frozen at -18 degrees C. Results were read by planimetry (Inmunotek prick-film) after 15 minutes. RESULTS: The study group comprised 48 patients (9 males, 39 females) with a mean age of 31, 6 +/- 2.0 years. Concordance of positive and negative results was extremely high and significant in all cases. Correlation between frozen fruit and commercial extract, frozen fruit and fresh and commercial extract and fresh fruit was statistically significant in all cases except for strawberry. CONCLUSIONS: The use of frozen fruit is a valid method, as the performance of the SPT is similar to that of fresh fruit. This enables diagnostic procedures with seasonal fruit at any time of the year.
