Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Technology to Diagnose Asthma Using Methacholine Challenge Tests.

PURPOSE: The methacholine challenge test (MCT) has high sensitivity but relatively low specificity for asthma diagnosis. This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning (ML) models to improve the diagnostic performance of MCT for asthma. METHODS: Data from 1,501 patients with asthma symptoms who underwent MCT between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed. The patients were grouped as either the training (80%, n = 1,265) and test sets (20%, n = 236) depending on the time of referral. The conventional model (provocative concentration that causes a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1]; PC20 ≤ 16 mg/mL) was compared with the prediction models derived from five ML methods: logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and artificial neural network. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUROC) and area under the precision-recall curves (AUPRC) of each model were compared. The prediction models were further analyzed using different input combinations of FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow at 25%-75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25%-75%) values obtained during MCT. RESULTS: In total, 545 patients (36.3%) were diagnosed with asthma. The AUROC of the conventional model was 0.856 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.852-0.861), and the AUPRC was 0.759 (95% CI, 0.751-0.766). All the five ML prediction models had higher AUROC and AUPRC values than those of the conventional model, and random forest showed both highest AUROC (0.950; 95% CI, 0.948-0.952) and AUROC (0.909; 95% CI, 0.905-0.914) when FEV1, FVC, and FEF25%-75% were included as inputs. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial intelligence-based models showed excellent performance in asthma prediction compared to using PC20 ≤ 16 mg/mL. The novel technology could be used to enhance the clinical diagnosis of asthma.

A new tidal breathing measurement device detects bronchial obstruction during methacholine challenge test.

PURPOSE: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), a hallmark of bronchial asthma, is typically diagnosed through a methacholine inhalation test followed by spirometry, known as the methacholine challenge test (MCT). While spirometry relies on proper patients' cooperation and precise execution of forced breathing maneuvers, we conducted a comparative analysis with the portable nanomaterial-based sensing device, SenseGuard™, to non-intrusively assess tidal breathing parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 37 adult participants with suspected asthma underwent sequential spirometry and SenseGuard™ measurements after inhaling increasing methacholine doses. RESULTS: Among the 37 participants, 18 were MCT responders, 17 were non-responders and 2 were excluded due to uninterpretable data. The MCT responders exhibited a significant lung function difference when comparing the change from baseline to maximum response. This was evident through a notable decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 â€‹s (FEV1) levels in spirometry, as well as in prominent changes in tidal breathing parameters as assessed by SenseGuard™, including the expiratory pause time (Trest) to total breath time (Ttot) ratio, and the expiratory time (Tex) to Ttot ratio. Notably, the ratios Trest/Ttot (∗p â€‹= â€‹0.02), Tex/Ttot (∗p â€‹= â€‹0.002), and inspiratory time (Tin) to Tex (∗p â€‹= â€‹0.04) identified MCT responders distinctly, corresponding to spirometry (∗p â€‹< â€‹0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that tidal breathing assessment using SenseGuard™ device reliably detects clinically relevant changes of respiratory parameter during the MCT. It effectively distinguishes between responders and non-responders, with strong agreement to conventional spirometry-measured FEV1. This technology holds promise for monitoring clinical respiratory changes in bronchial asthma patients pending further studies.

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma during oral immunotherapy for egg or peanut allergy in children.

Background: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and asthma are frequently present in children with food allergy. We assessed BHR in children receiving oral immunotherapy (OIT) for persistent egg or peanut allergy and examined whether OIT affects asthma control. Methods: Methacholine challenge testing was performed in 89 children with persistent egg or peanut allergy diagnosed by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge and 80 control children without food allergy. Of the 89 food-allergic children, 50 started OIT for egg allergy and 39 for peanut allergy. Sensitization to aeroallergens was evaluated by skin prick testing. Forty of the 89 children with regular controller treatment for asthma underwent methacholine challenge testing and 34 measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) at baseline and after 6-12 months of OIT. Results: Methacholine challenge testing revealed significant BHR in 29/50 children (58%) with egg allergy, 15/39 children (38%) with peanut allergy, and 6/80 controls (7.5%). The mean cumulative dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 differed significantly between the egg and peanut-allergic versus the control children (1009 µg, 1104 µg, and 2068 µg, respectively, p < 0.001). Egg or peanut OIT did not affect lung function, the degree of BHR or FeNO levels in children with asthma and had no adverse effect on asthma control. Lung function or BHR did not associate with the OIT outcome. Conclusion: BHR was significantly more frequent in children with persistent egg or peanut allergy than in children without food allergy. Oral immunotherapy did not increase BHR and was safe for children on regular asthma medication.

The correlation of the BMP-4 and BMP-7 proteins of the TGFß-BMP-SMAD pathway in the response to a specific and non-specific trigger in asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is characterized by persistent inflammation, airway hypersensitivity and remodelling. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins belong to the Transforming Growth Factor Superfamily and have a similar signalling transduction pathway and common co-mediating protein. However, the BMPs role in the remodelling remains unclear; they appear to be involved in the airway inflammation and fibrogenesis process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients with asthma and 48 healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected before, 1 hour, 24 and 48 hours after the allergen or the methacholine challenge test. Evaluation of BMP-4 and BMP-7 serum concentration and expression was performed using ELISA and real time PCR methods, respectively. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in BMP-7 concentration between healthy controls and asthmatics before the chal-lenge were noted. We found two statistically significant correlations: between the basal BMP-4 concentration and the FEV1(L) raw value and FEV1/FVC(%) index. We did not observe significant changes in the gene expression of BMP-4 and BMP-7 in different time points. CONCLUSIONS: Observed differences in BMP-7 concentration between asthmatic and healthy groups and correlations between BMP-4 concentration and some lung function test values may indicate the role of the BMPs in the etiopathogenesis of asthma. The unique characteristic of our study is the evaluation of BMPs serum levels, not in the bronchial epithelium.

Microfabricated potentiometric sensor for personalized methacholine challenge tests during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The methacholine challenge test is considered to be the gold standard bronchoprovocation test used to diagnose asthma, and this test is always performed in pulmonary function labs or doctors' offices. Methacholine (MCH) acts by inducing airway tightening/bronchoconstriction, and more importantly, MCH is hydrolyzed by cholinesterase enzyme (ChE). Recently, the American Thoracic Society raised concerns about pulmonary function testing during the COVID-19 pandemic due to recently reported correlation between cholinesterase and COVID-19 pneumonia severity/mortality, and it was shown that cholinesterase levels are reduced in the acute phase of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This work describes the microfabrication of potentiometric sensors using copper as the substrate and chemically polymerized graphene nanocomposites as the transducing layer for tracking the kinetics of MCH enzymatic degradation in real blood samples. The in-vitro estimation of the characteristic parameters of the MCH metabolism [Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and reaction velocity (Vmax)] were found to be 241.041 µM and 56.8 µM/min, respectively. The proposed sensor is designed to be used as a companion diagnostic device that can (i) answer questions about patient eligibility to perform methacholine challenge tests, (ii) individualize/personalize medical dosing of methacholine, (iii) provide portable and inexpensive devices allowing automated readouts without the need for operator intervention (iv) recommend therapeutic interventions including intensive care during early stages and reflecting the disease state of COVID-19 pneumonia. We hope that this methacholine electrochemical sensor will help in assaying ChE activity in a "timely" manner and predict the severity and prognosis of COVID-19 to improve treatment outcomes and decrease mortality.

The value of small airway function parameters and fractional exhaled nitric oxide for predicting positive methacholine challenge test in asthmatics of different ages with FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted.

BACKGROUND: Small airway function parameters (SAFPs) combined with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) can predict a positive methacholine challenge test (MCT) for asthma diagnosis. However, their predictive utility in patients with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ) ≥80% predicted within different age ranges remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the utility of SAFPs, alone or combined with FeNO, to predict a positive MCT in patients in two age groups (<55 and ≥55 years) with asthma-suggestive symptoms and FEV1  ≥80% predicted. METHODS: We enrolled 846 Chinese patients with suspected asthma and standard spirometry, FeNO, and MCT findings. Using the area under the curves (AUCs), the utility of SAFPs, alone or combined with FeNO, for predicting a positive MCT was analyzed in a discovery (n = 534) and validation cohort (n = 312) in both age groups with FEV1 ≥80% predicted. RESULTS: In the discovery cohort, the optimal cut-off values for predicting a positive MCT in patients aged <55 years (74.2% and 74.9% for forced expiratory flow (FEF)50% and FEF25%-75% , respectively) were higher than those in patients aged ≥55 years (65.0% and 62.9% for FEF50% , FEF25%-75% , respectively). However, the optimal FeNO value in patients aged <55 years (43 ppb) was lower than that in patients aged ≥55 years (48 ppb). FeNO combined with SAFPs (FEF50% , FEF25%-75% ) significantly increased the AUCs in both groups (≥55 years [0.851 for FEF50% and 0.844 for FEF25%-75% ]; <55 years [0.865 for FEF50% and 0.883 for FEF25%-75% ]) compared with a single parameter (p < 0.05). These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort. Compared with patients ≥55 years, those aged <55 years had higher and lower optimal cut-off values for SAFPs and FeNO, respectively. The AUCs of FeNO combined with SAFPs for predicting a positive MCT for asthma diagnosis were significantly higher than those of the individual parameters (p < 0.05) in both age groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were age-group differences in the utility of SAFPs combined with FeNO for predicting a positive MCT. Patients with an asthma-suggestive history and a normal FEV1 should be stratified by age when using SAFPs combined with FeNO to predict a positive MCT.

Elevated Th17 cell frequencies and Th17/Treg ratio are associated with airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic children.

Introduction: The elevation of T helper (Th)17 cell frequencies and the imbalance of Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cells occur in asthma pathogenesis. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a cardinal feature of asthma, and Th17 responses can promote AHR. We hypothesized that changes in Th17 cells and the Th17/Treg ratio correlate with AHR in asthmatic children.Methods: Twenty asthmatic children and twenty healthy children were included in the study. The peak expiratory flow (PEF) % pred, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % pred and the FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio were measured in all subjects. Methacholine challenge test (MCT) was performed in asthmatic children. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ELISA was used to assess serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-10.Results: Th17 cell frequencies (2.272 ± 0.207% in asthmatics, 1.193 ± 0.131% in controls, P < 0.01) and Th17/Treg ratios (0.371 ± 0.0387 in asthmatics, 0.183 ± 0.020 in controls, P < 0.01) were significantly increased in asthmatic children compared to controls. In asthmatic children, the MCT grade had positive correlations with the Th17 cell frequencies [r = 0.718, P < 0.01], serum IL-17A level [r = 0.753, P < 0.01] and Th17/Treg ratio [r = 0.721, P < 0.01], while the log10PD20-FEV1 value was negatively correlated with the Th17 cell frequencies [r = -0.654, P < 0.01], serum IL-17A level [r = -0.652, P < 0.01] and Th17/Treg ratio [r = -0.625, P < 0.01].Conclusion: Th17 cell, IL-17A and Th17/Treg ratio were positively correlated with AHR in asthmatic children. It may be helpful to monitor Th17 cells and the Th17/Treg ratio as indicators of AHR in clinical practice.

Methacholine-Induced Cough in the Absence of Asthma: Insights From Impulse Oscillometry.

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiologic differences between methacholine-induced cough but normal airway sensitivity (COUGH) and healthy individuals (CONTROL) are incompletely understood and may be due to differences in the bronchodilating effect of deep inspirations (DIs). The purpose of this study is to compare the bronchodilating effect of DIs in individuals with classic asthma (CA), cough variant asthma (CVA), and COUGH with CONTROL and to assess impulse oscillometry (IOS) measures as predictors of the bronchodilating effect of DIs. METHODS: A total of 43 adults [18 female; 44.8 ± 12.3 years (mean ± SD); n = 11 CA, n = 10 CVA, n = 7 COUGH, n = 15 CONTROL] underwent modified high-dose methacholine challenge, with IOS and partial/maximal expiratory flow volume (PEFV/MEFV) maneuvers (used to calculate DI Index) to a maximum change (Δ) in FEV1 of 50% from baseline (MAX). Cough count and dyspnea were measured at each dose. The relation between IOS parameters and DI Index was assessed at baseline and MAX using multivariable linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Cough frequency, dyspnea intensity, and baseline peripheral resistance (R5-R20) were significantly greater in COUGH compared with CONTROL (p = 0.006, p = 0.029, and p = 0.035, respectively). At MAX, the DI Index was significantly lower in COUGH (0.01 ± 0.36) compared with CA (0.67 ± 0.97, p = 0.008), CVA (0.51 ± 0.73, p = 0.012), and CONTROL (0.68 ± 0.45, p = 0.005). Fres and R5-R20 were independent IOS predictors of the DI Index. CONCLUSION: The bronchodilating effect is impaired in COUGH and preserved in mild CA, CVA, and CONTROL. Increased peripheral airway resistance and decreased resonant frequency are associated with a decreased DI Index. COUGH is a clinical phenotype distinct from healthy normals and asthma.

Predictors and reproducibility of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in cold air.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is an important part of life, and hence exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) can reduce the quality of life. A standardized test is needed to diagnose EIB. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines recommend an exercise challenge in combination with dry air. We investigated the feasibility of a new, ATS guidelines conform exercise challenge in a cold chamber (ECC) to detect EIB. The aim of this study was to investigate the surrogate marker reaction to methacholine, ECC and exercise challenge in ambient temperature for the prediction of a positive reaction and to re-evaluate the reproducibility of the response to an ECC. METHODS: Seventy-eight subjects aged 6 to 40 years with suspected EIB were recruited for the study. The subjects performed one methacholine challenge, two ECCs, and one exercise challenge at an ambient temperature. To define the sensitivity and specificity of the predictor, a receiver-operating characteristic curve was plotted. The repeatability was evaluated using the method described by Bland and Altman (95% Limits of agreement). RESULTS: The following cut-off values showed the best combination of sensitivity and specificity: the provocation dose causing a 20% decrease in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PD20FEV1) of methacholine: 1.36 mg (AUC 0.69, p < 0.05), the maximal decrease in FEV1 during the ECC: 8.5% (AUC 0.78, p < 0.001) and exercise challenges at ambient temperatures: FEV1 5.2% (AUC 0.64, p = 0.13). The median decline in FEV1 was 14.5% (0.0-64.2) during the first ECC and 10.7% (0.0-52.5) during the second ECC. In the comparison of both ECCs, the Spearman rank correlation of the FEV1 decrease was r = 0.58 (p < 0.001). The 95% limits of agreement (95% LOAs) for the FEV1 decrease were - 17.7 to 26.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The surrogate markers PD20FEV1 of methacholine and maximal decrease in FEV1 during ECC can predict a positive reaction in another ECC, whereas the maximal FEV1 decrease in an exercise challenge at an ambient temperature was not predictive. Compared with previous studies, we can achieve a similar reproducibility with an ECC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02026492 (retrospectively registered 03/Jan/2014).

Association of methacholine challenge test with diagnosis of chronic lung allograft dysfunction in lung transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is a complication of lung transplantation. We sought to determine whether bronchial hyperresponsiveness detected by the methacholine challenge test (MCT) at 3 months after lung transplant (LT) predicts the development of CLAD. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 140 LT patients between 1/2008 and 6/2014 who underwent MCT at 3 months after LT. Pearson's chi-squared test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the association between CLAD and MCT. RESULTS: Methacholine challenge test+ was associated with the development of overall CLAD (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR]: 3.47; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.71, 7.03; P = 0.001) and CLAD within 3 years (aHR: 4.98; 95%CI: 1.84, 13.48; P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that MCT (+) is associated with overall CLAD in single lung transplant (SLT) (aHR: 8.18; 95% CI: 2.22, 30.09; P = 0.002), double lung transplant (DLT) (aHR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.22, 8.78; P = 0.02) and CLAD within 3 years in DLT patients (aHR: 6.76; 95% CI: 1.71, 26.74; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Methacholine challenge test+ at 3 months after LT is associated with the development of overall CLAD. Positive MCT could predict the development of early CLAD within 3 years in DLT patients.

Predicting asthma in older adults on the basis of clinical history.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of asthma is not always straightforward and can be even more challenging in older adults. Asthma is ideally confirmed by demonstration of variable expiratory airflow limitation. However, many patients with asthma do not demonstrate airflow obstruction nor show bronchodilator reversibility. We aimed to investigate predictors for a positive bronchial challenge test with methacholine in older adults being evaluated for asthma. METHODS: This is a diagnostic accuracy study with a cross-sectional design. Participants ≥60 years with suspected asthma and a negative postbronchodilator response on spirometry were included. All participants underwent a methacholine challenge test (MCT). We assessed the value of standard asthma screening questions and additional clinical questions to predict the MCT results. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to assess the variables independently impacting the odds of a positive MCT result. RESULTS: Our study included 71 participants. The majority were female (n = 52, 73.2%) and the average age was 67.0 years. Those with a positive MCT (n = 55, 77.5%) were more likely to have wheezing or coughing due to allergens (n = 51, 92.7% vs. n = 12, 75.0%; P = 0.004) and difficulty walking several blocks (n = 14, 25.5% vs. n = 1, 6.3%, P = 0.009). After adjustment, having wheezing or coughing due to allergens (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.7-7.8, P = 0.012) remained the only significant independent predictor of a positive MCT. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults with suspected asthma, questioning about wheezing or coughing due to allergens provides a modest independent value to predict a MCT result in those who previously had a negative postbronchodilator response on spirometry.

Symptom evaluation during the methacholine test: Does it add to the interpretation of the test results based on the PC20FEV1?

PURPOSE: Conventionally, symptoms occurring during the methacholine test are not taken into account when interpreting the test results. We examined whether the evaluation of methacholine-induced symptoms (MIS) added to the test interpretation based on the PC20FEV1 by assessing their prevalence, their similarity with symptoms justifying referral and their relationship with airway responsiveness. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with suspected asthma completed a questionnaire of symptoms and underwent bronchial challenge with methacholine. Based on MIS and airway responsiveness (responders = PC20FEV1 < 8 mg/mL), subjects were classified as asymptomatic non-responders (ANRs), asymptomatic responders (ARs), symptomatic non-responders (SNRs) and symptomatic responders (SRs). Airway responsiveness for all subjects, including non-responders (ie, fall in FEV1 < 20%), was assessed by the methacholine concentration response-slope (MCRS) obtained using all points of the curve. RESULTS: ARs (n = 6) were poor-perceivers of bronchoconstriction. SNRs (n = 16) did not differ from SRs (n = 34) in any clinical parameter, including the proportion of subjects (∼80%) whose methacholine test reproduced symptoms justifying referral. In turn, SNRs differed significantly from ANRs (n = 26) by having lower baseline FEV1 (P = .005), more physician-diagnosed asthma (P < .001), more use of respiratory medication (P = .032), and relatively greater responsiveness as manifested by a steeper MCRS (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of asthma-like symptoms during the methacholine test was associated with milder airway hyperresponsiveness that would go unnoticed by the PC20FEV1. This finding suggests that SNRs should not be merely classified as having normal responsiveness, as currently recommended, but further assessed for airway inflammation. Our results helped planning a longitudinal study to investigate the prognostic validity of this approach.

Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% as a Marker for Airway Hyper Responsiveness in Adult Patients with Asthma-like Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was threefold: to assess the association between baseline FEF25-75 and Airway Hyper-responsiveness (AHR), to specify whether a decrease in FEF25-75 may reflect severe hyper-responsiveness, and finally to confirm a FEF 25-75 cut-off value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross sectional study in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, patients suffering from respiratory symptoms due the 2013 autumn rainfall with normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were evaluated by methacholine challenge test. Those with PD20<1000, 10002000 µg were classified as severe, moderate and mild AHR, respectively. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Independent t-test, One-way ANOVA and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Among the 234 patients, mean baseline FEF25-75 was 84.2±22.7% for 54 patients having a negative bronchial provocation test result and 70.9±19.2% for 179 patients with a positive bronchial provocation test result (P < 0.0001). No change was observed in the median PD20 among patients with a higher baseline FEF25-75. ROC analysis showed that FEF25-75 could potentially be a predictor of AHR, but it could not confirm the cut-off value of FEF25-75 for these patients. CONCLUSION: When asthma begins, AHR could be predicted by impaired FEF25-75 with normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. However, we could not determine a cut-off value, and no association was found between a greater impairment of FEF25-75 and a more severe AHR.

Methacholine challenge test: Comparison of tidal breathing and dosimeter methods in children.

INTRODUCTION: Methacholine Challenge Test (MCT) is used to confirm, assess the severity and/or rule out asthma. Two MCT methods are described as equivalent by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the tidal breathing and the dosimeter methods. However, the majority of adult studies suggest that individuals with asthma do not react at the same PC20 between the two methods. Additionally, the nebulizers used are no longer available and studies suggest current nebulizers are not equivalent to these. Our study investigates the difference in positive MCT tests between three methods in a pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective, chart review of all MCT performed with spirometry at the Montreal Children's Hospital from January 2006 to March 2016. A comparison of the percentage positive MCT tests with three methods, tidal breathing, APS dosimeter and dose adjusted DA-dosimeter, was performed at different cutoff points up to 8 mg/mL. RESULTS: A total of 747 subjects performed the tidal breathing method, 920 subjects the APS dosimeter method, and 200 subjects the DA-dosimeter method. At a PC20 cutoff ≤4 mg/mL, the percentage positive MCT was significantly higher using the tidal breathing method (76.3%) compared to the APS dosimeter (45.1%) and DA-dosimeter (65%) methods (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The choice of nebulizer and technique significantly impacts the rate of positivity when using MCT to diagnose and assess asthma. Lack of direct comparison of techniques within the same individuals and clinical assessment should be addressed in future studies to standardize MCT methodology in children.

Role of bronchoprovocation tests in identifying exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in a non-athletic population: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on diagnostic tests for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) have centered around the asthmatic and elite athletic population. Traditionally, the exercise challenge test (ET) was recommended to assess EIB. We aimed to compare the performance of surrogate testing, mainly the hypertonic saline (HS) test, and methacholine challenge test (MCT) versus ET in identifying EIB among non-athletic subjects. METHODS: We prospectively recruited subjects who did not have confirmed active asthma, but who reported exercise-induced dyspnoea. The participants underwent HS and ET on separate days within two weeks. MCT performed within one year were obtained retrospectively from medical records. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each diagnostic test were calculated using ET as the gold standard. RESULTS: We recruited 27 participants (mean age 20.6±2.5 years; 92.6% male). Five (18.5%) had a history of self-reported asthma prior to recruitment. Eleven participants (40.7%) had a positive ET test. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of HS in diagnosing EIB was 90.9%, 62.5% and 74.1%; while that of MCT was 88.9%, 83.3% and 85.7% respectively. Six subjects were positive to HS but had negative ET test. CONCLUSIONS: Both HS and MCT were found to be suitable alternatives to ET in screening for EIB in the non-athletic population in this pilot study. Further large scale studies are required to confirm this finding. These tests have the potential to replace ET for the diagnosis of EIB in centres without ET equipment or facilities.

Diagnostic accuracy of methacholine challenge tests assessing airway hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients - a multifunctional approach.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies comparing diagnostic accuracy of different lung function parameters evaluating dose-response characteristics of methacholine (MCH) challenge tests (MCT) as quantitative outcome of airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in asthmatic patients. The aim of this retrospectively analysis of our database (Clinic Barmelweid, Switzerland) was, to assess diagnostic accuracy of several lung function parameters quantitating AHR by dose-response characteristics. METHODS: Changes in effective specific airway conductance (sGeff) as estimate of the degree of bronchial obstruction were compared with concomitantly measured forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced expiratory flows at 50% forced vital capacity (FEF50). According to the GINA Guidelines the patients (n = 484) were classified into asthmatic patients (n = 337) and non-asthmatic subjects (n = 147). Whole-body plethysmography (CareFusion, Würzburg, Germany) was performed using ATS-ERS criteria, and for the MCTs a standardised computer controlled protocol with 3 consecutive cumulative provocation doses (PD1: 0.2 mg; PD2: 1.0 mg; PD3: 2.2 mg) was used. Break off criterion for the MCTs were when a decrease in FEV1 of 20% was reached or respiratory symptoms occurred. RESULTS: In the assessment of AHR, whole-body plethysmography offers in addition to spirometry indices of airways conductance and thoracic lung volumes, which are incorporated in the parameter sGeff, derived from spontaneous tidal breathing. The cumulative percent dose-responses at each provocation step were at the 1st level step (0.2 mg MCH) 3.7 times, at the 2nd level step (1 mg MCH) 2.4 times, and at the 3rd level step (2.2 mg MCH) 2.0 times more pronounced for sGeff, compared to FEV1. A much better diagnostic odds ratio of sGeff (7.855) over FEV1 (6.893) and FEF50 (4.001) could be found. Moreover, the so-called dysanapsis, and changes of end-expiratory lung volume were found to be important determinants of AHR. CONCLUSIONS: Applying plethysmographic tidal breathing analysis in addition to spirometry in MCTs provides relevant advantages. The absence of deep and maximal inhalations and forced expiratory manoeuvres improve the subject's cooperation and coordination, and provide sensitive and differentiated test results, improving diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, by the combined assessment, pulmonary hyperinflation and dysanapsis can be respected in the differentiation between "asthmatics" and "non-asthmatics".

Isolated small airway reactivity during bronchoprovocation as a mechanism for respiratory symptoms in WTC dust-exposed community members.

INTRODUCTION: Small airway dysfunction occurs following WTC dust exposure, but its role in producing symptoms is unclear. METHODS: Methacholine challenge (MCT) was used to assess the relationship between onset of respiratory symptoms and small airway abnormalities in 166 symptomatic WTC dust-exposed patients. Forced oscillation testing (FOT) and respiratory symptoms were assessed during MCT. FOT parameters included resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5 and R20 ) and the R5 minus R20 (R5-20 ). RESULTS: Baseline spirometry was normal in all (mean FEV1 100 + 13% predicted, mean FEV1 /FVC 80 + 4%). MCT revealed bronchial hyperreactivity by spirometry in 67 patients. An additional 24 patients became symptomatic despite minimal FEV1 change (<5%); symptom onset coincided with increased R5 and R5-20 (P > 0.001 vs. baseline). The dose-response of FOT (reactivity) was greater compared with subjects that remained asymptomatic (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FOT during MCT uncovered reactivity in small airways as a mechanism for respiratory symptoms in subjects with inhalational lung injury. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:767-776, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Airway hyperreactivity is frequent in non-asthmatic children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is associated with poorer outcomes in sickle cell disease (SCD). Whether AHR can exist in SCD as a distinct entity, separate and independent of asthma, is unknown. AIMS: Our goal was to elucidate the prevalence of AHR, as measured by a methacholine challenge test (MCT), in children with SCD who did not have concomitant asthma or any recent history of acute chest syndrome (ACS). To determine if AHR was associated with asthma-like symptoms, we compared the results of the MCT to a validated asthma questionnaire. We also examined if a correlation between AHR and inflammatory markers exists. METHODS: AHR was identified with a positive MCT defined as a provocation concentration (PC20 ) < 4 mg/ml. The children and/or their parents completed the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children) questionnaire. We obtained blood, urine, and exhaled breath condensate samples. We measured cysteinyl leukotriene levels in urine and exhaled breath condensate via enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of forty children (72.5%) had a positive MCT. Nine (31.0%) also reported asthma-like symptoms on questionnaire. Inflammatory markers did not correlate with AHR. Among MCT positive subjects, those on hydroxyurea had significantly less severe AHR as quantified by PC20 (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: In children with SCD, there is a high prevalence of AHR that is not associated with asthma-like symptoms. AHR may be a distinct entity in children with SCD, existing in the absence of concomitant asthma. Hydroxyurea therapy might lessen the severity of AHR in affected individuals. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016; 51:950-957. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Do asthma patients with panic disorder really have worse asthma? A comparison of physiological and psychological responses to a methacholine challenge.

BACKGROUND: Panic disorder (PD) has been linked to worse asthma outcomes. Some suggest that asthmatics with PD have worse underlying asthma; others argue that worse outcomes are a result of their tendency to over-report symptoms. This study aimed to measure physiological and psychological responses to a simulated asthma attack (methacholine challenge test: MCT) in asthmatics with and without PD. METHODS: Asthmatics with (n = 19) and without (n = 20) PD were recruited to undergo a MCT. Patients completed subjective symptom questionnaires (Panic Symptom Scale, Borg Scale) before and after a MCT. Physiological measures including heart rate (HR), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) were also recorded. RESULTS: Analyses, adjusting for age and sex, revealed no difference in methacholine concentration required to induce a 20% drop in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1: F = 0.21, p = .652). However, PD patients reported worse subjective symptoms, including greater ratings of dyspnea (F = 8.81, p = .006) and anxiety (F = 9.44, p = .004), although they exhibited lower levels of physiological arousal (i.e., HR, SBP/DBP). An interaction effect also indicated that PD, relative to non-PD, patients reported more panic symptoms post-MCT (F = 5.05, p = .031). CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatics with PD report higher levels of subjective distress, despite exhibiting lower levels of physiological arousal, with no evidence of greater airway responsiveness. Results suggest that worse outcomes in PD patients may be more likely due to a catastrophization of bodily symptoms, rather than worse underlying asthma. Interventions designed to educate patients on how to distinguish and manage anxiety in the context of asthma are needed.