Is the measurement of particles in exhaled air feasible and useful in children with suspected asthma?

Le résumé fourni par la source

Introduction: Particles in exhaled air (PExA©) may differ between adults with asthma and healthy controls but there is limited comparable data in children. Aims: To assess the feasibility of PExA in children and differences between symptomatic children with (A) and without asthma (NA), and healthy controls (HC). Methods: Children aged 5-16years with suspected asthma and HC were recruited to the Rapid Access Diagnostics for Asthma (RADicA) study. Those with suspected asthma were classified as A or NA by an expert panel following review of a comprehensive assessment including extensive lung function before and after inhaled corticosteroids treatment. PExA sampling was attempted and reasons for unsuccessful tests were noted. PExA outputs were compared between the 3 groups. Results: Fifty-one suspected asthma (A=36, NA=15) and 18 healthy controls attempted PExA. Success rate improved with age (5-8yrs 33%, 9-11yrs 65%, and 12-16yrs 79%). The most common reason for an unsuccessful test was poor technique (74%). PExA results are shown in the table. Conclusion: PExA was feasible in more than half of those aged nine and over. Although numbers were small, there was no significant differences in any PExA variables between the three cohorts.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.