Spirometric maneuvers and inhaled salbutamol do not affect exhaled nitric oxide measurements among patients with allergic asthma.

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.