Consenso para el abordaje del asma grave pediátrica en la práctica clínica habitual / Consensus-based approach for severe paediatric asthma in routine clinical practice

INTRODUCCIÓN: La identificación adecuada del paciente pediátrico con asma grave es esencial para su correcto manejo. Sin embargo, los criterios para definir el asma grave y las recomendaciones para su control varían mucho entre las distintas guías. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se elaboró una encuesta telemática para analizar las opiniones relativas a la definición y control del asma grave pediátrica. Para lograr un consenso se siguió una metodología Delphi modificada. Con los resultados se elaboraron recomendaciones prácticas. RESULTADOS: El cuestionario fue respondido por 11 neumólogos y alergólogos pediátricos expertos en asma grave. Hubo consenso en 50 de los 65 ítems planteados (76,92%). Se consideró que un paciente tiene asma grave si en el último año ha requerido 2 o más ciclos de corticoides orales, si requiere tratamiento diario con corticoides inhalados a dosis medias (con otra medicación controladora) o dosis altas (con o sin otra medicación controladora), si no responde a un tratamiento convencional optimizado, o si la enfermedad pone en riesgo su vida o deteriora gravemente su calidad de vida. La definición de asma grave también podría incluir a los pacientes que consumen recursos sanitarios de manera regular y justificada, o tienen factores psicosociales o ambientales que impiden su control. Para la monitorización, se recomienda usar cuestionarios específicos de población pediátrica (CAN o ACT). Respecto al tratamiento, se debería considerar el uso de omalizumab en un escalón anterior al de los corticoides orales. CONCLUSIONES: El presente trabajo ofrece recomendaciones consensuadas que pueden ser de utilidad en el manejo del asma grave pediátrica

INTRODUCTION: Accurate identification of paediatric patients with severe asthma is essential for an adequate management of the disease. However, criteria for defining severe asthma and recommendations for control vary among different guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted to explore expert opinions about the definition and management of severe paediatric asthma. To reach a consensus agreement, a modified Delphi technique was used, and practice guidelines were prepared after the analysis of the results. RESULTS: Eleven paediatric chest disease physicians and allergy specialists with wide expertise in severe asthma responded to the survey. Consensus was reached in 50 out of 65 questions (76.92%). It was considered that a patient has severe asthma if during the previous year they have required 2 or more cycles of oral steroids, required daily treatment with medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids (with other controller medication) or high doses (with or without other controller medication), did not respond to optimised conventional treatment, or if the disease threatened the life of the patient or seriously impairs their quality of life. The definition of severe asthma may also include patients who justifiably use health resources on a regular basis, or have psychosocial or environmental factors impeding control. For monitoring, the use of questionnaires designed specifically for paediatric population, such as CAN or ACT, is recommended. As regards treatment, the use of omalizumab should be considered prior to the use of oral corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: This paper provides consensus recommendations that may be useful in the management of severe paediatric asthma

[Consensus-based approach for severe paediatric asthma in routine clinical practice]. / Consenso para el abordaje del asma grave pediátrica en la práctica clínica habitual.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate identification of paediatric patients with severe asthma is essential for an adequate management of the disease. However, criteria for defining severe asthma and recommendations for control vary among different guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted to explore expert opinions about the definition and management of severe paediatric asthma. To reach a consensus agreement, a modified Delphi technique was used, and practice guidelines were prepared after the analysis of the results. RESULTS: Eleven paediatric chest disease physicians and allergy specialists with wide expertise in severe asthma responded to the survey. Consensus was reached in 50 out of 65 questions (76.92%). It was considered that a patient has severe asthma if during the previous year they have required 2 or more cycles of oral steroids, required daily treatment with medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids (with other controller medication) or high doses (with or without other controller medication), did not respond to optimised conventional treatment, or if the disease threatened the life of the patient or seriously impairs their quality of life. The definition of severe asthma may also include patients who justifiably use health resources on a regular basis, or have psychosocial or environmental factors impeding control. For monitoring, the use of questionnaires designed specifically for paediatric population, such as CAN or ACT, is recommended. As regards treatment, the use of omalizumab should be considered prior to the use of oral corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: This paper provides consensus recommendations that may be useful in the management of severe paediatric asthma.

Enfisema subcutáneo y neumomediastino tras extracción dental / Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after dental extraction

No disponible

Asociación entre la exposición a paracetamol y el asma: estado de la cuestión y recomendaciones prácticas / Association between paracetamol exposure and asthma: update and practice guidelines

La prevalencia del asma ha aumentado en las últimas décadas, especialmente en los países desarrollados, por motivos no bien esclarecidos. En los últimos años se ha observado una asociación entre el uso de paracetamol en distintas etapas de la vida, incluyendo la gestación y la infancia, y la prevalencia de asma. El carácter observacional de los estudios publicados no permite establecer una relación causal. Sería necesario realizar ensayos clínicos para comprobar la naturaleza de la asociación, que podría deberse a la presencia de diversos factores de confusión. Las sociedades pediátricas españolas firmantes de este artículo consideran que los datos disponibles hasta la fecha no son suficientes para desaconsejar el uso de paracetamol durante la gestación ni en niños asmáticos o con riesgo de asma (AU)

Asthma prevalence has increased over the last few decades, especially in developed countries, and possibly due to different reasons. An association between paracetamol use or exposure at different periods of life, including gestation and childhood, and asthma prevalence has been observed in the last few years. Causality can not be established from observational reports, due to the arguable presence of many confounding factors and biases. Randomised trials are needed to elucidate the nature of this association. The Spanish Paediatric societies subscribing to this paper consider that current evidence is insufficient to discourage the use of paracetamol during gestation or in children with or at risk of asthma (AU)

Crisis asmática en los servicios de urgencias en Espa˜na, ¿cuál es nuestra práctica habitual? / Asthma crisis in emergency departments in Spain: what is our usual practice?

Introducción: A pesar de la existencia de múltiples guías y documentos de consenso sobre el asma, persiste todavía una gran variabilidad en su abordaje, situación poco analizada en los Servicios de Urgencias (SU). Objetivo: Describir el manejo habitual de las crisis asmáticas en los SU españoles, conocer el grado de variabilidad entre sus diferentes profesionales y analizar los factores que pueden influir en su manejo. Material y métodos: Se elaboró un cuestionario, basado en supuestos clínicos, que se distribuyó entre los socios de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias de Pediatría y asistentes a la reunión en 2011. Resultados: Se analizan 300 encuestas. En 190 casos, el lugar de trabajo habitual es un hospital de tercer nivel. Existe una alta coincidencia en la valoración de la gravedad de los casos. Más del 90% utiliza beta 2 agonistas inhalados en la crisis asmática leve, el 75,3% utiliza corticoides orales en crisis moderadas y el 79% utiliza bromuro de ipratropio en las crisis graves. El 98% considera importante hacer educación terapéutica en los SU. Solo 8 (2,7%) utilizan la medición del pico de flujo espiratorio máximo. Los encuestados que trabajan en un hospital de tercer nivel utilizan con más frecuencia escalas de gravedad (90,5% vs. 80%, p = 0,009) y administran corticoides parenterales con menos frecuencia (53,2% vs. 66,4%, p = 0,017). Conclusiones: Aunque un porcentaje elevado de pediatras que trabajan en los SU siguen las guías de práctica clínica, se han detectado aspectos en los que el abordaje del asma es discordante entre los diferentes profesionales(AU)

Background: Despite there being various guidelines and consensus statements on asthma, great variability still exists in its treatment approach; although this has been little discussed in Emergency Departments (ED). Objective: To describe the usual management of asthma exacerbations in Spanish ED, and to determine the degree of variability among different professionals, as well as analyse factors that may influence their management. Material and methods: A questionnaire was developed based on clinical cases, which was distributed among members of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergencies and attendees at the meeting in 2011. Results: A total of 300 surveys were analysed. In 190 cases the place of work was in a tertiary care hospital. There was high agreement in the assessment of the severity of the cases mentioned. Over 90% use inhaled beta 2 agonists in mild asthma exacerbations, 75.3% used oral corticosteroids in moderate exacerbations, and 79% use ipratropium bromide in severe exacerbations. Almost all (98%) considered Therapeutic Education important in the Emergency Department. Only 8 (2.7%) used peak expiratory flow measurements. Respondents working in a tertiary hospital used severity scales more frequently (90.5% vs 80%, P=0.009) and administered parenteral corticosteroids less frequently (53.2% vs 66.4%, P=0.017). Conclusions: Although a high percentage of paediatricians working in the ED follow Clinical Practice Guidelines, some different points of the approach among professionals have been identified(AU)

[Association between paracetamol exposure and asthma: update and practice guidelines]. / Asociación entre la exposición a paracetamol y el asma: estado de la cuestión y recomendaciones prácticas.

Asthma prevalence has increased over the last few decades, especially in developed countries, and possibly due to different reasons. An association between paracetamol use or exposure at different periods of life, including gestation and childhood, and asthma prevalence has been observed in the last few years. Causality can not be established from observational reports, due to the arguable presence of many confounding factors and biases. Randomised trials are needed to elucidate the nature of this association. The Spanish Paediatric societies subscribing to this paper consider that current evidence is insufficient to discourage the use of paracetamol during gestation or in children with or at risk of asthma.

[Asthma crisis in emergency departments in Spain: what is our usual practice?]. / Crisis asmática en los servicios de urgencias en España, ¿cuál es nuestra práctica habitual?

BACKGROUND: Despite there being various guidelines and consensus statements on asthma, great variability still exists in its treatment approach; although this has been little discussed in Emergency Departments (ED). OBJECTIVE: To describe the usual management of asthma exacerbations in Spanish ED, and to determine the degree of variability among different professionals, as well as analyse factors that may influence their management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was developed based on clinical cases, which was distributed among members of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergencies and attendees at the meeting in 2011. RESULTS: A total of 300 surveys were analysed. In 190 cases the place of work was in a tertiary care hospital. There was high agreement in the assessment of the severity of the cases mentioned. Over 90% use inhaled ß2 agonists in mild asthma exacerbations, 75.3% used oral corticosteroids in moderate exacerbations, and 79% use ipratropium bromide in severe exacerbations. Almost all (98%) considered Therapeutic Education important in the Emergency Department. Only 8 (2.7%) used peak expiratory flow measurements. Respondents working in a tertiary hospital used severity scales more frequently (90.5% vs 80%, P=.009) and administered parenteral corticosteroids less frequently (53.2% vs 66.4%, P=.017). CONCLUSIONS: Although a high percentage of paediatricians working in the ED follow Clinical Practice Guidelines, some different points of the approach among professionals have been identified.

Impacto de una intervención educativa sobre asma en los profesores / Impact of an asthma educational intervention programme on teachers

Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de una intervención educativa en el nivel de conocimientos de los profesores sobre el asma y su manejo. Material y método: Estudio cuasiexperimental, de tipo antes y después, con grupo control, de una intervención educativa (IE) dirigida a mejorar el grado de conocimientos sobre el asma infantil y su manejo en profesores de centros escolares de San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa). Se utilizó como elemento de medida el cuestionario de conocimientos Newcastle Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (NAKQ) y como intervención educativa, una adaptación del programa Asma, Deporte y Salud. Se utilizó el test de los rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para comparar la puntuación total en el cuestionario antes y después de la intervención, el test de McNemar para comparar el porcentaje de respuestas correctas a cada ítem y el test U de Mann-Whitney para la comparación en la puntuación basal y a los 3 meses entre el grupo de intervención y el grupo control. Se estudiaron el tamaño del efecto y la respuesta media estandarizada. Resultados: Participaron 138 docentes de 6 centros elegidos aleatoriamente (grupo estudio) y 43 en el grupo control. En el grupo estudiado la puntuación media del cuestionario de conocimientos de asma NAKQ antes de la realización de la intervención educativa fue de 16,1±3,4 puntos, con una mediana de 16 (rango 7-23). Tras la intervención educativa, la puntuación ascendió a 22,3±4,1 con una mediana de 23 (rango 6-29), siendo la diferencia media en la puntuación global de conocimientos de 7,0±4,2 puntos, con una mediana de 8 (rango -2; 17), tamaño del efecto de 2,0(>0,8) siendo la respuesta media estandarizada de 1,7. A los 3 meses de la intervención, la puntuación media del cuestionario fue de 21,4±3,0 puntos, con una mediana de 22 (rango 12-29), significativamente superior al momento previo a la intervención (p<0,001) y algo menor que el inmediatamente posterior a la misma, suponiendo un tamaño del efecto de 1,6 y una respuesta media estandarizada de 1,2. En el grupo control no se modificó el nivel de conocimientos, permaneciendo más bajo que el grupo intervenido (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Una intervención educativa dirigida a los profesores aumenta significativamente el nivel de conocimientos sobre el asma. Además, el incremento disminuye algo pero se mantiene elevado durante al menos 3 meses. Algunos aspectos del conocimiento, aunque mejoran con la intervención educativa, no son óptimos (AU)

Objective: Our objective was to measure the impact of an educational intervention program on teacher's knowledge about asthma and its management. Material and method: Before and after quasi-experimental study, with control group, of an educational intervention, which had as its aim to improve the teacher's knowledge of asthma and its management, was conducted in some schools of San Sebastian (Gipuzkoa), Spain. The Newcastle Asthma knowledge Questionnaire (NAKQ) was used as a measuring tool, and an adaptation of the asthma, sport and health program was used as an educational intervention. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the total score of the questionnaire before and after the intervention, and the McNemar test was performed to compare the percentages of correct answers to each item. The Mann-Whitney U test was also performed to compare the baseline score and the score at three months between the intervention group and control group. The size of the effect and the standardised mean response were studied. Results: A total of 138 teachers from 6 schools, which were chosen at random (study group), and 43 teachers in the control group participated in the study. In the study group, the mean score of the NAKQ before the educational intervention was 16.1±3.4 points, with a median of 16 (range 7 to 23). After the intervention the mean score increased to 22.3±4.1, with a median of 23 (range, 6 to 29). The mean difference in the overall score of the NAKQ was 7.0±4.2 points, with a median of 8 (range, -2 to17). Furthermore, the size of the effect was 2.0 (> 0.8) and the standardised mean response was 1.7. After 3 months of the intervention the mean score of the NAKQ was 21.4±3.0 points, with a median of 22 (range, 12 to 29) which was significantly higher than the score obtained before the intervention (P<0.001) and slightly lower than the score obtained immediately after the intervention, assuming a size of the effect of 1.6 and a standardised mean response of 1.2. In the control group, the level of knowledge did not change modified and was lower than the level of the intervention group (P<0.001). Conclusions: An educational intervention program conducted among teachers significantly increases their knowledge of asthma. Moreover, the increase reduces slightly but maintains its higher level for at least 3 months. In spite of the fact that some aspects of knowledge improved with the educational intervention, they were not optimal (AU)

[Impact of an asthma educational intervention programme on teachers]. / Impacto de una intervención educativa sobre asma en los profesores.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to measure the impact of an educational intervention program on teacher's knowledge about asthma and its management. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Before and after quasi-experimental study, with control group, of an educational intervention, which had as its aim to improve the teacher's knowledge of asthma and its management, was conducted in some schools of San Sebastian (Gipuzkoa), Spain. The Newcastle Asthma knowledge Questionnaire (NAKQ) was used as a measuring tool, and an adaptation of the asthma, sport and health program was used as an educational intervention. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the total score of the questionnaire before and after the intervention, and the McNemar test was performed to compare the percentages of correct answers to each item. The Mann-Whitney U test was also performed to compare the baseline score and the score at three months between the intervention group and control group. The size of the effect and the standardised mean response were studied. RESULTS: A total of 138 teachers from 6 schools, which were chosen at random (study group), and 43 teachers in the control group participated in the study. In the study group, the mean score of the NAKQ before the educational intervention was 16.1±3.4 points, with a median of 16 (range 7 to 23). After the intervention the mean score increased to 22.3±4.1, with a median of 23 (range, 6 to 29). The mean difference in the overall score of the NAKQ was 7.0±4.2 points, with a median of 8 (range, -2 to17). Furthermore, the size of the effect was 2.0 (> 0.8) and the standardised mean response was 1.7. After 3 months of the intervention the mean score of the NAKQ was 21.4±3.0 points, with a median of 22 (range, 12 to 29) which was significantly higher than the score obtained before the intervention (P<.001) and slightly lower than the score obtained immediately after the intervention, assuming a size of the effect of 1.6 and a standardised mean response of 1.2. In the control group, the level of knowledge did not change modified and was lower than the level of the intervention group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: An educational intervention program conducted among teachers significantly increases their knowledge of asthma. Moreover, the increase reduces slightly but maintains its higher level for at least 3 months. In spite of the fact that some aspects of knowledge improved with the educational intervention, they were not optimal.

Etiología y diagnóstico de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y sus formas complicadas / Aetiology and diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia and its complicated forms

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) es una enfermedad frecuente en la infancia, en cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento participan diversas especialidades pediátricas. Esto ha motivado que la Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica (SENP) y la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP) elaboren un documento de consenso sobre el diagnóstico de la NAC, revisando mediante la medicina basada en la evidencia aquellos aspectos prácticos sobre el mismo. Se analizan la etiología y la epidemiología, con los cambios actuales, así como la validez de ciertas pruebas complementarias, como los reactantes de fase aguda, los métodos microbiológicos y los métodos de imagen, orientando al pediatra en la utilidad real de los mismos(AU)

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a common childhood disease, involving several paediatric subspecialties in its diagnosis and treatment. This has prompted the Spanish Society of Paediatric Pulmonology (SENP) and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP) to prepare a consensus document on the diagnosis of CAP, assessing the practical aspects by means of evidence-based medicine. It discusses the aetiology and epidemiology, with the current changes and the validity of certain laboratory tests, such as acute phase reactants, microbiological and imaging techniques, guiding the paediatricians in the real value of these tests(AU)

Association among lung function, exhaled nitric oxide, and the CAN questionnaire to assess asthma control in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association among a validated symptom-based questionnaire for asthma control in children (CAN), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)). METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study was performed in a consecutive sample of asthmatic children aged between 7 and 14 years old from December 2007 to February 2008. FE(NO) was measured with a portable electrochemical analyzer and forced spirometry was performed according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society. The CAN questionnaire was completed by the parents (aged <9 years old) or by the children (> or = 9 years old). The strength of the association among FEV(1), FE(NO), and CAN questionnaire was studied using Spearman's rho, and the degree of agreement for asthma control among FEV(1), FE(NO), and CAN questionnaire, with classification of these variables according to values of normality, was studied using Pearson's chi(2) test and Cohen's kappa (KC). RESULTS: We studied 268 children, mean age 9.7 +/- 2.1 years. Significant correlations were found between FE(NO) and CAN (r = 0.2), between FEV(1) and CAN (r = -0.3), and between FE(NO) and FEV(1) (r = -0.12). On classifying the variables according to values of normality, no agreement was found to establish the degree of asthma control between FE(NO) and CAN (KC = 0.18, chi(2) Pearson = 9.63); between FEV(1) and CAN (KC = 0.29, chi(2) = 38.5); or between FE(NO) and FEV(1) (KC = 0.07, chi(2) = 4.9). CONCLUSIONS: The association among the three measurement instruments used to assess asthma control (FEV(1), FE(NO), and CAN) was weak. These are instruments that quantify variables that influence asthma in different ways, in this sense, none can be used instead of another in asthma management although they are complementary.

[Recurrent wheezing in three year-olds: facts and opportunities]. / Sibilancias recurrentes en menores de tres años: evidencias y oportunidades.

The 3 year-old group of children has an increased incidence and prevalence of recurrent wheezing episodes. There are different subgroups, who give different inflammatory responses to different triggering agents, and subgroups that differ in aetiopathology and immunopathology. Current diagnostic methods (exhaled nitric oxide in multiple breaths, nitric oxide in exhaled air condensate, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage and endo-bronchial biopsy), enable the inflammatory pattern to be identified and to give the most effective and safe treatment. The various therapeutic options for treatment are reviewed, such as inhaled glucocorticoids when the inflammatory phenotype is eosinophilic, and leukotriene receptor antagonists, when the inflammatory phenotype is predominantly neutrophilic. In accordance with the current recommendations, for the diagnosis as well as for the therapy initiated in children of this age, they must be regularly reviewed, so that if the benefit is not clear, the treatment must be stopped and an alternative diagnosis and treatment considered. The start of treatment should be determined depending on the intensity and frequency of the symptoms, with the aim of decreasing morbidity and increasing the quality of life of the patient.

Sibilancias recurrentes en menores de tres años: evidencias y oportunidades / Recurrent wheezing in three year-olds: facts and opportunities

El grupo de niños menores de 3 años presenta una elevada incidencia y prevalencia de episodios de sibilancias recurrentes, con distintos subgrupos que expresan diferentes respuestas inflamatorias ante agentes desencadenantes diversos, subgrupos que difieren en etiopatogenia e inmunopatología. Los métodos diagnósticos de los que se dispone en la actualidad (óxido nítrico exhalado a respiraciones múltiples, óxido nítrico en el condensado de aire exhalado, esputo inducido, lavado broncoalveolar y biopsia endobronquial) permiten identificar el patrón inflamatorio y realizar un tratamiento que resulte más eficaz y más seguro. Se revisan las distintas opciones terapéuticas, entre las que se incluyen los glucocorticoides inhalados cuando el fenotipo inflamatorio es eosinofílico y los antagonistas de los receptores de los leucotrienos cuando el fenotipo inflamatorio es de predominio neutrofílico. De acuerdo con las recomendaciones actuales, tanto el diagnóstico como la terapia iniciada en los niños de esta edad deben revisarse regularmente, de tal modo que si el beneficio no está claro, el tratamiento debe suspenderse y considerar un diagnóstico o tratamiento alternativo. El inicio del tratamiento deberá ser determinado en función de la intensidad y de la frecuencia de los síntomas, con el objetivo de disminuir la morbilidad y aumentar la calidad de vida del paciente (AU)

The 3 year-old group of children has an increased incidence and prevalence of recurrent wheezing episodes. There are different subgroups, who give different inflammatory responses to different triggering agents, and subgroups that differ in aetiopathology and immunopathology. Current diagnostic methods (exhaled nitric oxide in multiple breaths, nitric oxide in exhaled air condensate, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage and endo-bronchial biopsy), enable the inflammatory pattern to be identified and to give the most effective and safe treatment. The various therapeutic options for treatment are reviewed, such as inhaled glucocorticoids when the inflammatory phenotype is eosinophilic, and leukotriene receptor antagonists, when the inflammatory phenotype is predominantly neutrophilic. In accordance with the current recommendations, for the diagnosis as well as for the therapy initiated in children of this age, they must be regularly reviewed, so that if the benefit is not clear, the treatment must be stopped and an alternative diagnosis and treatment considered. The start of treatment should be determined depending on the intensity and frequency of the symptoms, with the aim of decreasing morbidity and increasing the quality of life of the patient (AU)

[Fractional exhaled nitric oxide: validation of a 6 second exhalation time with two different analysers]. / Fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico: validación de la medida con tiempo de espiración de 6 s con dos analizadores diferentes.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FE(NO)) using a 6-sec exhalation time in patients aged between 5 and 17 years with a stationary chemiluminescence analyser (NIOX, Aerocrine) and a portable electrochemical analyser (NIOX-MINO, Aerocrine). MATERIAL AND METHODS: FE(NO) was assessed in 60 patients randomised into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 30, NIOX analyser), three valid FE(NO) measurements were obtained for two exhalation times (10 sec and 6 sec); the mean of the three measurements was recorded. In Group 2 (n = 30, NIOX-MINO), a single valid measurement of FE(NO) was obtained for each exhalation time. We analysed age, gender, weight, height, diagnosis, treatment, FE(NO) and the number of attempts with both exhalation times in each analyser. Agreement between FE(NO) assessed using 10-sec and 6-sec exhalations was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age in Group 1 was 10.1 (3.07) years. The mean age in Group 2 was 10.43 (2.94) years. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between FE(NO) values obtained with both exhalation times and with both devices. Cohen's kappa, also demonstrated good agreement (NIOX, kappa = 1; NIOX-MINO, kappa = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: A 6-sec exhalation time is valid for measuring FE(NO) with both analysers in children aged over 5 years.

Fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico: validación de la medida con tiempo de espiración de 6 s con dos analizadores diferentes / Fractional exhaled nitric oxide: Validation of a 6 second exhalation time with two different analysers

Objetivo. Validar la determinación de la fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico (FENO) con tiempo de espiración de 6 s con un analizador de quimioluminiscencia estacionario (NIOX(R), Aerocrine) y con un analizador electroquímico portátil (NIOX-MINO(R), Aerocrine). Material y métodos. Determinaciones de la FENO en 60 pacientes entre 5 y 17 años. Grupo 1 (n=30, NIOX(R)): tres medidas válidas para cada tiempo de espiración (10 y 6 s) y cálculo de la media de las tres determinaciones. Grupo 2 (n=30, NIOX-MINO(R)): una determinación válida con cada tiempo de espiración. Variables: edad, sexo, peso, talla, diagnóstico, tratamiento, FENO y número de intentos con cada tiempo de espiración en cada analizador. Análisis de concordancia y grado de acuerdo entre los valores de FENO obtenidos con cada dispositivo, con tiempos espiratorios de 10 y 6 s mediante el método Bland y Altman y la kappa de Cohen (κ). Resultados. Grupo 1 (NIOX(R)), edad media 10,1 ± 3,07 años. Grupo 2 (NIOX-MINO(R)), edad media 10,43 ± 2,94 años. Existe una buena concordancia entre los valores obtenidos con NIOX(R) y con NIOX-MINO(R) a 10 y 6 s. Hubo un acuerdo sustancial entre los valores obtenidos con NIOX(R) a 10 y 6 s ( κ=1) y con NIOX-MINO(R) a 10 y 6 s ( κ=0,93). Conclusiones. El tiempo de espiración de 6 s es válido para la determinación de la FENO con cada uno de los dispositivos de medida en niños mayores de 5 años

Objective. To validate the measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FENO) using a 6-sec exhalation time in patients aged between 5 and 17 years with a stationary chemiluminescence analyser (NIOX(R), Aerocrine) and a portable electrochemical analyser (NIOX-MINO(R), Aerocrine). Material and methods. FENO was assessed in 60 patients randomised into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 30, NIOX(R) analyser), three valid FENO measurements were obtained for two exhalation times (10 sec and 6 sec); the mean of the three measurements was recorded. In Group 2 (n = 30, NIOX-MINO(R)), a single valid measurement of FENO was obtained for each exhalation time. We analysed age, gender, weight, height, diagnosis, treatment, FENO and the number of attempts with both exhalation times in each analyser. Agreement between FENO assessed using 10-sec and 6-sec exhalations was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and Cohen's kappa. Results. The mean (SD) age in Group 1 was 10.1 (3.07) years. The mean age in Group 2 was 10.43 (2.94) years. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between FENO values obtained with both exhalation times and with both devices. Cohen's kappa, also demonstrated good agreement (NIOX(R), κ = 1; NIOX-MINO(R), κ = 0.93). Conclusions. A 6-sec exhalation time is valid for measuring FENO with both analysers in children aged over 5 years

[Agreement between two devices for measuring exhaled nitric oxide]. / Concordancia entre dos dispositivos de medida de óxido nítrico exhalado.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a non-invasive marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation that can be useful in asthma diagnosis and control, as well as in treatment monitoring. OBJECTIVE: We studied the correlation between two techniques for measuring FENO: the chemiluminescence-based analyzer (NIOX, Aerocrine, Sweden) and a new portable electrochemical sensor-based analyzer (NIOX-MINO, Aerocrine). MATERIAL AND METHODS: FENO was measured by the single breath on-line method. In all children, three consecutives measurements were obtained with NIOX, with a maximum of six attempts, and the arithmetic mean was calculated. Next, using NIOX-MINO, a single measurement was made successively in each of the children. The variables analyzed were sex, age, height, weight, diagnosis, treatment, NIOX-MINO value, mean of three values obtained with NIOX and the NO elimination rate (nL/min). For the statistical analysis, the Bland-Altman plot was used to compare the means and the differences between measurements of FENO from NIOX and NIOX-MINO. The agreement between the two analyzers was estimated by Cohen's Kappa statistic. RESULTS: Thirty children were included, 14 (46.67%) boys and 16 (53.33%) girls. The mean age was 11.3+/-3.09 years. All of the children successfully performed the measurements with two analyzers. The relationship between the means and the differences in the values obtained with NIOX-MINO and NIOX were statistically significant (p<0.005). In addition, Cohen's Kappa statistic (0.78) suggested a high degree of agreement between the results obtained with the two devices. CONCLUSIONS: The two analyzers, NIOX-MINO and NIOX, were not equivalent. There was good agreement between the FENO values measured with the two devices. Measurement of FENO with the portable electrochemical sensor-based analyzer (NIOX-MINO) is valid and feasible in children older than 5 years.