[Nasal transepithelial difference of potential in mucoviscidosis. Clinical application of the measurement].
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the value of nasal transepithelial potential difference measurements in the diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic effect in cystic fibrosis.


METHODS
Nasal transepithelial potential difference was measured in 50 patients with cystic fibrosis (mean age 10 years) and 21 controls (mean age 8 years).


RESULTS
There was a very significant increase in nasal transepithelial potential in cystic fibrosis patients (-28 +/- 8 mv) compared with controls (-8 +/- 3 mv) (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of this test for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis were 92% and 95% respectively. Nasal transepithelial potential difference was positively correlated with age (r = 0.43; p < 0.002) in cystic fibrosis patients but no correlation was found in controls. There was no significant difference in potential differences as a function of sex or Delta F508 genotype (homozygous vs heterozygous; Delta F508 vs non-Delta F508).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrated the value of transepithelial potential difference in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and emphasized its capacity to assess the effect of new therapeutic protocols aimed at modifying C1- and Na+ ion transport. It could be particularly helpful for the interpretation of doubtful sweat tests.
Maherzi
A
A
Service de Gastroentérologie et Nutrition pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris.
Ategbo
S
S
Pharaon
I
I
Munck
A
A
Cezard
J P
JP
Foucaud
P
P
Navarro
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors
Différence de potentiel transépithélial nasal dans la mucoviscidose. Application clinique de sa mesure.