Serial exhaled nitric oxide measurements in the assessment of laboratory animal allergy.
BACKGROUND
Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) may cause eosinophilic airway inflammation, for which exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) measurements are sensitive and specific. Our objective was to assess whether serial FE(NO) measurements might detect exposure-related inflammation in laboratory animal workers. METHODS. Fifty laboratory animal workers participated. Measurements of FE(NO) and spirometry were obtained at baseline (Friday) and twice-daily following a weekend with no animal contact.


RESULTS
Eleven of 50 subjects had work-related symptoms, and 2 of 11 had positive serology for LAA. Baseline FE(NO) was high (> 150 ppb) in the two seropositive subjects and increased progressively during the working week in one subject, confirming exposure-driven airway inflammation. In seronegative subjects, mean FE(NO) levels were 19.8 (standard deviation [SD], 20.1) and 21.7 (SD, 20.8) in the symptomatic and nonsymptomatic groups, respectively, with no significant changes in FE(NO) over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Serial FE(NO) measurements may provide complementary information in the assessment of possible occupational sensitisation. The sensitivity and specificity of this approach to diagnosing occupational asthma requires further evaluation.
Hewitt
Richard S
RS
Respiratory Research Unit, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Smith
Andrew D
AD
Cowan
Jan O
JO
Schofield
John C
JC
Herbison
G Peter
GP
Taylor
D Robin
DR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D001944:Breath Tests; D045853:Exhalation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013147:Spirometry
D009569:Nitric Oxide