Measurement of nitric oxide and 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath of children with atopic eczema.
BACKGROUND
Children with atopic eczema (AE) are at risk of developing asthma. Airway inflammation has been shown to be present before the onset of clinical asthma. Increased exhalation (forced expiration; FE) of nitric oxide (FE(NO)) and 8-isoprostane seems to be a feature of bronchial inflammation in people with asthma.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the exhalation of these two molecules is increased in children with eczema, even in the absence of overt asthma.


METHODS
In total, 21 children with AE were recruited and compared with healthy controls. A questionnaire was completed to identify respiratory symptoms compatible with asthma. The severity of AE was graded clinically. Spirometry, FE(NO) measurements and exhaled breath condensate collection for 8-isoprostane were performed.


RESULTS
The mean level of 8-isoprostane was similar for children with AE (2.33 +/- 4.76 pg/mL) and controls (3.37 +/- 3.43). FE(NO) was increased in children with AE (mean 64.97 parts per billion) compared with the normal range, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms and in the presence of normal lung function.


CONCLUSIONS
FE(NO) but not 8-isoprostane levels in exhaled breath condensate are higher in children with AE without asthma. Our finding may indicate a predictive role for FE(NO) for the development of asthma.
Zinelli
C
C
Department of Human Development, Paediatric Clinic, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Caffarelli
C
C
Strid
J
J
Jaffe
A
A
Atherton
D J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation
D015415:Biomarkers; C075750:8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D015237:Dinoprost