Fractional exhaled nitric oxide in asthma: an update.
In asthma, clinical symptoms and lung function are insensitive in reflecting the underlying airway inflammation, and monitoring of this process has only recently become available. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (Fe(NO)) is now recognized as a reliable surrogate marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and offers the advantage of being completely non-invasive and very easy to obtain. This review summarizes the clinical use of Fe(NO) in asthma. It covers the relationship between Fe(NO) and the underlying eosinophilic inflammation, the pathophysiology and production of Fe(NO), technical aspects of Fe(NO) measurement and potential confounding factors in interpreting levels. Fe(NO) reference values and the role of Fe(NO) in asthma assessment, diagnosis and management are also discussed.
Sandrini
Alessandra
A
Department of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
Taylor
D Robin
DR
Thomas
Paul S
PS
Yates
Deborah H
DH
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000379:methods; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000737:chemistry; D045853:Exhalation; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D009569:Nitric Oxide