Influence of atopy and different treatments of asthma on fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide in children

Abstract

Exhaled nitric oxide fraction is a noninvasive surrogate measure of airway infl ammation. Its levels are elevated in asthma patients. The interconnection between asthma infl ammation and Exhaled nitric oxide fraction levels and how it is infl uenced by atopy and diff erent therapeutic options have not yet been resolved. The study included 143 children, mean age 11.27 years, with asthma and positive allergy test results. Patients were treated for 6 weeks with montelukast or with a combination of inhaled corticosteroids and montelukast. Exhaled nitric oxide fraction was measured in all patients before (visit 1) and after treatment with montelukast or combined therapy (montelukast and inhaled corticosteroids) for 6 weeks (visit 2). Exhaled nitric oxide levels were signifi cantly higher in children before than after treatment (mean 37.01±31.40, median 24.00 vs. 30.02±28.71 ppb, median 20.00; p<0.001). The children treated with montelukast for 6 weeks had statistically signifi cant lower values of exhaled nitric oxide fraction. Accordingly, in children with allergic asthma, montelukast has a positive effect on airway infl ammation as measured by the nitric oxide level.