Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKIYE KLINIKLERI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI, cilt.28, sa.1, ss.12-17, 2008 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of exhaled NO level for the diagnosis of asthma and allergic rhinitis, severity of the disease, and changes that occur following treatment. Material and Methods: We included 45 bronchial asthma, 29 allergic rhinitis, 18 bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis patients and 58 non-smoker subjects as a control group. Exhaled NO level was measured by chemiluminescence analyzer device with vital capacity maneuver. Results: Exhaled NO level was significantly higher in the bronchial asthma group before treatment than the healthy control group (21.6 +/- 4.6 ppb versus 7.7 +/- 1.8 ppb, p< 0.001). After the treatment of inhaled steroids, exhaled NO level was significantly reduced and the difference was statistically significant (21.6 +/- 4.6 ppb versus 11.7 +/- 1.8 ppb, p< 0.001). Exhaled NO level in the allergic rhinitis group was slightly higher than in the control group, but significantly lower than in the bronchial asthma group (10.4 +/- 2.2 ppb versus 7.7 +/- 1.7 ppb, p< 0.01). In the bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis groups, exhaled NO level was significantly higher than in the control group (20.9 +/- 3.9 ppb versus 7.7 +/- 1.7 ppb, p< 0.001). After inhaled and nasal steroid treatment, exhaled NO level was significantly reduced (20.9 +/- 3.9 ppb versus 11.9 +/- 1.9 ppb, p< 0.001). Conclusion: Measurement of exhaled NO level has an important role for the diagnosis of asthma and allergic rhinitis, assessment of the severity of the disease and the monitoring of treatment. In addition, measurement of exhaled NO level which reflects airway inflammation is a non-invasive and convenient method.