Exhaled breath condensate volatilome allows sensitive diagnosis of persistent asthma

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Rufo, JC (Author) Other; Paciencia, I (Author) Other; Mendes, FC (Author) Other; Farraia, M (Author) Other; Rodolfo, A (Author) Other; Silva, D (Author) Other; Fernandes, ED (Author) Other; Delgado, L (Author) FMUP; Moreira, André (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Vol. 74

Pages: 527-534

ISSN: 0105-4538

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 28 Citations

Scopus - 32 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Health sciences

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-RJZ

DOI: 10.1111/all.13596

Abstract (EN): Background The diagnosis and phenotyping of paediatric asthma are particularly complex due to the lack of currently available sensitive diagnostic tools. This often results in uncertainties associated with inhaled steroid therapy prescription. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether volatile organic compounds measured in exhaled breath condensate can be used as biomarkers for asthma diagnosis in the paediatric population. Methods A total of 64 participants, aged 6-18 years, were recruited on a random basis during visits to an outpatient allergy clinic and to a juvenile football team training session. Lung function, airway reversibility and skin prick tests were performed. Exhaled breath condensate samples were collected, and breathprints were assessed using an electronic nose. Information on medical diagnosis of asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis was retrieved for each participant. A hierarchical cluster model based on the volatilome profiles was then created. Results A two-cluster exhaled volatile organic compound-based hierarchical model was able to significantly discriminate individuals with asthma from those without the disease (AUC = 0.81 [0.69-0.93], P < 0.001). Individuals who had persistent asthma and were prescribed corticosteroid therapy by the physician were also significantly distinguished in the model (AUC = 0.81 [0.70-0.92], P < 0.001). Despite being less specific, the method showed higher overall accuracy, sensitivity and AUC values when compared to spirometry with bronchodilation. Conclusions Analysis of the exhaled breath condensate volatilome allowed the distinction of paediatric individuals with a medical diagnosis of asthma, identifying those in need of corticosteroid therapy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8