Association between fraction of exhaled nitrous oxide, bronchodilator response and inhaled corticosteroid type.

Background: Fraction of exhaled nitrous oxide (FeNO) is a known marker of airway inflammation and a topic of recent investigation for asthma control in children.

Objective: To investigate the relationship among FeNO and bronchodilator response measured by spirometry and types of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Methods: A one-year review of children tested with spirometry and FeNO in a regional pediatric asthma centre was conducted.

Prevalence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression in children treated for asthma with inhaled corticosteroid.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression in asthmatic children on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Methods: Clinical and demographic variables were recorded on preconstructed, standardized forms. HPA axis suppression was measured by morning serum cortisol levels and confirmed by low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing.