Exhaled breath condensate eicosanoids and sputum eosinophils in asthmatic children: a pilot study.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs), LTB4 and 8-isoprostane are increased in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from asthmatic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the measurement of cys-LTs, LTB4 and 8-isoprostane in EBC can reflect the level of airway inflammation assessed by induced sputum in asthmatic children sensitized to house dust mite (HDM) during natural avoidance of HDM allergens. Twelve children were evaluated at the time of admission (T0) and after 3 months of stay (T1) at the Istituto Pio XII (Misurina, Italian Dolomites 1756 m).

Increased exhaled 8-isoprostane in childhood asthma.

Study Objective: To quantify lung oxidative stress in asthmatic children by measuring concentrations of 8-isoprostane, a marker of oxidative stress, in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), which is a noninvasive method of sampling airway secretions. Secondary objectives were as follows: (1) to measure levels of exhaled prostaglandin (PG) E(2), since impaired PGE(2) production has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma in adults; and (2) to measure levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), which is a marker of airway inflammation.

Design: Single-center, cross-sectional study.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes and 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate of children with asthma exacerbations.

Background: Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) and isoprostanes are inflammatory metabolites derived from arachidonic acid whose levels are increased in the airways of asthmatic patients. Isoprostanes are relatively stable and specific for lipid peroxidation, which makes them potentially reliable biomarkers for oxidative stress. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a course of oral steroids on Cys-LT and 8-isoprostane levels in exhaled breath condensate of children with an asthma exacerbation.

Safety and success of exhaled breath condensate collection in asthma.

Background: Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a rapidly expanding area of research to study airway inflammation through the detection of volatile and non-volatile substances in the airways.

Aims: To determine the safety and feasibility of EBC procedure in a group of children with asthma of varying severity.

Methods: In a cross sectional study of children aged 4-17 years, 18 healthy and 91 asthmatic children (69 in stable condition and 22 with asthma exacerbation) underwent the EBC procedure.

Exhaled nitric oxide measurements with dynamic flow restriction in children aged 4-8 yrs.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FENO) depends on exhalation flow; however, children often are unable to perform controlled flow procedures. Therefore, a device was developed for off-line FENO sampling, with dynamic flow restriction (DFR). The authors compared off-line with on-line FENO, assessed feasibility, and obtained normal values for FENO in children aged 4-8 yrs.