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Exhaled breath condensate volatilome allows sensitive diagnosis of persistent asthma
Author(s) -
Cavaleiro Rufo João,
Paciência Inês,
Mendes Francisca Castro,
Farraia Mariana,
Rodolfo Ana,
Silva Diana,
de Oliveira Fernandes Eduardo,
Delgado Luís,
Moreira André
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/all.13596
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , exhaled breath condensate , spirometry , breath gas analysis , population , environmental health , anatomy
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.