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Nasal nitric oxide in cystic fibrosis with and without humming
Author(s) -
Struben V. M. D.,
Sewbalak W. V.,
Wieringa M. H.,
Mantingh C. J.,
Van Den Toorn L. M.,
Bakker M.,
Feenstra L.,
De Jongste J. C.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2007.01758.x
Subject(s) - hum , cystic fibrosis , chemistry , medicine , art , performance art , art history
Background Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) values are reduced in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Humming during nNO measurement increases nNO values in healthy subjects. Nasal NO is reduced in patients with CF, sinus disease or nasal polyps. Humming nNO values have not been reported in CF patients yet. Our aim was to explore humming nNO values in CF patients and assess whether nNO during humming is a better discriminator than silent nNO measurements in this patient group. Materials and methods In a cross sectional study we measured nNO concentrations in healthy controls (HC) and in CF patients ( n = 23 and 31, respectively). The participants held their breath for 10 s while air was passively extracted from one nostril with 700 mL min −1 for direct NO measurements (NIOX chemiluminescence analyser). Subsequently nNO was measured during humming with the mouth closed for 10 s. Results Mean nNO in parts per billion (p.p.b.) (SD) during breath hold was 499 (164) and 240 (139), respectively. The median nNO peak (p.p.b., minimum–maximum) during humming was 1500 (425–4100) for HC and 120 (23–500) for CF. There was a highly significant difference between nNO both with and without humming between CF and HC ( P < 0·01). The sensitivity and specificity of nNO for detecting CF were better with humming. Conclusion Nasal NO concentrations with and without humming are significantly decreased in CF. Humming nNO is an excellent discriminator between HC and CF and performs better than silent nNO.