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Childhood Asthma Control Test and airway inflammation evaluation in asthmatic children
Author(s) -
Piacentini G. L.,
Peroni D. G.,
Bodini A.,
Bonafiglia E.,
Rigotti E.,
Baraldi E.,
Liu A. H.,
Boner A. L.
Publication year - 2009
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/j.1398-9995.2009.02068.x
Subject(s) - medicine , exhaled nitric oxide , asthma , vital capacity , pulmonary function testing , airway , lung function , pediatrics , spirometry , anesthesia , lung , diffusing capacity
Background: The Childhood Asthma Control Test (C‐ACT) has been proposed as a tool in assessing the level of disease control in asthmatic children. To evaluate the position of C‐ACT in the clinical management of asthmatic children, in relationship to the level of airway inflammation as assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and with lung function. Methods: A total of 200 asthmatic children were included in the study: 47 children with newly diagnosed asthma (‘New’) and without any regular controller therapy; and 153 children with previously diagnosed asthma, treated according to GINA guidelines, and evaluated during a scheduled follow‐up visit (‘Follow‐up’). Childhood Asthma Control Test, FeNO and lung function [forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] were evaluated. Results: In New vs Follow‐up participants, C‐ACT score ( P < 0.001), FVC ( P < 0.005) and FEV1 ( P < 0.05) were significantly lower, and FeNO ( P = 0.011) were significantly higher. In New, but not in Follow‐up participants, significant correlations were observed between C‐ACT score and FeNO ( r = −0.51; P < 0.001), FEV1 ( r = 0.34; P = 0.022) and FEV1/FVC ( r = 0.32; P = 0.03). This lack of correlation in Follow‐up visits seemed attributable to dissociation between inadequately controlled asthma by C‐ACT ratings with normalization of other measures such as FeNO levels. Conclusions: This study confirms and expands the concept that C‐ACT is complementary to, but not a substitute for, other markers of disease control in asthmatic children, especially in the context of follow‐up visits.