Impact of acute chest syndrome on lung function of children with sickle cell disease

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who experienced an acute chest syndrome (ACS) hospitalization episode would have worse lung function than children with SCD without ACS episodes. STUDY DESIGN: Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)); forced vital capacity (FVC); FEV(1)/FVC ratio; peak expiratory flow (PEF); forced expiratory flow at 25% (FEF(25)), 50% (FEF(50)), and 75% (FEF(75)) of FVC; airway resistance (Raw); and lung volumes were compared in 20 children with ACS and 20 aged-matched children without ACS (median age, 11 years; range, 6 to 16 years). Fourteen age-matched pairs were assessed before and after bronchodilator use. RESULTS: The mean Raw (P = .03), TLC (P = .01), and RV (P = .003) were significantly higher in the group with ACS than in the group without ACS. There were no significant differences in the changes in lung function test results in response to bronchodilator administration between the 2 groups, but the children with ACS had a lower FEF(25) (P = .04) and FEF(75) (P = .03) pre-bronchodilator use and a lower mean FEV(1)/FVC ratio (P = .03) and FEF(75) (P = .03) post-bronchodilator use. CONCLUSIONS: Children with SCD who experienced an ACS hospitalization episode had significant differences in lung function compared with those who did not experience ACS episodes. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that ACS episodes predispose children to increased airway obstruction.     

哮喘和咳嗽变异性哮喘儿童肺常规通气功能的比较

目的：比较哮喘与咳嗽变异性哮喘（CVA）患儿肺常规通气功能的变化。方法：选择2010年 5月至2011年5月确诊为哮喘或CVA的患儿140例,分为哮喘急性发作组（发作组,50例）、哮喘缓解组（缓解组,50例）和CVA组（40例）;同期正常健康体检儿童30例作为对照组。测定4组儿童用力肺活量(FVC)、一秒钟用力呼气容积(FEV1)、最大呼气峰流速(PEF)、用力呼气25%流速(FEF25)、用力呼气50%流速(FEF50)、用力呼气75%流速(FEF75)、最大呼气中期流速(MMEF75/25)等7项肺功能指标。结果：发作组患儿各项肺功能指标如大气道指标FVC、FEV1、PEF、FEF25及小气道指标FEF50、FEF75、MMEF75/25的实际值/预计值平均水平均<80%,且以FEF50、FEF75、MMEF75/25等小气道指标下降为著。CVA组患儿小气道指标FEF75、MMEF75/25实际值/预计值的平均水平<80%。发作组各项肺常规通气功能指标均低于对照组;缓解组、CVA组FVC、FEV1、FEF25及 MMEF75/25实际值/预计值的平均水平低于对照组;发作组各项肺功能指标均明显低于缓解组和CVA组;CVA组与缓解组各项肺功能指标差异均无统计学意义。结论：哮喘急性发作期患儿存在大小气道功能障碍,以小气道功能障碍为主;CVA患儿以小气道功能轻微障碍为主,与哮喘缓解期相似。     

昆明市5~14岁儿童肺通气功能参数实测值与Zap

目的 研究昆明市5~14岁健康儿童肺通气功能主要参数实测值占Zapletal方程式预计值的百分比,为临床准确判断肺通气功能提供依据。方法 纳入昆明市5~14岁健康儿童702名,其中男352名,女350名。采用Jaeger肺功能仪测定用力肺活量（FVC）、第1秒用力呼气容积（FEV1）、1秒率（FEV1/FVC）、最大中期呼气流量（MMEF）、用力呼气25%肺活量时瞬时流量（FEF25）、用力呼气50%肺活量时瞬时流量（FEF50）、用力呼气75%肺活量时瞬时流量（FEF75）、最高呼气流量（PEF）、每分钟最大通气量（MVV）,共9项指标,以肺功能仪中提供的Zalpetal预计值公式得出的数值作为所选择儿童的预计值,计算其实测值占预计值的百分比。结果 在702名儿童中,肺通气功能主要参数PEF、FVC、FEV1、FEV1/FVC、MVV实测值占预计值百分比的均值分别波动于102%~114%、94%~108%、98%~113%、98%~107%、141%~183%。气道流速指标功能参数FEF25、FEF50、FEF75、MMEF实测值占预计值百分比分别波动于98%~116%、85%~102%、71%~98%、83%~100%。各参数PEF、FVC、FEV1、FEV1/FVC、MVV、FEF25、FEF50、FEF75、MMEF实测值占Zapletal方程式预计值百分比的下限分别为88.2%、88.4%、92.0%、94.4%、118.5%、82.9%、70.0%、62.1%、70.1%。结论 昆明地区5~14岁健康儿童肺通气功能参数水平与Zapletal方程式提供的正常值存在一定差异;该地区此年龄段的健康儿童肺通气功能参数PEF、FVC、FEV、FEV1/FVC、MVV、FEF25、FEF50、FEF75、MMEF实测值占预计值百分比的正常参考值下限可考虑分别设为88.2%、88.4%、92.0%、94.4%、118.5%、82.9%、70.0%、62.1%、70.1%。     

昆明市5~14岁儿童肺通气功能参数实测值与Zap

目的 研究昆明市5~14岁健康儿童肺通气功能主要参数实测值占Zapletal方程式预计值的百分比,为临床准确判断肺通气功能提供依据。方法 纳入昆明市5~14岁健康儿童702名,其中男352名,女350名。采用Jaeger肺功能仪测定用力肺活量（FVC）、第1秒用力呼气容积（FEV1）、1秒率（FEV1/FVC）、最大中期呼气流量（MMEF）、用力呼气25%肺活量时瞬时流量（FEF25）、用力呼气50%肺活量时瞬时流量（FEF50）、用力呼气75%肺活量时瞬时流量（FEF75）、最高呼气流量（PEF）、每分钟最大通气量（MVV）,共9项指标,以肺功能仪中提供的Zalpetal预计值公式得出的数值作为所选择儿童的预计值,计算其实测值占预计值的百分比。结果 在702名儿童中,肺通气功能主要参数PEF、FVC、FEV1、FEV1/FVC、MVV实测值占预计值百分比的均值分别波动于102%~114%、94%~108%、98%~113%、98%~107%、141%~183%。气道流速指标功能参数FEF25、FEF50、FEF75、MMEF实测值占预计值百分比分别波动于98%~116%、85%~102%、71%~98%、83%~100%。各参数PEF、FVC、FEV1、FEV1/FVC、MVV、FEF25、FEF50、FEF75、MMEF实测值占Zapletal方程式预计值百分比的下限分别为88.2%、88.4%、92.0%、94.4%、118.5%、82.9%、70.0%、62.1%、70.1%。结论 昆明地区5~14岁健康儿童肺通气功能参数水平与Zapletal方程式提供的正常值存在一定差异;该地区此年龄段的健康儿童肺通气功能参数PEF、FVC、FEV、FEV1/FVC、MVV、FEF25、FEF50、FEF75、MMEF实测值占预计值百分比的正常参考值下限可考虑分别设为88.2%、88.4%、92.0%、94.4%、118.5%、82.9%、70.0%、62.1%、70.1%。     

Ratio of eosinophil cationic protein/eosinophil count as a new marker in children with acute asthma

BACKGROUND: It is a matter of concern whether serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) can be considered as a disease marker in children with acute asthma being treated without corticosteroids. METHODS: Fourteen children (nine male, five female, aged 6-12 years) with acute asthmatic exacerbation, administered the appropriate drugs, with the exception of systemic or inhaled corticosteroids, were examined. They were all free from apparent asthmatic attacks during a follow-up period of 1 month. Serum ECP, eosinophil count and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were measured at referral, on the day of discharge, 1 week and 4 weeks after discharge, respectively. RESULTS: The ratio of ECP/eosinophil count (ECP:Eo ratio), expressed as micrograms of ECP (microgram/L)/the number of eosinophil (/microL) x 1000, was also evaluated as a marker of eosinophil activation. Compared with the value at referral, FEV1 (% predicted) significantly increased on the day of discharge (P < 0.05), 1 week after (P < 0.05) and 4 weeks after discharge (P < 0.05). However, serum ECP concentrations showed no significant changes during the follow-up period. Eosinophil count showed no significant changes on the day of discharge or 1 week after discharge, but significantly increased 4 weeks after discharge (P < 0.05). In contrast, the ECP:Eo ratio significantly decreased on the day of discharge (P < 0.05), 1 week after (P < 0.05) and 4 weeks after discharge (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that serum ECP is a poor disease marker in asthmatic children with acute exacerbation who receive no corticosteroid therapy, probably due to marked changes in the eosinophil count. However, the ECP:Eo ratio might be a better marker than serum ECP in such patients.     

Effects of passive smoking on lung function in children

BACKGROUND: Passive smoking can have significant effects on lung function with reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75%) of between 5 and 10%. METHODS: Fifty non-smoking children aged 6-15 years, who had no history of asthma or atopy and no parental history of atopy, were assessed with respect to their lung functions (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%). RESULTS: Thirty-three of these children were being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke inside their homes, while 17 children were not exposed. In the 'passive smoker' group the FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% values were found to be significantly lower than the non-smoker control group's values (P = 0.0080, 0.0228 and 0.0003, respectively). The decrease in FEF25-75% was significantly correlated inversely with the number of cigarettes smoked per day (P = 0.0261). CONCLUSION: There is sufficient evidence to support the notion that environmental tobacco smoke is a serious health burden for children. Considering that recent studies suggest that up to 70% of children grow up in homes with at least one smoker, every effort should be made to reduce these children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and to give them a chance to grow up in a more healthy environment.     

Correlation between spirometry and impulse oscillometry in children with asthma

AIM: In certain patients, such as young children or individuals with cerebral palsy or severe mental retardation, it is difficult to perform forced expiratory manoeuvres to measure expiratory flow volume. In such cases, we could evaluate obstructive lung disease through the measurement of airway resistance instead of expiratory flow volume. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the correlation of Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) parameters with spirometry values and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements to give coherence to IOS recordings in lung function exploration. Total serum IgE levels, total eosinophil counts and specific IgE levels were measured in 48 children with asthma and 66 control subjects, aged 7-15 years of age. IOS, spirometry and PEFR measurements were performed, as well as methacholine challenge. We further analyzed the correlations in atopic asthma, atopic control, nonatopic asthma and nonatopic control groups. RESULTS: FEV(1) and PEFR showed a significant correlation with impedance and resistance (R) at 5, 10, 20 and 35 Hz, both in atopic asthmatic and in atopic control children. FVC also showed a correlation with impedance and R at 10, 20 and 35 Hz, both in atopic asthmatic and atopic control children. FEF(25-75%) did not show a correlation with resistances. CONCLUSION: FEV(1), FVC and PEFR were significantly correlated with IOS parameters, in both asthmatic and control subjects, especially for atopic children. IOS could be used as a suitable measure of lung function when spirometry and PEF cannot be performed.     

深圳地区学龄前儿童用力肺活量测定的可行性及正常预计值公式

目的探讨学龄前儿童用力肺活量测定的可行性,并建立儿童常规用力肺活量的正常参考值。方法对深圳地区3~6岁正常儿童343例(男性184例,女性159例),采用意大利COSMED公司生产的COSMED流量传感仪,参考美国胸科协会可接受曲线标准,测定用力肺活量(FVC)、0.5 s用力呼气容积(FEV0.5)、0.75 s用力呼气容积(FEV0.75)、1 s用力呼气容积(FEV1)、0.5s用力呼气容积占用力肺活量比值(FEV0.5/FVC)、0.75 s用力呼气容积占用力肺活量比值(FEV0.75/FVC)、1 s用力呼气容积占用力肺活量比值(FEV1/FVC)、最大呼气中段流量(FEF25%~75%)、最高呼气流量(PEF)、最高吸气流量(PIF)、呼气时间(FET100%)等11个指标,并对各实测指标作多元逐步线性回归及曲线回归,得出回归方程式。比较本方程与国外Nystad方程对指定身高、体重、年龄的儿童的差异。结果所有儿童测试的总成功率为81.3%,其中3~岁、4~岁、5~岁、6~岁各年龄段测试的成功率分别为69.9%、70.8%、92.3%、91.6%;217例(77.7%)可以完成至少2条可接受的曲线。FVC、FEV0.5、FEV0.75、FEV1、FEF25%~75%、PEF、PIF在各年龄组间差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.01);大多数肺功能指标与身高、体重和年龄均呈密切正相关,男性儿童的大多数肺功能指标与身高的关系最为密切,而女性儿童的大多数肺功能指标则与年龄的关系最为密切。所有儿童的呼气时间为(1.61±0.52)s(x-±s),5百分位数为0.9 s,受试儿童中有18例(6.5%)呼气时间<1 s。建立了各肺功能指标的多元回归方程。结论利用儿童心理特点,通过形象比喻、竞赛游戏的方法进行用力肺活量的测定在中国的学龄前儿童中也是可行的。男性儿童肺功能指标受身高变化影响大于体重和年龄变化;女性儿童肺功能指标受年龄变化影响大于身高和体重变化;首次建立了中国深圳地区学龄前儿童用力肺活量正常值及其回归方程式。     

Abnormal spirometry in children with persistent allergic rhinitis due to mite sensitization: the benefit of nasal corticosteroids.

Inflammatory processes affecting nasal and bronchial mucosa are similar in nature. The purpose of this study was to examine whether children with perennial allergic rhinitis, without underlying asthma, have impaired pulmonary function. We also investigated whether nasal corticosteroids and loratidine would improve the pulmonary function tests of those children with impaired lung function. Fifty subjects with moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis due to exclusively dust mite sensitization and no past medical history suggestive of asthma were assessed. The control group consisted of 26 matched healthy subjects. Subjects with airway obstruction, as detected by forced expiratory volume/1 s (FEV1) or forced expiratory flow from 25/% to 75% (FEF(25-75)) values <80% of those predicted, were treated with loratidine, once a day for 10 days, and daily nasal budesonide for 3 months. We found that 11 of 50 patients (22%) with perennial allergic rhinitis had impaired pulmonary function (FEF(25-75) values <80%), compared to 1/26 (3.8%) of the control group (p < or = 0.05). Reversibility was observed in 9/11 (81.8%), mean 24.7% +/- 10.3%. Within 3 months of treatment, 7/10 had FEF(25-75) > 80% of their predicted values as well as significant improvements in their FEV1 (p = 0.04), and FEV1/FVC (p = 0.04). We conclude that a substantial proportion of children with perennial allergic rhinitis have diminished FEF (25-75) values and reversible airway obstruction. Nasal corticosteroids improve the pulmonary function tests of these children with impaired lung function.     

Asthma severity and inflammation markers in children

The relationship of airway inflammation with asthma severity remains unclear. Our aim was to correlate the results of recommended methods of assessment of inflammation with measures of asthma control, in children with a wide range of asthma severity. The study was a cross-sectional investigation of 58 children receiving a wide range of treatment, including 10 treated without regular maintenance therapy and 29 treated with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (CS). Exhaled nitric oxide (NO), serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and induced sputum (processed for eosinophil count and ECP level) were related to recent symptoms, lung function, and bronchial responsiveness. There was no significant correlation between the results of any method. Neither did any marker of airway inflammation relate to recent symptoms, unlike PC₂₀, which did. There was a significant, inverse correlation between the forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV ₁) and both NO and sputum ECP ( r =−0.46, p=<0.001; r =−0.48, p=0.004, respectively). Sputum eosinophils were inversely related to the dose of methacholine that corresponded to a 20% fall in FEV ₁ (PC₂₀) ( r =−0.57, p=0.02). Serum ECP did not relate to any measure of asthma control. There was no association of any recommended inflammation markers with current symptoms and only a weak relationship between them and physiological measures. The place of these markers remains unclear and their use in clinical practice needs further investigation by long-term longitudinal studies.     

Influence of genetic variants on childhood lung function – The Generation R Study

Genetic variants associated with adult lung function could already exert the effects on childhood lung function. We aimed to examine the associations of adult lung function‐related genetic variants with childhood lung function and asthma, and whether these associations were modified by atopic predisposition, tobacco smoke exposure, or early growth characteristics. In a population‐based prospective cohort study among 3347 children, we selected 7 and 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with adult forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV ₁) and FEV ₁/forced vital capacity (FEV ₁/FVC ), respectively. Weighted genetic risk scores (GRS s) for FEV ₁ and FEV ₁/FVC were constructed. At age 10, FEV ₁, FVC , FEV ₁/FVC , forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF _25‐75), and forced expiratory flow at 75% (FEF ₇₅) of FVC were measured, and information on asthma was obtained by parental‐reported questionnaires. The FEV ₁‐GRS was associated with lower childhood FEV ₁, FEV ₁/FVC , and FEF ₇₅ (Z ‐score (95% CI ): ?0.03 (?0.05, ?0.01), ?0.03 (?0.05, ?0.01), and ?0.04 (?0.05, ?0.01), respectively, per additional risk allele). The FEV ₁/FVC ‐GRS was associated with lower childhood FEV ₁/FVC and FEF ₇₅ (Z ‐score (95% CI ): ?0.04 (?0.05, ?0.03) and ?0.03 (?0.05, ?0.02), respectively, per additional risk allele). Effect estimates of FEV ₁‐GRS with FEF _25‐75, FEV ₁, FEF ₇₅, and FVC , and of FEV ₁/FVC ‐GRS with FEV ₁/FVC and FEF _25‐75 were stronger among children exposed to non‐atopic mothers, smoking during pregnancy or in childhood, or those born with a lower birthweight, respectively (P ‐values for interaction < .05). Genetic risk scores were not associated with asthma. Adult lung function‐related genetic variants were associated with childhood lung function. Maternal atopy, smoking during pregnancy or in childhood, and birthweight modified the observed effects.     

Montelukast added to budesonide in children with persistent asthma: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that adding montelukast to budesonide would improve asthma control in children with inhaled glucocorticoid-dependent persistent asthma. STUDY DESIGN: In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, crossover study, we compared the benefit of adding montelukast, 5 mg, or placebo once daily to budesonide, 200 microg, twice daily. RESULTS: After a 1-month run-in with budesonide, 200 microg, twice daily, 279 children were randomized to montelukast or placebo. The mean +/- SD age was 10.4 +/- 2.2 years, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) was 77.7% +/- 10.6% predicted, and reversibility was 18.1% +/- 12.9%. Compared with adding placebo to budesonide, adding montelukast produced significant improvements in mean percent change from baseline FEV(1) (P =.062 [P =.010 for per-protocol analysis]), mean absolute change from baseline FEV(1) (P =.040), mean increase from baseline in morning (P =.023) and evening (P =.012) peak expiratory flows, decrease in exacerbation days by approximately 23% (P <.001), decreased beta2-agonist use (P =.013), and reduced blood eosinophil counts (P <.001). The treatments did not differ significantly with regard to safety. CONCLUSIONS: Montelukast, 5 mg, added to budesonide improved asthma control significantly, indicated by a small additive effect on lung function and a clinically relevant decrease in asthma exacerbation days.     

Risk factors for reduced lung function in Australian Aboriginal children

AIM: To determine the influence of perinatal and childhood exposures on lung function in a cohort of Australian Aboriginal children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 547 Northern Territory Aboriginal children, aged 8-14 years, belonging to a birth cohort. Assessment included physical examination and spirometry as well as retrospective review of centralised hospital records. The effect of select perinatal and childhood exposures on lung function outcomes (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 s (FEF25-75)) adjusted for age, sex, height and other measures of size was examined using multiple regression. RESULTS: Non-urban residence (FEV1 -5% (95% confidence interval, CI 0.91-0.99), FVC -9% (95% CI 0.87-0.95)), current cough (FEV1 -6% (95% CI 0.91-0.97), FVC -4% (95% CI 0.93-0.97), FEF25-75 -8% (95% CI 0.86-0.98)) and hospitalisations for respiratory disease (FEV1 -10% (95% CI 0.86-0.95), FEF25-75 -12% (95% CI 0.70-0.87)) all had significant negative effects on adjusted lung function measures. Children with a non-Aboriginal ancestor had significantly better lung function. No perinatal exposure other than neonatal lung disease had any significant effect on adjusted lung function. CONCLUSIONS: For Northern Territory Aboriginal children factors related to the childhood environment are more important than perinatal factors in determining childhood lung function.     

Comparative effect of triamcinolone, nedocromil and montelukast on asthma control in children: A randomized pragmatic study

Asthma severity can be judged by measurements of symptoms, lung function, and medication requirements. The objective was to compare the effect of a 4-wk monotherapy with low-dose triamcinolone, montelukast and nedocromil on asthma control, lung function, eosinophil blood count, and bronchial hyper-reactivity in children with mild to moderate asthma allergic to dust mite. Two hundred fifty-six children, aged 6-18 yr, with mild to moderate asthma, participated in an 8-wk study. This was a three-arm, randomized no blinding or placebo pragmatic trial comparing the effect of triamcinolone acetonide (400 microg/day), inhaled nedocromil and montelukast sodium on clinical parameters of asthma [score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1))], PC20H, and eosinophil blood count. Two hundred forty-six children completed the study. After 4 wk of treatment with triamcinolone and montelukast, FEV(1) and PC20H significantly increased, and mean total symptoms score and mean number of eosinophil count in serum significantly decreased. Triamcinolone had a stronger effect on PC20H than montelukast. Nedocromil improved total asthma symptoms score and lung function. There was a reduction in the daytime and night-time symptom scores after treatment with all three drugs. Triamcinolone and montelukast had a stronger effect on asthma symptoms than nedocromil. There were statistically significant differences in reduction of nocturnal asthma symptoms between the triamcinolone and nedocromil groups (p < 0.001) and between montelukast and nedocromil (p = 0.001) groups, but not between the triamcinolone and montelukast groups. There was a reduction in beta-agonists use after treatment with all three drugs, with the strongest effect of triamcinolone. The study showed the strongest effect of low-dose inhaled steroids on clinical symptoms, lung function, bronchial hyper-reactivity and eosinophil blood count when compared to other asthma medications.     

High-resolution CT pulmonary findings in children with severe asthma

ObjectiveTo compare quantitative CT parameters between children with severe asthma and healthy subjects, correlating to their clinical features.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed CT data from 19 school-aged children (5–17 years) with severe asthma and 19 control school-aged children with pectus excavatum. The following CT parameters were evaluated: total lung volume (TLV), mean lung density (MLD), CT air trapping index (AT%) (attenuation ≤856 HU), airway wall thickness (AWT), and percentage of airway wall thickness (AWT%). Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) data were correlated to the following clinical parameters: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at 25–75% (FEF 25–75%), FEV1/FVC ratio, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis, serum IgE levels, and previous hospitalizations due to asthma.ResultsAsthma patients presented higher mean values of AT% (23.8 ± 6.7% vs. controls, 9.7 ± 3.2%), AWT (1.46 ± 0.22 mm vs. controls, 0.47 ± ?735 ± 28 HU vs. controls, ?666 ± 19 HU). Mean AT% was 29.0 ± 4.7% in subjects with previous hospitalization against 19.2 ± 5.0% in those with no prior hospitalization (p < 0.001). AT% presented very strong negative correlations with FVC (r = ?0.933, p < 0.001) and FEV1 (r = ?0.841, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation with FEF 25–75% (r = ?0.608, p = 0.007). AT% correlation with FEV1/FVC ratio and serum IgE was weak (r = ?0.184, p = 0.452, and r = ?0.363, p = 0.202)ConclusionChildren with severe asthma present differences in quantitative chest CT scans compared to healthy controls with strong correlations with pulmonary function tests and previous hospitalizations due to asthma.     

Lung function tests in asthma: which indices are better for assessment of severity?

Pulmonary function tests are objective evidence of the severity of asthma. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the sensitivity of various pulmonary function indices in picking up clinically diagnosed mild and severe asthma. Three groups, each with 60 subjects between 5 and 15 years all of either sex, with mild asthma, severe asthma, and without asthma, respectively, were studied. Pulmonary function tests were performed using a portable spirometer. FEV1 and FVC could differentiate mild asthma from non-asthmatic children in 38 (63 per cent) and 35 (58 per cent), respectively. FEF25% and FEF75% could identify 46 (77 per cent), and 47 (78 per cent) of mild asthmatic children. In children with severe asthma, FEV1, FVC, FEF25%, and FEF75% were abnormal in 54 (90 per cent), 48 (80 per cent), 58 (97 per cent) and 56 (94 per cent), respectively. Peak expiratory flow rate was abnormal in 77 per cent of mild and 87 per cent of severe asthmatics. The FEV1/FVC ratio showed no significant difference between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. It is concluded that FEF25% and FEF75% are better indices for assessment of severity of asthma than FEV1 and FVC. The ratio FEV1/FVC is not useful.     

儿童哮喘控制水平的影响因素和评估指标分析

目的 分析儿童哮喘控制水平的影响因素,评价哮喘评估指标的实用性。方法 选取185例哮喘患儿,采用问卷及肺功能检测的方法,分析儿童哮喘控制水平及影响因素,以及评估指标与哮喘控制水平的相关性。结果 185例患儿中,完全控制的139例 （75.1%）,部分控制的36例 （19.5%）,未控制10例 （5.4%）。是否规范吸入糖皮质激素和嗜酸性粒细胞计数水平对哮喘控制的影响有统计学意义 （P < 0.05）。第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值的百分比 （FEV1%）、呼出气一氧化氮 （FeNO）以及儿童哮喘控制测试问卷 （C-ACT）、儿科哮喘生命质量调查问卷 （PAQLQ）得分等哮喘检测指标在控制组、部分控制组和未控制组之间的差异有统计学意义 （P < 0.05）。哮喘患儿FEV1%与C-ACT、PAQLQ呈正相关性 （r = 0.214、0.312,P < 0.05）,而与FeNO水平没有显著的相关性 （r = -0.18,P > 0.05）。结论 吸入糖皮质激素治疗的依从性和嗜酸性粒细胞计数水平是儿童哮喘控制的影响因素。联合FEV1%、FeNO水平以及C-ACT、PAQLQ评分等多个指标评估哮喘控制水平,更有利于儿童哮喘的临床诊疗。     

以胸闷或长叹气为主诉的不典型哮喘儿童肺功能和呼出气一氧化氮特点分析

目的 分析以胸闷或长叹气为主诉的不典型哮喘儿童的肺功能和呼出气一氧化氮(fractional exhaled nitric oxide,FeNO)特点,并探讨FeNO在该类型哮喘患儿中的诊断价值.方法 选取2012年1月至2015年6月期间于我院儿童哮喘门诊确诊的以胸闷或长叹气为主诉的不典型哮喘儿童79例为研究对象(不典型哮喘组).该组患儿于初诊时均接受了肺功能检查、FeNO检测、血清总IgE和血清特异性IgE水平检测,且肺功能检测均存在支气管激发试验或支气管舒张试验阳性.同期选取我院完成FeNO检测的健康儿童100例作为对照组.分析不典型哮喘组初诊时肺功能特点和FeNO水平.采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析FeNO对于不典型哮喘儿童的诊断价值.结果 不典型哮喘组肺功能指标FEF50、FEF75、MMEF异常率分别为27％、43％、33％.FEV1％下降20％时吸入的乙酰甲胆碱累积剂量(PD20-FEV1)为0.41 (0.19～0.67)mg,该指标与MMEF呈显著正相关(r=0.301,P=0.007).不典型哮喘组Fe-NO值为13.0×10-9 (7.0×10-9～24.0×10-9),高于对照组且两者间存在统计学差异(P＜0.05).其Fe-NO值与总IgE水平呈显著正相关(r =0.672,P=0.001),与FEV1/FVC％、FEV1％ pred及PD20-FEV1均不存在相关性(P＞0.05).根据不典型哮喘儿童和健康儿童的FeNO值绘制ROC曲线,曲线下面积为0.60.结论 以胸闷或长叹气为主诉的哮喘儿童肺功能特点以小气道功能受损为主,其中MMEF下降明显者,其气道高反应更显著,FeNO检测对不典型哮喘诊断价值有限.     

Cough, airway inflammation, and mild asthma exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: Prospective data on the temporal relation between cough, asthma symptoms, and airway inflammation in childhood asthma is unavailable. AIMS AND METHODS: Using several clinical (diary, quality of life), lung function (FEV(1), FEV(1) variability, airway hyperresponsiveness), cough (diary, cough receptor sensitivity (CRS)), and inflammatory markers (sputum interleukin 8, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase; and serum ECP) of asthma severity, we prospectively described the course of these markers in children with asthma during a non-acute, acute, and resolution phase. A total of 21 children with asthma underwent these baseline tests; 11 were retested during days 1, 3, 7, and 28 of an exacerbation. RESULTS: Asthma exacerbations were characterised by increased asthma and cough symptoms and eosinophilic inflammation. Sputum ECP showed the largest increase and peaked later than clinical scores. Asthma scores consistently related to cough score only early in the exacerbation. Neither CRS nor cough scores related to any inflammatory marker. CONCLUSION: In mild asthma exacerbations, eosinophilic inflammation is dominant. In asthmatic children who cough as a dominant symptom, cough heralds the onset of an exacerbation and increased eosinophilic inflammation, but cough scores and CRS do not reflect eosinophilic airway inflammation.     

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide 160 μg once daily vs. budesonide 400 μg once daily in children with asthma

Ciclesonide is an onsite-activated inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for the treatment of asthma. This study compared the efficacy, safety and effect on quality of life (QOL) of ciclesonide 160 microg (ex-actuator; nominal dose 200 microg) vs. budesonide 400 microg (nominal dose) in children with asthma. Six hundred and twenty-one children (aged 6-11 yr) with asthma were randomized to receive ciclesonide 160 microg (ex-actuator) once daily (via hydrofluoroalkane metered-dose inhaler and AeroChamber Plus spacer) or budesonide 400 microg once daily (via Turbohaler) both given in the evening for 12 wk. The primary efficacy end-point was change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Additional measurements included change in daily peak expiratory flow (PEF), change in asthma symptom score sum, change in use of rescue medication, paediatric and caregiver asthma QOL questionnaire [PAQLQ(S) and PACQLQ, respectively] scores, change in body height assessed by stadiometry, change in 24-h urinary cortisol adjusted for creatinine and adverse events. Both ciclesonide and budesonide increased FEV1, morning PEF and PAQLQ(S) and PACQLQ scores, and improved asthma symptom score sums and the need for rescue medication after 12 wk vs. baseline. The non-inferiority of ciclesonide vs. budesonide was demonstrated for the change in FEV1 (95% confidence interval: -75, 10 ml, p = 0.0009, one-sided non-inferiority, per-protocol). In addition, ciclesonide and budesonide showed similar efficacy in improving asthma symptoms, morning PEF, use of rescue medication and QOL. Ciclesonide was superior to budesonide with regard to increases in body height (p = 0.003, two-sided). The effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was significantly different in favor of ciclesonide treatment (p < 0.001, one-sided). Both ciclesonide and budesonide were well tolerated. Ciclesonide 160 microg once daily and budesonide 400 microg once daily were effective in children with asthma. In addition, in children treated with ciclesonide there was significantly less reduction in body height and suppression of 24-h urinary cortisol excretion compared with children treated with budesonide after 12 wk.