Author/Authors :
Borhani Fard, Mohammad Department of Occupational Medicine - Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran , Samet, Mohammad Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran , Salmani Nodoushan, Mojahede Occupational Medicine Research Center - Iran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran , Mehrparvar, Amir Houshang Department of Occupational Medicine - Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran , Bahrami-Ahmadi, Amir Occupational Medicine Research Center - Iran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Asthma is a major source of global social and economic burden; thus, its early detection is important. Measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) has been used recently considered a good indicator of asthma and also a sensitive and non-invasive method for monitoring airway inflammation. This study was conducted to determine the cut-off point of FENO for the diagnosis of asthma in the studied population.
Materials and Methods: The subjects of this cross-sectional diagnostic study were assessed by the FENO test, spirometry, and methacholine challenge test. The best cut-off point of the FENO for the diagnosis of asthma was determined. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20 using student t-test, and Chi-square test and the ROC curves were also drawn.
Results: The mean FENO in asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects was 43.5±33.41 and 17.5±21.48 ppb, respectively (P <0.001). The best cut-off point of the FENO based on the overall sensitivity and specificity was 39.5 ppb.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, symptomatic patients with FENO higher than 39.5 ppb could be considered as asthmatic.
