Sputum induction in children with asthma: a tertiary-center experience

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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
13:28

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

Published on: December 17, 2017

Albert M Li1, Tony W T Tsang, Dorothy F Y Chan

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. albertmli@cuhk.edu.hk

Pediatric Pulmonology
|June 17, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Sputum induction (SI) is a safe and effective method for obtaining airway samples in children with asthma. Exhaled nitric oxide levels can help predict successful sputum induction in pediatric asthma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Asthma management in children requires accurate diagnostic tools.
  • Sputum induction (SI) provides airway samples for analysis.
  • Predictors of successful SI in pediatric asthma are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the experience and success rate of sputum induction in asthmatic children.
  • To identify factors that predict successful sputum induction in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective recruitment of 130 children with asthma.
  • Assessment included symptom severity, physical exam, skin-prick tests, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurement, and SI.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analyzed predictors of successful SI (adequate sputum: <50% squamous epithelial cells).

Main Results:

  • Sputum induction was successful in 74.5% of participants (93/130).
  • The procedure was well-tolerated, with minor adverse events (sore throat, chest discomfort).
  • Higher levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) were a significant predictor of successful SI (AUC 0.634).

Conclusions:

  • Sputum induction is a feasible and well-tolerated procedure in pediatric asthma.
  • Exhaled nitric oxide shows potential as a biomarker to predict successful sputum induction in asthmatic children.
  • Further research can optimize SI protocols and predictive markers for pediatric respiratory conditions.

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