Could we diagnose childhood asthma by LIBS technique?

Asthma affects children related to trace elements. Our aim was to investigate the levels of trace elements using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The study included 120 children aged 4-12 years from both sexes. They were divided into three groups: Group 1 of 40 children was diagnosed as cases of controlled asthma. Group 2 consisted of 40 children diagnosed as cases of uncontrolled asthma. Group 3 consisted of 40 children as normal control. Asthmatic children were classified according to GINA 2015. They were analyzed for serum levels of total IgE, eosinophil count, and trace metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Mg, and Fe) by using LIBS. There was significant decrease in serum levels of Zn, Mg and Fe in children with asthma than in normal children. There was a significant decrease in uncontrolled asthmatic children than in controlled asthmatic children. But the Cu and Pb concentration in children with asthma was significantly higher than that in normal children, and there was a significant increase in uncontrolled asthmatic children than in controlled asthmatic children. Furthermore, we examined the peak flow meter, eosinophil count, and total IgE and found that the peak flow metric study had shown a significant difference in controlled cases, total eosinophil count, and IgE; the difference was more significant in the uncontrolled group than in the controlled group, and the total levels were higher in the uncontrolled group. Asthma is a common pediatric disease that is related to deficiency of Fe, Zn, and Mg and occurs with increased Pb and Cu. LIBS is a safe and rapid technique that helps in detecting asthma.