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Published on: January 21, 2018
[Nasal transepithelial difference of potential in mucoviscidosis. Clinical application of the measurement]
A Maherzi1, S Ategbo, I Pharaon
1Service de Gastroentérologie et Nutrition pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris.
Insights
Nasal transepithelial potential difference measurements are valuable for diagnosing cystic fibrosis (CF) and assessing treatment effectiveness. This non-invasive test shows high accuracy in differentiating CF patients from healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Physiology
- Diagnostic Testing
Context:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) diagnosis relies on various tests, but some cases present diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate assessment of CF is crucial for timely intervention and management.
- Evaluating the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies targeting ion transport in CF is an ongoing area of research.
Purpose:
- To establish the diagnostic utility of nasal transepithelial potential difference (nTEPD) measurements in cystic fibrosis.
- To assess the potential of nTEPD to monitor therapeutic interventions in CF patients.
- To determine the correlation between nTEPD and clinical factors like age, sex, and genotype.
Summary:
- Nasal transepithelial potential difference was measured in 50 CF patients and 21 controls.
- CF patients exhibited significantly higher nasal potential difference (-28 mV) compared to controls (-8 mV) (p < 0.0001).
- The test demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy with 92% sensitivity and 95% specificity for CF.
Impact:
- Nasal transepithelial potential difference measurements offer a valuable tool for diagnosing cystic fibrosis.
- This method can effectively assess the impact of new therapies targeting ion transport in CF.
- The test may aid in interpreting ambiguous sweat test results, improving diagnostic confidence.
Objectives:
To demonstrate the value of nasal transepithelial potential difference measurements in the diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic effect in cystic fibrosis.
Method:
Nasal transepithelial potential difference was measured in 50 patients with cystic fibrosis (mean age 10 years) and 21 controls (mean age 8 years).
Results:
There was a very significant increase in nasal transepithelial potential in cystic fibrosis patients (-28 +/- 8 mv) compared with controls (-8 +/- 3 mv) (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of this test for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis were 92% and 95% respectively. Nasal transepithelial potential difference was positively correlated with age (r = 0.43; p < 0.002) in cystic fibrosis patients but no correlation was found in controls. There was no significant difference in potential differences as a function of sex or Delta F508 genotype (homozygous vs heterozygous; Delta F508 vs non-Delta F508).
Conclusion:
These findings demonstrated the value of transepithelial potential difference in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and emphasized its capacity to assess the effect of new therapeutic protocols aimed at modifying C1- and Na+ ion transport. It could be particularly helpful for the interpretation of doubtful sweat tests.
