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Elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide in bronchiectasis
S A Kharitonov1, A U Wells, B J O'Connor
1Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, England.
Summary
Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) is elevated in untreated bronchiectasis and correlates with disease severity. Treatment with inhaled steroids normalizes these levels, suggesting NO as a potential biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Bronchiectasis involves chronic airway inflammation, posing challenges for monitoring disease extent.
- Elevated exhaled nitric oxide (NO) is observed in asthma, linked to inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure exhaled NO in bronchiectasis patients.
- To investigate the relationship between exhaled NO, computed tomography (CT) disease extent, and lung function.
Main Methods:
- Exhaled NO measured using a chemiluminescence analyzer.
- Disease severity quantified by thin-section CT scans.
- Lung function assessed via FEV1.
Main Results:
- Untreated bronchiectasis patients showed significantly higher exhaled NO (285 ppb) than normal subjects (89 ppb) and treated patients (88 ppb).
- A strong correlation found between CT score and FEV1 (r=0.73).
- In untreated patients, CT score correlated with exhaled NO (r=0.81).
Conclusions:
- Untreated bronchiectasis is associated with increased exhaled NO, correlating with disease severity.
- Inhaled steroid treatment normalizes exhaled NO levels in bronchiectasis patients.
- Exhaled NO may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for bronchiectasis activity.