Factors affecting exhaled nitric oxide measurements: the effect of sex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exhaled nitric oxide (F(E)NO) measurements are used as a surrogate marker for eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, many constitutional and environmental factors affect F(E)NO, making it difficult to devise reference values. Our aim was to evaluate the relative importance of factors affecting F(E)NO in a well characterised adult population.

Methods

Data were obtained from 895 members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study at age 32. The effects of sex, height, weight, lung function indices, smoking, atopy, asthma and rhinitis on F(E)NO were explored by unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses.

Results

The effect of sex on F(E)NO was both statistically and clinically significant, with F(E)NO levels approximately 25% less

SUBMITTER: Taylor DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2231356 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature