Correlation of fractional exhalation of nitric oxide values with asthma control test score and spirometric parameters in steroid naïve asthmatic children at 6-8 weeks follow up.

Context: In pediatric asthma, it is critical to have a reliable airway inflammation marker that may be used to assess its severity and prognosis. Fractional exhalation of nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive objective method can be utilized as a supplemental tool if proven to correlate with clinical parameters. Aims: To study the correlation between FeNO, and asthma control test (ACT) scores and spirometry data in steroid naive asthmatic children 6-18 years at visit one and after 6-8 weeks follow-up. Settings and Design: This was observational follow-up study conducted among steroid naïve asthmatics attending the Outpatient Department. Materials and Methods: At baseline visit, they were classified as well controlled, not well controlled, and poorly controlled as per ACT, FeNO and Spirometry done as per standard technique. After 6-8 weeks of follow-up, all the above parameters were repeated. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation coefficient/Kendall's tau 2 of 10 analysis was used for the association of two related variables. Results: Among 56 enrolled, mean FeNO at visit 1 was 41.8 ± 33.26, which decreased to 20.26 ± 14.57 at visit 2. Changes in mean FeNO values between both visits and ΔACT scores ( Conclusion: The FeNO values correlated inversely with the ACT scores as well as FEV1 proving its scope for incorporating it in the clinical setting for monitoring asthma treatment.