Relationship between FeNO and blood eosinophil count in Asthmatics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The correlation between exhaled Nitric Oxide, blood Eosinophil count and self-reported disease stability in the care pathway of Asthma
IRAS ID
248515
Contact name
James Crossland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN00000000
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 4 days
Research summary
This project involves the audit of a current Asthma diagnosis/management pathway in the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH) NHS Trust. The patients selected will be currently undergoing treatment by a Respiratory Consultant specialising in Asthma and on the relevant care pathway.\n \nThe relationship between two tests utilised within this current pathway, the Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) and blood Eosinophil count, is the primary focus for this audit. Both tests are considered markers of airway inflammation but specifically, Eosinophilic Asthma.\n\nEosinophil count can easily be measured via phlebotomy and analysing the Full Blood Count, specifically the White Blood Cell differential, to indicate inflammation and of what source. The diagnostic power of FeNO has been debated however the relationship between itself and its proposed precursor, eosinophil count, both of which may indicate airway inflammation independently, lacks clarity.\n\nThe data gathered from the patient population will therefore be used to determine the correlation between these predictors of airway inflammation currently used in the Asthma care pathway. The results of the statistical analysis undertaken will evaluate the accuracy of using FeNO as a marker of airway eosinophil count and if its values truly represent eosinophilic inflammation in comparison to its haematological counterpart.\n
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0251
Date of REC Opinion
23 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion