Diagnostic accuracy of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in asthma

Krishnan, Binu and Sheebalet, Lijolin Vijayadhas and Kannukettiyil, Nevin Jacob (2025) Diagnostic accuracy of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in asthma. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 30 (3). pp. 336-340. ISSN 2581-3250

Background: Asthma, a prevalent condition affecting 350 million individuals worldwide, manifests as airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) serves as a quantifiable indicator of nitric oxide concentration in exhaled breath, providing valuable insights into inflammatory processes associated with asthma. Objectives: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of FeNO in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma. Methodology: Retrospective data analysis of 811 adult patients at PRS Hospital, India, over an 18-month period. with a verified diagnosis of asthma. Exclusion criteria included individuals under 18 years old. Results: Of the 811 participants, 61.1% were female (N=496), and 38.8% were male (N=315), with a mean age of 42 +/- 15.41 SD. The age group of 21-30 constituted the highest percentage at 24.78%. Sensitivity (87.7%), specificity (91.2%), positive predictive value (90.5%), negative predictive value (86.8%), and diagnostic efficacy (88.5%) were calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FeNO. Conclusion: FeNO is an effective add-on tool for the diagnosis of asthma.