30 - Assessment of Exhaled Nitric Oxide in the Pediatric Population

Abstract:

Purpose: This study evaluated the correlation between fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels and preoperative reactive airway disease and breathing-related conditions. The study also establishes a baseline for FeNO research in pediatric populations.



Methods: Three liters of exhaled breath were captured from 42 patients (ages 2–7 years) using a modified Jackson Rees breathing circuit. Samples were analyzed via a NIOX Vero machine to record FeNO concentrations. Descriptive statistics were performed.



Results: In the 42-patient sample, FeNO levels varied by medical history. Mean age of the population was 5.11 years old. Levels were significantly higher in patients with contributory medical histories compared to those without (mean 8.688 ppb vs. 6.077 ppb; P = .012). When expanded to include known or suspected reactive airway disease (e.g., active cough or illness), the difference remained significant (P = .030). However, when limited strictly to patients with known reactive airway disease, the difference (mean 7.875 ppb vs. 6.882 ppb) was not statistically significant. Of the total cohort, 26 patients had noncontributory medical histories, 16 had medical histories significant for breathing-related conditions, and 8 had known reactive airway disease.



Conclusion: This study provides a foundational baseline for pediatric FeNO readings. These findings support the development of FeNO as a valuable screening tool prior to anesthesia administration in children.

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