[Influence of flexible bronchoscopy on the concentration of exhaled nitric oxide].

INTRODUCTION

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is noninvasive parameter useful on estimation of airways inflammation, especially useful in monitoring of asthma inflammation. The aim of the study was estimation of bronchial tree inflammation after flexible bronchoscopy (FB) using eNO concentration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 41 patients (aged 29 to 74 yrs) eNO measurements using Sievers 280 Nitric Oxide Analyzer were performed before and 24 hours after FB. In control group (12 healthy persons aged 22 to 65 yrs) eNO measurements were also performed twice at 24 hours interval.

RESULTS

In examined patients the mean eNO concentration before FB (15.0 +/- 8.0 ppb) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in controls (6.9 +/- 5.6 ppb). In examined patients we did not observe the significant changes in eNO after FB (15.0 +/- 8.0 vs. 17.0 +/- 7.9 ppb). The procedure of bronchial washing, bronchial brush or bronchial biopsy did not influence the results in examined patients. In control group the mean eNO results before and after 24 hours were similar (6.9 +/- 5.6 ppb vs. 7.1 +/- 5.9). The relative eNO changes after 24 hours of observation (decreases and increases), expressed as a per cent of parts per billion (% of ppb), were similar both in examined patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

BF and associated procedures does not influence on eNO concentration.