Diagnostic accuracy of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in asthma

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.