Utility of genetic markers, biomarkers, and lung function in severe pediatric asthma
| Diagnostic method | Comments |
|---|---|
| Genetic markers | They help predict the response to β2 agonists and response to inhaled corticosteroids. They can also predict asthma that will follow a more severe course and with persistence of exacerbations after treatment. |
| Biomarkers | Blood and sputum eosinophils, FeNO may precede severe asthma, exacerbations, and response to biologics. Cytokines, chemokines present in blood, inflammatory cells, or sputum are associated with severe asthma. |
| Lung function | FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and BDR identify severe asthma with higher morbidity. LCI identifies asthma with inhomogeneity, which is associated with worse lung function and severe treatment-resistant asthma. |
FeNO: fractional exhaled nitric oxide; FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC: forced vital capacity; BDR: bronchodilator response; LCI: lung clearance index