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.
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