Clinical Trial: Diagnostic Utility of Different Airway Resistance Assessment Techniques in the Methacholine Challenge Test

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional




Official Title: Diagnostic Utility of Different Airway Resistance Assessment Techniques in the Evaluation of Bronchial Hyperreactivity by Methacholine Challenge Testing

Brief Summary:

The aim of the study is to compare standard spirometric evaluation of methacholine challenge test with plethysmographic, interrupter technique and forced oscillation technique (FOT) evaluation of the airways resistance.

The study group will consist of patients referred for methacholine challenge test. All patient will undergo spirometric, plethysmographic, interrupter technique and FOT examinations - before and after inhalation of aerosols. Patients will also undergo the measurement of nitric oxide concentration in exhaled air and laboratory tests, including: blood count, measurement of serum C-reactive protein, sodium, potassium, creatinine, immunoglobulin E and N-Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration.

The investigators intend to assess, if plethysmographic, and/or interrupter, and/or FOT measurement of bronchial reactivity can replace standard spirometric assessment. Plethysmography, interrupter technique and FOT are much more easier to perform for patients. Furthermore, those two techniques are less dependent on patient's motivation and cooperation ability. Thus, usage of FOT, interrupter technique and/or plethysmography in bronchial hyperreactivity testing could make methacholine challenge test more comfortable and available for more patients. The investigators are also going to analyze the relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and functional indices of bronchial hyperreactivity.