Urates in exhaled breath condensate of children with asthma

Abstract

Background: To determine whether urates as a marker of oxidative stress could be determined in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), and if there are any differences in urate concentrations between asthmatic and healthy children. Methods: Exhaled breath condensate was collected using an EcoScreen condenser (Erich Jaeger GmbH, Hoechberg, Germany). Urate measurements were performed by enzymatic color test. Asthmatic children were divided into 2 groups: children with controlled asthma and children with acute exacerbation of asthma. Results: Exhaled breath condensate urate concentration was statistically significantly higher in children with controlled asthma compared with control group and acute exacerbation group. Seven children with acute exacerbation of asthma had unmeasurable urate concentrations. Conclusion: Study results showed EBC to contain a measurable urate concentration, which was significantly higher in children with controlled asthma compared with clinically healthy children and children with acute exacerbation of asthma.