Analysis of exhaled breath condensate in patients with asthma and recurrent wheezing

Wheezing is the most common clinical symptom of bronchial obstructive syndrome. The functions of pulmonary surfactant (PS) depend directly on the level of total phospholipids (TP). This can be used to assess the integrity of the cell membrane structure. Objective. To determine the level of total phospholipids and calcium in exhaled breath condensate in young children with recurrent wheezing and asthma. Materials and methods. The study included 77 patients divided into 3 groups. Group 1 included 30 patients (20 girls and 10 boys) with no more than 2 episodes of recurrent wheezing in their lifetime; Group 2 -10 patients (6 boys and 4 girls) with more than 3 episodes of recurrent wheezing, and 37 patients (15 girls, 22 boys) with asthma. The control group consisted of 20 conditionally healthy children (11 girls, 9 boys). All patients were aged from 3 months to 6 years. The determination of phospholipid levels and calcium (Ca) in the exhaled breath condensate was performed in dynamics - during the period of clinical manifestations and remission. Results. The level of phospholipids in the exhaled breath condensate was the highest in patients of all groups at the stage of clinical manifestations compared with the period of remission, while its lowest level was noted in the control group. During the peak of the disease, the level of Ca in the exhaled breath condensate was significantly lower compared to the period of remission. The control group had the highest level. Conclusions. The exhaled breath condensate's high level of phospholipids in the first days of the disease confirms cell damage in the presence of inflammation. Additionally, the exhaled breath condensate's Ca level is lowest during this period, possibly indicating its involvement in cell damage