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Volatile organic compounds in asthma diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Allergy. 2015 Oct 17;
Authors: Cavaleiro Rufo J, Madureira J, Oliveira Fernandes E, Moreira A
Abstract
We aimed to assess the value and classification rate of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in asthma diagnosis. A PRISMA oriented systematic search for published studies regarding exhaled VOCs in asthma diagnosis was conducted based on pre-defined criteria. Studies presenting sensitivity and specificity values for the test were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled diagnosis odds ratios (DOR), area under the curve (AUC) and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) for exhaled VOC profiles were calculated; and publication bias, threshold effect and heterogeneity were estimated. Eighteen studies were selected for the qualitative analysis and 6 met the criteria for inclusion in the quantitative analysis. Mean (95%CI) pooled DOR, positive and negative LR were 49.3 (15.9 to 153.3), 5.86 (3.07 to 11.21) and 0.16 (0.10 to 0.26), respectively. The AUC value was 0.94. Only 3 of the 18 reviewed studies performed an external validation of the model using a different dataset. The results from the revised studies suggest that exhaled VOCs are promising biomarkers for asthma diagnosis and that several compounds, mainly alkanes, may be significantly associated with asthma inflammation. However, there are still various constraints associated with standardization and externally validated studies are needed to introduce exhaled VOCs profiling in a clinical scenario. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID: 26476125 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
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