Nasal Nitric Oxide Levels in HIV Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction Low levels of nasal NO have been associated with increased propensity to rhinosinusitis and respiratory tract infections. Our objective was to describe nasal NO levels in HIV-infected individuals versus healthy controls and determine possible risk factors for reduced nasal NO levels. Materials and Methods HIV-infected individuals and healthy controls were recruited. Participants underwent nasal NO testing by standardized methods using a CLD88 chemiluminescence analyzer and completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) on symptoms of rhinosinusitis. Results Participants included 41 HIV-infected individuals with suppressed VL on antiretroviral therapy (ART group), 5 HIV-infected individuals with detectable VL off ART (viremic group), and 12 healthy controls (HC group). Mean nasal NO level was 253 (±77) nL/min in the ART group, 213 (±48) nL/min in the viremic group, and 289 (±68) nL/min in the HC group (p = 0.133; ANOVA). There was no correlation between nasal NO level and VL in viremic individuals (r = −0.200; p = 0.747). Differences were observed in mean total points on the SNOT-20 which were 19 (±16)/100, 18 (±26)/100, and 4 (±4)/100 in the ART, viremic, and HC groups, respectively (p = 0.013; ANOVA). Conclusion Healthy individuals, HIV patients on ART, and viremic individuals off ART display similar nasal NO levels. However, rhinosinusitis symptoms remain prominent despite ART-treatment.

Nasal Nitric Oxide Measurement in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. A Technical Paper on Standardized Testing Protocols

“…This obviates the problem of having a low signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, a substantial amount of work has already been done in subjects with PCD and control subjects using the specific method of exhalation against resistance (6,25,31,32,(50)(51)(52)(53). The recommendations here are based on data from hundreds of subjects using this specific exhalation against resistance technique.…”