A methodology to establish a database to study gene environment interactions for childhood asthma

SW Turner, Jonathan Ayres, TV Macfarlane, A Mehta, G Mehta, CN Palmer, S Cunningham, T Adams, K Aniruddhan, C Bell, D Corrigan, J Cunningham, A Duncan, G Hunt, R Leece, U MacFadyen, J McCormick, S McLeish, A Mitra, D MillerE Waxman, A Webb, S Wojcik, S Mukhopadhyay, D Macgregor

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    Abstract

    Background: Gene-environment interactions are likely to explain some of the heterogeneity in childhood asthma. Here, we describe the methodology and experiences in establishing a database for childhood asthma designed to study gene-environment interactions (PAGES - Paediatric Asthma Gene Environment Study). Methods: Children with asthma and under the care of a respiratory paediatrician are being recruited from 15 hospitals between 2008 and 2011. An asthma questionnaire is completed and returned by post. At a routine clinic visit saliva is collected for DNA extraction. Detailed phenotyping in a proportion of children includes spirometry, bronchodilator response (BDR), skin prick reactivity, exhaled nitric oxide and salivary cotinine. Dietary and quality of life questionnaires are completed. Data are entered onto a purpose-built database. Results: To date 1045 children have been invited to participate and data collected in 501 (48%). The mean age (SD) of participants is 8.6 (3.9) years, 57% male. DNA has been collected in 436 children. Spirometry has been obtained in 172 children, mean % predicted (SD) FEV1 97% (15) and median (IQR) BDR is 5% (2, 9). There were differences in age, socioeconomic status, severity and % FEV1 between the different centres (p
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number107
    JournalBMC Medical Research Methodology
    Volume10
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 6 Dec 2010

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