Mustafa J, Yunus F, Wiyono WH. J Respir Indones. 2012;32(1):8-16.

Abstract

Introduction: Prevalence of asthma in children in Indonesia varies from 2.1% to 32.2% depends on location of the study, and method of study. However, the prevalence of asthma in children in central of Jakarta – polluted area were unknown.
Methods: This study using the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) written questionnaire and hypertonic saline challenge test to assess bronchial hyperreactivity. The ISAAC questionnaire were distributed randomly to 14 Junior High Schools in South Jakarta, and informed consent were taken before the procedure. To assess bronchial hypereactivity, 4.5% hypertonic saline solution challenge test were performed after the students fill the questionnaires. Hypertonic saline was nebulized using a jet nebulizer and administered for 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 minutes until a decrease of FEV1= 20% was achieved in relation to the baseline value as described elsewhere.
Result: Of 2100 subjects age 13-14 years old in Jakarta after randomized were submitted the ISAAC questioner, and the prevalence of asthma was 12,6%. After rerandomized from 2044 subject, 200 subject were participated to asses bronchial hyperreactivity test, 61 subjects (30,5%) were positive to the hypertonic saline bronchial challenge test. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 87,1% and 91,7%, respectively.
Conclusion: The prevalence of asthma was 12,6%. Bronchial hyperreactivity test with hypertonic saline presents procedure that requires very little equipment, it is a useful means of assessing hyperresponsiveness in children and adolescents.

Keyword: asthma prevalence, hipertonic saline, bronchial challenge test, ISAAC questionnaire.

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