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- Title
A methodology to establish a database to study gene environment interactions for childhood asthma.
- Authors
Turner, Stephen W.; Ayres, Jon G.; Macfarlane, Tatiana V.; Mehta, Anil; Mehta, Gita; Palmer, Colin N.; Cunningham, Steve; Adams, Tim; Aniruddhan, Krishnan; Bell, Claire; Corrigan, Donna; Cunningham, Jason; Duncan, Andrew; Hunt, Gerard; Leece, Richard; MacFadyen, Una; McCormick, Jonathan; McLeish, Sally; Mitra, Andrew; Miller, Deborah
- 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≤0.024). Reasons for non-participation included parents not having time to take part, children not attending clinics and, in a small proportion, refusal to take part. Conclusions: It is feasible to establish a national database to study gene-environment interactions within an asthmatic paediatric population; there are barriers to participation and some different characteristics in individuals recruited from different centres. Recruitment to our study continues and is anticipated to extend current understanding of asthma heterogeneity.
- Subjects
OBSTRUCTIVE lung diseases; ASTHMATICS; ASTHMA; BRONCHIAL diseases; GENETICS
- Publication
BMC Medical Research Methodology, 2010, Vol 10, p107
- ISSN
1471-2288
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/1471-2288-10-107