Turner, SW; Ayres, JG; Macfarlane, TV; Mehta, A; Mehta, G; Palmer, CN; Cunningham, S; ... Macgregor, D; + view all Turner, SW; Ayres, JG; Macfarlane, TV; Mehta, A; Mehta, G; Palmer, CN; Cunningham, S; Adams, T; Aniruddhan, K; Bell, C; Corrigan, D; Cunningham, J; Duncan, A; Hunt, G; Leece, R; MacFadyen, U; McCormick, J; McLeish, S; Mitra, A; Miller, D; Waxman, E; Webb, A; Wojcik, S; Mukhopadhyay, S; Macgregor, D; - view fewer (2010) A methodology to establish a database to study gene environment interactions for childhood asthma. BMC MED RES METHODOL , 10 , Article 107. 10.1186/1471-2288-10-107.

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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 <= 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.

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