Steroid insensitive fixed airflow obstruction is not related to airway inflammation in older non-smokers with asthma.

Abstract

There is limited evidence linking airway inflammation and lung function impairment in older non-smoking asthmatics with fixed airflow obstruction (FAO), which can develop despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). We assessed lung function (spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT)), lung elastic recoil and airway inflammation using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in non-smoking adult asthmatics with FAO, following 2 months treatment with high-dose ICS/long-acting beta-agonist. Subjects demonstrated moderate FAO, abnormal FOT indices and loss of lung elastic recoil. This cross-sectional study showed a lack of a relationship between BAL neutrophils, eosinophils, inflammatory cytokines and lung function impairment. Other inflammatory pathways or the effect of inflammation on lung function over time may explain FAO development.

• Authors: K O Tonga, G G King, C S Farah, C Thamrin, F S Tang, J Santos, P Sharma, D G Chapman, B G Oliver
• Journal: Respiratory research (Respir Res) Vol. 19 Issue 1 Pg. 176 (Sep 17 2018) ISSN: 1465-993X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 30223904 (Publication Type: Letter)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Aged
• Asthma (diagnosis, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
• Cohort Studies
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Forced Expiratory Volume (drug effects, physiology)
• Humans
• Inflammation (diagnosis, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Non-Smokers
• Prospective Studies
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (diagnosis, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Respiratory Function Tests (methods)
• Spirometry (methods)