Prominent percentage of patients with mild-to-moderate asthma has persistently non-eosinophilic disease which may not respond to anti-inflammatory treatments available now, states a new study.
Asthma - Factors, Common Allergens, Diagnosis, Treatment, Support Groups, FAQs
It's a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it
It's a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it
Among asthmatic subjects not taking an ICS who had repeated induced sputum samples, 22% had sputum eosinophilia on every occasion (persistent eosinophilia), 31% had eosinophilia on at least one occasion (intermittent eosinophilia), and 47% had no eosinophilia on every occasion (persistently non-eosinophilic). Two weeks of treatment with a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs resulted in significant improvements in airflow obstruction in subjects with eosinophilic asthma, but not in those with persistently non- eosinophilic asthma. Bronchodilator responses to albuterol, however, were similar in eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic asthma.
"Prevalence estimates for non-eosinophilic asthma in earlier studies were based on single sputum samples," said John Fahy, MD, MSc, professor of medicine and director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute/University of California San Francisco Airway Clinical Research Center. "Here we show for the first time that sputum eosinophilia is persistently absent in a large percentage of patients with mild/moderate asthma when sputum is analyzed repeatedly over time."
Respiratory Diseases - Diseases of the Human Respiratory System
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
"A large subgroup of patients with mild-to-moderate asthma do not have the usual eosinophilic subtype that is responsive to steroid treatment," concluded Dr. Fahy. "In addition to the implications for the care of these patients, our results have important implications for future asthma research. In clinical studies, the eosinophil phenotype of patients should be characterized to better understand treatment responses and disease mechanisms. In addition, appropriate in vitro and animal models for the study of the mechanisms of non-eosinophilic airway disease need to be developed."
Advertisement
With an impact factor of 10.191, the AJRRCM is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Thoracic Society. It aims to publish the most innovative science and the highest quality reviews, practice guidelines and statements in the pulmonary, critical care and sleep-related fields.
Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world''s leading medical association dedicated to advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The Society''s 15,000 members prevent and fight respiratory disease around the globe through research, education, patient care and advocacy.
Advertisement
