Inhaled lidocaine for the treatment of asthma: lack of efficacy in two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies

Arthritis and Risk of Cognitive and Functional Impairment in Older Mexican Adults

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the risk of cognitive and functional impairment in older Mexicans diagnosed with arthritis. Participants included 2,681 Mexicans, aged ≥60 years, enrolled in the Mexican Health and Aging Study cohort.

METHOD

Participants were categorized into arthritis and no arthritis exposure groups. Primary outcome included participants categorized into "cognitively impaired" or "cognitively normal" groups. Secondary outcomes included participants categorized into Normal, Functionally Impaired only, Cognitively Impaired only, or Dementia (both cognitively and functionally impaired) groups. Multivariable logistic and multinomial regression models were used to assess the relationships.

RESULTS

Overall, 16% or 7% were diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia. Compared with older Mexicans without arthritis, those who were diagnosed with arthritis had significantly increased risk of functional impairment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.45, 2.29]), but not of dementia.

CONCLUSION

Arthritis is associated with increased risk of functional impairment, but not with dementia after 11 years in older Mexicans.

JM25-1, a Lidocaine Analog Combining Airway Relaxant and Antiinflammatory Properties: Implications for New Bronchospasm Therapy

BACKGROUND

Inhaled lidocaine antagonized bronchospasm in animal models and patients, but adverse effects limited its efficacy. This study evaluated the antibronchospasm potential of the analog JM25-1, exploring in vitro mechanisms and translation to an animal model.

METHODS

The effectiveness of JM25-1 was assessed in GH3 cells, rat tracheal rings, mouse lymphocytes, and human eosinophil systems in vitro, assessing changes in Na current, contraction, proliferation, and survival, respectively. Lung function and inflammatory changes were studied in ovalbumin-sensitized mice.

RESULTS

The efficacy of JM25-1 was higher than lidocaine in inhibiting carbachol-induced and calcium-induced tracheal contractions (maximum effect inhibition at 1 mM [%]: 67 ± 10 [JM25-1] vs. 41 ± 11 [lidocaine] [P < 0.001] for carbachol; 100 ± 3 [JM25-1] vs. 36 ± 26 [lidocaine] [P < 0.001] for Ca; mean ± SD; n = 9 each) but lower in Na current (50% inhibitory concentration = 151.5, n = 8 vs. 0.2 mM; n = 5; P < 0.001). JM25-1 also inhibited eosinophil survival (dead cells [%]: 65 ± 6; n = 4; P < 0.001 at 1 mM) and lymphocyte proliferation (cells in phase S + G2 [%]: 94 ± 10; n = 6; P < 0.001) at 0.6 mM. Aerosolized JM25-1 (1%) decreased lung eosinophil numbers from 13.2 ± 2.4 to 1.7 ± 0.7 × 10/μm (n = 6; P < 0.001) and neutrophils from 1.9 ± 0.4 to 0.2 ± 0.1 × 10/μm (n = 7; P < 0.001). Other parameters, including airway hyperreactivity, cytokines, mucus, and extracellular matrix deposition, were also sensitive to aerosolized JM25-1.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the potential of JM25-1, emphasizing its putative value in drug development for clinical conditions where there is bronchospasm.

Nebulised budesonide using a novel device in patients with oral steroid-dependent asthma

This phase 2/3 randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial investigated oral corticosteroid (OCS)-sparing efficacy, safety and tolerability of nebulised budesonide (Bud) administered with a novel computer-controlled, compressor-driven inhalation system (AKITA) as add-on therapy to Global Initiative for Asthma step 5. Patients (18-65 years) with OCS-dependent asthma were randomised (2:1:1:1) to receive 18-week, twice-daily, double-blind treatment with AKITA inhaled corticosteroid (AICS)-Bud 1 mg, AICS-Bud 0.5 mg, AICS-placebo or open-label Bud 1 mg administered by conventional nebuliser (CN-Bud). OCS doses were tapered until week 14. 199 patients started treatment. More AICS-Bud 1 mg (80.0%) than placebo-treated (62.5%) patients had daily OCS doses reduced ≥50%, with clinical stability to week 18 (one-sided p=0.02; treatment difference: 17.5% (95% CI 0.1-34.9%), two-sided p=0.04). Mean±sd forced expiratory volume in 1 s improved (from baseline to week 18) for AICS-Bud 1 mg (239±460 mL, p<0.001) and AICS-Bud 0.5 mg (126±345 mL, p=0.01) but not placebo (93±419 mL, p=0.36) or CN-Bud (137±459 mL, p=0.18). Fewer AICS-Bud 1 mg-treated patients experienced asthma exacerbations (7.5%) compared with placebo (17.5%) or CN-Bud (22.5%). All treatments were well tolerated. Budesonide applied with AKITA allowed significant meaningful OCS reduction in OCS-dependent asthma patients while improving pulmonary function and maintaining exacerbation control.

Evidence for therapeutic uses of nebulized lidocaine in the treatment of intractable cough and asthma

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the efficacy and safety data for use of nebulized lidocaine in intractable cough and asthma.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was conducted using PubMed (through November 2012), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-December 2012), and Cochrane Library (up to 2012) with the search terms nebulization, nebulized or nebulised; administration, inhalation; cough; asthma; and lidocaine. Results were limited to human studies published in the English language. Referenced citations from relevant publications were also reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All articles identified from the data sources were reviewed for inclusion. Clinical trials and descriptive studies that discussed use of nebulized lidocaine for treatment of intractable cough and asthma were included in the review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Seventeen studies were identified for review. Seven studies (6 descriptive studies and 1 clinical trial) evaluating the use of nebulized lidocaine in intractable cough reported efficacy in doses ranging from 10 mg to 400 mg. Five clinical trials in asthma showed conflicting results regarding improvement in pulmonary function and glucocorticoid-sparing effects. General improvements in pulmonary function as well as the initial bronchoconstriction induced by nebulized lidocaine in subjects with baseline bronchial hyperreactivity were investigated in 5 studies. Overall, the available evidence does not appear to preclude the use of lidocaine as a treatment option for intractable cough after failure of traditional cough suppressants. Data on its use for short-term glucocorticoid-sparing effects in asthma are conflicting. Study limitations, including design, small sample size, and inconsistencies in method and adjunctive therapies, should be considered. Nebulized lidocaine is well tolerated; however, reports of initial bronchoconstriction have occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Although nebulized lidocaine is not first-line therapy in intractable cough and asthma, it may provide an alternative treatment option in patients who cannot tolerate or are unresponsive to other treatments. Appropriate monitoring precautions should be used to ensure patient safety.

Medical emergencies: pulmonary embolism and acute severe asthma

In this, the second of two articles covering specific medical emergencies, we discuss the definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, acute and chronic management of pulmonary embolus and acute severe asthma.