1
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Oguma A, Shimizu K, Kimura H, Tanabe N, Sato S, Yokota I, Takimoto-Sato M, Matsumoto-Sasaki M, Abe Y, Takei N, Goudarzi H, Suzuki M, Makita H, Hirai T, Nishimura M, Konno S. Differential role of mucus plugs in asthma: Effects of smoking and association with airway inflammation. Allergol Int 2022; 72:262-270. [PMID: 36402674 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physiological importance of mucus plugs in computed tomography (CT) imaging is being increasingly recognized. However, whether airway inflammation and smoking affect the association between mucus plugs and clinical-physiological outcomes in asthma remains to be elucidated. The objective of this study is to examine how airway inflammation and/or smoking affect the correlation of CT-based mucus plug scores with exacerbation frequency and airflow limitation indices in asthma. METHODS A total of 168 patients with asthma who underwent chest CT and sputum evaluation were enrolled and classified in eosinophilic asthma (EA; n = 103) and non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA; n = 65) groups based on sputum eosinophil percentage (cut-off: 3%). The mucus plug score was defined as the number of lung segments with mucus plugs seen on CT. RESULTS More mucus plugs were detected on CT scans in the EA group than in the NEA group, regardless of smoking status. Mucus plug score and exacerbation frequency during one year after enrollment were significantly associated in the EA group but not in the NEA group after adjusting for demographics, blood eosinophil count, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Mucus plug score was associated with percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s in non-smoking individuals in the EA and NEA group and in smoking individuals in the EA group but not in the NEA group after adjusting for demographics. CONCLUSIONS The association of mucus plug score with exacerbation frequency and reduced lung function may vary due to airway inflammatory profile and smoking status in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Oguma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kaoruko Shimizu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Hirokazu Kimura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoya Tanabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Susumu Sato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Isao Yokota
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michiko Takimoto-Sato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Yuki Abe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nozomu Takei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masaru Suzuki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hironi Makita
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Hokkaido Medical Research Institute for Respiratory Diseases, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toyohiro Hirai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaharu Nishimura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Hokkaido Medical Research Institute for Respiratory Diseases, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Konno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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2
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José RJ, Dickey BF, Sheshadri A. Airway disease in hematologic malignancies. Expert Rev Respir Med 2022; 16:303-313. [PMID: 35176948 PMCID: PMC9067103 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2043746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematologic malignancies are cancers of the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes and represent a heterogenous group of diseases that affect people of all ages. Treatment generally involves chemotherapeutic or targeted agents that aim to kill malignant cells. In some cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is required to replenish the killed blood and stem cells. Both disease and therapies are associated with pulmonary complications. As survivors live longer with the disease and are treated with novel agents that may result in secondary immunodeficiency, airway diseases and respiratory infections will increasingly be encountered. To prevent airways diseases from adding to the morbidity of survivors or leading to long-term mortality, improved understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of viral bronchiolitis, BOS, and bronchiectasis is necessary. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on viral bronchitis, BOS and bronchiectasis in people with hematological malignancy. Literature was reviewed from Pubmed for the areas covered. EXPERT OPINION Airway disease impacts significantly on hematologic malignancies. Viral bronchiolitis, BOS and bronchiectasis are common respiratory manifestations in hematological malignancy. Strategies to identify patients early in their disease course may improve the efficacy of treatment and halt progression of lung function decline and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo J José
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Host Defence, Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea, London, UK
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, London, UK
| | - Burton F Dickey
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ajay Sheshadri
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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3
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Nomura N, Matsumoto H, Yokoyama A, Nishimura Y, Asano K, Niimi A, Tohda Y, Harada N, Nagase H, Nagata M, Inoue H, Kondo M, Horiguchi T, Miyahara N, Hizawa N, Hojo M, Hattori N, Hashimoto N, Yamasaki A, Kadowaki T, Kimura T, Miki M, Taniguchi H, Toyoshima M, Kawamura T, Matsuno O, Sato Y, Sunadome H, Nagasaki T, Oguma T, Hirai T. Nationwide survey of refractory asthma with bronchiectasis by inflammatory subtypes. Respir Res 2022; 23:365. [PMID: 36539765 PMCID: PMC9763800 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02289-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis are differential diagnoses of asthma; moreover, they are factors associated with worse asthma control. OBJECTIVE We determined clinical courses of bronchiectasis/bronchiolitis-complicated asthma by inflammatory subtypes as well as factors affecting them. METHODS We conducted a survey of refractory asthma with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis/bronchiolitis in Japan. Cases were classified into three groups, based on the latest fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) level (32 ppb for the threshold) and blood eosinophil counts (320/µL for the threshold): high (type 2-high) or low (type 2-low) FeNO and eosinophil and high FeNO or eosinophil (type 2-intermediate). Clinical courses in groups and factors affecting them were analysed. RESULTS In total, 216 cases from 81 facilities were reported, and 142 were stratified: 34, 40 and 68 into the type 2-high, -intermediate and -low groups, respectively. The frequency of bronchopneumonia and exacerbations requiring antibiotics and gram-negative bacteria detection rates were highest in the type 2-low group. Eighty-seven cases had paired latest and oldest available data of FeNO and eosinophil counts; they were analysed for inflammatory transition patterns. Among former type 2-high and -intermediate groups, 32% had recently transitioned to the -low group, to which relatively low FeNO in the past and oral corticosteroid use contributed. Lastly, in cases treated with moderate to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids, the frequencies of exacerbations requiring antibiotics were found to be higher in cases with more severe airway lesions and lower FeNO. CONCLUSIONS Bronchiectasis/bronchiolitis-complicated refractory asthma is heterogeneous. In patients with sputum symptoms and low FeNO, airway colonisation of pathogenic bacteria and infectious episodes are common; thus, corticosteroids should be carefully used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Nomura
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisako Matsumoto
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan ,grid.258622.90000 0004 1936 9967Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2, Ohno-Higashi, Osakasayama, Osaka Japan
| | - Akihito Yokoyama
- grid.278276.e0000 0001 0659 9825Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nishimura
- grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koichiro Asano
- grid.265061.60000 0001 1516 6626Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akio Niimi
- grid.260433.00000 0001 0728 1069Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuji Tohda
- grid.258622.90000 0004 1936 9967Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2, Ohno-Higashi, Osakasayama, Osaka Japan
| | - Norihiro Harada
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nagase
- grid.264706.10000 0000 9239 9995Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nagata
- grid.410802.f0000 0001 2216 2631Department of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Inoue
- grid.258333.c0000 0001 1167 1801Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Kondo
- grid.410818.40000 0001 0720 6587Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiko Horiguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toyota Regional Medical Center, Toyota, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Miyahara
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Hizawa
- grid.20515.330000 0001 2369 4728Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masayuki Hojo
- grid.45203.300000 0004 0489 0290Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noboru Hattori
- grid.257022.00000 0000 8711 3200Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naozumi Hashimoto
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Yamasaki
- grid.265107.70000 0001 0663 5064Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Toru Kadowaki
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Hospital Organization Matsue Medical Center, Matsue, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kimura
- grid.417192.80000 0004 1772 6756Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mari Miki
- grid.416803.80000 0004 0377 7966Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Toneyama Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Taniguchi
- grid.417235.60000 0001 0498 6004Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Mikio Toyoshima
- grid.413556.00000 0004 1773 8511Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hamamatsu Rosai Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Kawamura
- grid.414101.10000 0004 0569 3280Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Himeji Medical Center, Himeji, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsuno
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatoid disease, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoko Sato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yuuai Medical Center, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sunadome
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Care and Sleep Control Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadao Nagasaki
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Care and Sleep Control Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Oguma
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toyohiro Hirai
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Matsumoto H. Bronchiectasis in severe asthma and asthmatic components in bronchiectasis. Respir Investig 2021; 60:187-196. [PMID: 34924307 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Asthma and bronchiectasis are different diseases; however, differentiating them can be difficult because they share several symptomatic and physiological similarities. Approximately 20% of patients with bronchiectasis have eosinophilic inflammation, 34% show wheezing, and 7-46% have comorbid asthma, although comorbidity with severe asthma may be limited as shown in 3.3% of cases of bronchiectasis. Meanwhile, 25-68% of patients with severe asthma have comorbid bronchiectasis, and at least two phenotypes are present in the accompanying bronchiectasis: eosinophilic bronchiectasis and chronic infectious bronchiolitis/bronchiectasis. Recent studies show that type-2-targeted biologics are effective for eosinophilic bronchiectasis and theoretically effective for some of the remaining cases when used before oral corticosteroids. Further studies are needed to identify treatment strategies for severe asthma with comorbid bronchiectasis and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisako Matsumoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2, Ohno-higashi, Osakasayama City, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan.
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5
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Zhang SQ, Xiong XF, Wu ZH, Huang TT, Cheng DY. Clinical features of asthma with comorbid bronchiectasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e23858. [PMID: 33530179 PMCID: PMC7850679 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This meta-analysis aimed to systematically estimate the prevalence of comorbid bronchiectasis in patients with asthma and to summarize its clinical impact. METHODS Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception until March 2020. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if bronchiectasis was identified by high-resolution computed tomography. Outcomes included the prevalence of bronchiectasis and its association with demographic characteristics and indicators of asthma severity, including results of lung function tests and the number of exacerbations. RESULTS Five observational studies with 839 patients were included. Overall, the mean prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma was 36.6% (307/839). Patients with comorbid bronchiectasis had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) (MD: -2.71; 95% CI: -3.72 to -1.69) and more frequent exacerbations (MD: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.03 to 1.33) than those with asthma alone, and there was no significant difference of sex, duration of asthma and serum levels of immunoglobulin(Ig)Es between asthmatic patients with or without bronchiectasis. CONCLUSION The presence of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma was associated with greater asthma severity. There are important therapeutic implications of identifying bronchiectasis in asthmatic patients.
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6
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Debray MP, Ghanem M, Khalil A, Taillé C. [Lung imaging in severe asthma]. Rev Mal Respir 2021; 38:41-57. [PMID: 33423858 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is a common disease whose diagnosis does not typically rely on the results of imaging. However, chest CT has gained a key place over the last decade to support the management of patients with difficult to treat and severe asthma. STATE OF THE ART Bronchial wall thickening and mild dilatation or narrowing of bronchial lumen are frequently observed on chest CT in people with asthma. Bronchial wall thickening is correlated to the degree of obstruction and to bronchial wall remodeling and inflammation. Diverse conditions which can mimic asthma should be recognized on CT, including endobronchial tumours, interstitial pneumonias, bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis. Ground-glass opacities and consolidation may be related to transient eosinophilic infiltrates, infection or an associated disease (vasculitis, chronic eosinophilic pneumonia). Hyperdense mucous plugging is highly specific for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. PERSPECTIVES Airway morphometry, air trapping and quantitative analysis of ventilatory defects, with CT or MRI, can help to identify different morphological subgroups of patients with different functional or inflammatory characteristics. These imaging tools could emerge as new biomarkers for the evaluation of treatment response. CONCLUSION Chest CT is indicated in people with severe asthma to search for additional or alternative diagnoses. Quantitative imaging may contribute to phenotyping this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-P Debray
- Service de Radiologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, 46, rue Henri Huchard, 75018 Paris; Inserm UMR1152, France.
| | - M Ghanem
- Service de Pneumologie et Centre de Référence constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, France
| | - A Khalil
- Service de Radiologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, 46, rue Henri Huchard, 75018 Paris; Université de Paris, Inserm UMR1152, France
| | - C Taillé
- Service de Pneumologie et Centre de Référence constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, France; Département Hospitalo-Universitaire FIRE ; Université de Paris ; Inserm UMR 1152 ; LabEx Inflamex, 75018 Paris, France
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7
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Börekçi Ş, Müsellim B. Decreasing Rate of Unknown Bronchiectasis Etiology: Evaluation of 319 Adult Patients with Bronchiectasis. Turk Thorac J 2021; 22:18-23. [PMID: 33646099 DOI: 10.5152/turkthoracj.2021.19142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bronchiectasis can have several causes, but there are only a limited number of studies about the prevalence of these causes. Most of the studies in adults are from previous years. This study aimed to identify etiologies in adult patients with bronchiectasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 1996 and June 2015, data from 319 patients admitted to a specialized bronchiectasis clinic were analyzed. Diagnoses were confirmed using high-resolution or multislice computed tomography and were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS Of the 319 patients, 187 (58.6%) were women and 132 (41.4%) were men. The mean age was 49.0±17.4 (range 15-83) years. The mean duration of illness was 19.5±14.9 years. There were several common etiologies: (1) post-infections (215; 67.5%, 70 of the 215 patients had tuberculosis); (2) obstructive lung diseases (28, 8.8%); (3) defects in mucociliary clearance (13, 4.2%); (4) connective tissue diseases (8, 2.4%); (5) immunodeficiency (5, 1.5%); (6) structural lung conditions (1, 0.3%); and (7) obstruction of a single bronchus (1, 0.3%). No causes could be established in 41 (12.9%) patients. CONCLUSION Despite developments in antibiotic therapy and vaccination programs, the most common etiology for bronchiectasis is post-infectious conditions as observed in previous years. However, with improvements in diagnostic tests and procedures, the rate of unknown etiologies has dropped from ≥50% to 12.9%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şermin Börekçi
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Benan Müsellim
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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8
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Ferri S, Crimi C, Campisi R, Cacopardo G, Paoletti G, Puggioni F, Crimi N, Heffler E. Impact of asthma on bronchiectasis severity and risk of exacerbations. J Asthma 2020; 59:469-475. [PMID: 33256490 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1857395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma is a frequent comorbidity of bronchiectasis, with possible implications for exacerbation and severity. We investigated the clinical impact of asthma on bronchiectasis in terms of disease severity and exacerbation risk. METHODS We collected demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of bronchiectasis. All patients were investigated for concomitant diagnosis of asthma. The Bhalla score was used to assess radiological severity of bronchiectasis, and the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) was used to assess the clinical severity. Blood and sputum samples were collected to assess blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c-reactive protein, immunological status (IgA, IgE, IgM, IgG, and IgG subclasses), and microbiological analysis. RESULTS A total of 106 patients were enrolled in the study; 30.2% had concomitant asthma and were characterized by higher frequency of bronchiectasis exacerbation, despite higher Bhalla score and lower BSI compared to patients without asthma. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more frequently isolated from the sputum of bronchiectasis patients without asthma. Total serum IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 were lower in patients with asthma. Blood eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide were higher in patients with associated asthma. The presence of asthma and presence of Pseudomonas in sputum were the only significant determinants of frequent exacerbations in a binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION The coexistence of asthma and bronchiectasis is associated with an independent increase in the risk of bronchiectasis exacerbation despite lower radiological and clinical severity indexes. Asthmatic airway inflammation could promote an enhanced "Cole's Cycle" that is responsible for a higher frequency of exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ferri
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Cacopardo
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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9
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Malipiero G, Paoletti G, Blasi F, Paggiaro P, Senna G, Latorre M, Caminati M, Carpagnano GE, Crimi N, Spanevello A, Aliberti S, Canonica GW, Heffler E. Clinical features associated with a doctor-diagnosis of bronchiectasis in the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI) registry. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 15:419-424. [PMID: 33100041 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1840983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several severe asthma comorbidities have been identified: an emerging one is bronchiectasis. We evaluated the frequency of bronchiectasis on severe asthma in a real-life setting, through the 'Severe Asthma Network Italy' (SANI) registry. METHODS SANI registry encompasses demographic, clinical, functional and inflammatory data of Italian severe asthmatics. Data obtained by the enrolled patients were analyzed, focusing the attention on those patients with concomitant clinically relevant bronchiectasis. RESULTS About 15.5% patients have bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis diagnosis was associated with a higher prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (54.6% vs. 38%, p = 0.001) and higher serum IgE levels (673.4 vs. 412.1 kUI/L, p = 0.013). Patients with bronchiectasis had worse asthma control (ACT: 16.7 vs 18.2, p = 0.013), worse quality of life (AQLQ: 4.08 vs. 4.60, p = 0.02) and lower lung function (FEV1% predicted 67.3 vs. 75.0, p = 0.002). A higher rate of severe asthma exacerbations in the previous 12 months (85.2% vs. 61.5%, p < 0.001) was found in patients with bronchiectasis. CONCLUSION severe asthma associated with bronchiectasis represents a particularly severe asthma variant, possibly driven by an eosinophilic endotype. We, therefore, suggest that bronchiectasis should necessarily be assessed in severe asthmatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Malipiero
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Internal Medicine Department, Respiratory Unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Paggiaro
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular Biology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Senna
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Manuela Latorre
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular Biology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Caminati
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Respiratory Medicine Section, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Spanevello
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Maugeri Care and Research Institute, IRCCS, Tradate, Italy 3
| | - Stefano Aliberti
- Internal Medicine Department, Respiratory Unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
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Crimi C, Ferri S, Campisi R, Crimi N. The Link between Asthma and Bronchiectasis: State of the Art. Respiration 2020; 99:463-476. [PMID: 32464625 DOI: 10.1159/000507228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonrecognition of asthma-associated comorbidities is often responsible for the therapeutic failure and the worsening of symptoms, and it is associated with frequent exacerbations, higher disease severity, and increased health costs. Bronchiectasis, one of the most frequent asthma-associated comorbidities, can increase airways inflammation and exacerbation rates and cause respiratory functional impairment. The aim of this article is to review the interactions between bronchiectasis and asthma, in order to better identify patients in the overlap between the 2 diseases and to select an "ad hoc" therapy. A literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE was performed using the following search terms: bronchiectasis in asthma, the association between asthma and bronchiectasis, comorbidities in asthma, and severe asthma. This review analyzed the following items: incorrect or underestimated diagnosis of asthma and bronchiectasis, prevalence of bronchiectasis in asthma, the impact of bronchiectasis in asthma, radiological imaging features of the 2 diseases, etiopathogenesis, and common causes (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, immune deficits, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and treatment of asthma and bronchiectasis). The concomitant presence of bronchiectasis and asthma should be suspected and investigated in patients with severe asthma, frequent exacerbations, and not responding to standard therapy. This clinical phenotype, characterized by a more severe disease, worse outcomes, and functional decline, must be readily recognized in order to choose the most appropriate therapeutic approach, able to potentially improve the management of bronchial asthma, to prevent the onset of exacerbations as well the functional decline, and to reduce health costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy,
| | - Sebastian Ferri
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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11
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Lo D, Maniyar A, Gupta S, Gaillard E. High prevalence of bronchiectasis on chest CT in a selected cohort of children with severe Asthma. BMC Pulm Med 2019; 19:136. [PMID: 31349825 PMCID: PMC6660678 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-019-0900-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chest computed tomography (CT) scans have a recognised role in investigating adults with severe asthma to exclude alternative diagnoses, but its role in children is less clear. The objective of this study was to review the CT findings of our local cohort of children with severe asthma and to explore whether clinical or pathobiological parameters predicted CT changes. Methods Retrospective observational single centre study including all children attending the Leicester difficult asthma clinic (DAC) who underwent a chest CT from 2006 to 2011. Additionally, we recruited eight age-matched, non-asthmatic controls to compare differences in CT findings between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. All CT images were independently scored by two radiologists. The DAC patients were sub-divided into binary groups for each abnormality identified so that comparisons could be made against recorded clinical variables including age, lung function, serum total IgE levels, and sputum leukocyte differential cell counts. Results Thirty DAC patients (median 12 yrs., range 5–16) were included. The most common abnormalities were bronchial wall thickening (BWT) and air trapping (AT), observed in 80 and 60% of DAC patients. Bronchiectasis (BE) was identified in 27% of DAC patients. DAC patients with evidence of BE on CT images were older than those without BE (13.9 ± 0.67 vs 11.5 ± 0.61, p = 0.038). We also identified a positive correlation between increasing BE severity and extent with age (r = 0.400, p = 0.028). Conclusion Abnormal CT findings were highly prevalent in our cohort of children with severe asthma, with bronchiectasis identified in approximately one third of children. We found no alternative diagnoses that resulted in a change in clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lo
- Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building. Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK.
| | - Amit Maniyar
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Foundation Trus, Manchester, UK
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Erol Gaillard
- NIHR Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester. Leicester Institute for Lung Health, Leicester, UK
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12
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13
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Feng M, Yang X, He Y. Effects of bronchial provocation test and bronchial dilation test for the diagnosis of lung diseases. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 47:1452-1457. [PMID: 31007079 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1601100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Feng
- Department of Respiration, Daping Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Yang
- Department of Respiration, Daping Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Respiration, Daping Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review aims to summarize the most recent evidence related to imaging and severe asthma, both with regard to advances in imaging research and to their current and potential clinical implications. RECENT FINDINGS Recent work in imaging in severe asthma has principally been using computed tomography (CT) and MRI, as well as the integration of the two. Some of the most notable findings include the use of CT imaging biomarkers to create unique clusters of asthmatics, and the use of co-registration to link CT images of airways with regional variation in ventilation in MRI. In addition, temporal studies have shown that some the ventilation defects found using MRI in asthmatics are intermittent and others are persistent, but both are associated with lower lung function. SUMMARY The role of imaging in severe asthma currently is primarily in the exclusion of comorbid or other conditions, or in the assessment for complications in the setting of acute decompensation. A rapidly expanding body of literature using CT and MRI suggests that these tools may soon be of utility in the chronic management of the disease.
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15
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Coman I, Pola-Bibián B, Barranco P, Vila-Nadal G, Dominguez-Ortega J, Romero D, Villasante C, Quirce S. Bronchiectasis in severe asthma: Clinical features and outcomes. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2018; 120:409-413. [PMID: 29496464 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchiectasis is increasingly being identified in patients with severe asthma and could contribute to disease severity. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of bronchiectasis in a population of patients with severe asthma and to better characterize the clinical features of these patients and their outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of 184 subjects with confirmed severe asthma who had undergone high-resolution thoracic computed tomography and compared the characteristics and outcomes of subjects with and without bronchiectasis. RESULTS Bronchiectasis was identified in 86 patients (47%). These patients had concomitant hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-5.03) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.05-3.41) more frequently than subjects without bronchiectasis, but had less atopic dermatitis (OR 0.188, 95% CI 0.04-0.88). Subjects with bronchiectasis were more frequently hospitalized for asthma exacerbations (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.08-4.05) and had higher blood eosinophil levels (464 vs 338; P = .005) than subjects without bronchiectasis. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that in subjects with severe asthma, the presence of bronchiectasis is associated with more frequent hospitalizations, concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and higher blood eosinophil counts. Bronchiectasis could represent an additional phenotypic feature of severe eosinophilic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pilar Barranco
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Universitario La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Javier Dominguez-Ortega
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Universitario La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Romero
- Department of Respirology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Villasante
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain; Department of Respirology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Quirce
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Universitario La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common diseases of the lung. Asthma manifests with common, although often subjective and nonspecific, imaging features at radiography and high-resolution computed tomography. The primary role of imaging is not to make a diagnosis of asthma but to identify complications, such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, or mimics of asthma, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This article reviews the imaging features of asthma as well as common complications and mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Caleb Richards
- Department of Radiology, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Room K012f, Denver, CO 80206-2761, USA.
| | - David Lynch
- Department of Radiology, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Room K012f, Denver, CO 80206-2761, USA
| | - Tilman Koelsch
- Department of Radiology, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Room K012f, Denver, CO 80206-2761, USA
| | - Debra Dyer
- Department of Radiology, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Room K012f, Denver, CO 80206-2761, USA
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17
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Dimakou K, Gousiou A, Toumbis M, Kaponi M, Chrysikos S, Thanos L, Triantafillidou C. Investigation of bronchiectasis in severe uncontrolled asthma. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2017; 12:1212-1218. [PMID: 28544140 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma varies in different reports, while a clear aetiological relation has not been precisely established. OBJECTIVES To investigate the presence of bronchiectasis in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma and examine whether they contribute to the severity of asthma. METHODS Patients with severe asthma were prospectively recruited. HRCT of the chest was performed to identify and grade bronchiectasis using the 'Smith' radiology scale. Investigation of the underlying cause was carried out for patients with bronchiectasis in order to exclude aetiologies other than asthma. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21, was used. RESULTS Forty patients were studied, 28 women, mean age (±SD) 57.9 years (±12.4). Mean ACT score was 14.2(±4.9). Main symptoms were: wheezing (95%), cough (92%), dysponea (92%) and sputum production (72%). Mean duration of asthma was 16.5(±11.5) years, exacerbations: 4.4(±2.7)/year. In 27 patients (67.5%) bronchiectasis was diagnosed. In nine patients (22.5%) pathogens were cultured in sputum (mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae). Patients with sputum production and pathogens in sputum cultures had a higher Smith score compared to those without expectoration and without pathogens, respectively (P = .005, P < .0001). No correlation was found between the extent of bronchiectasis and lung function. The radiological severity of bronchiectasis was correlated with the antibiotic courses/year (P = .002). CONCLUSION Bronchiectasis is common in patients with severe asthma. Sputum production and pathogen isolation in sputum may indicate the presence of bronchiectasis which seems to contribute to the severity of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Dimakou
- 5th Pulmonary Department, "Sotiria" Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Gousiou
- American College of Greece (Deree), Aghia Paraskevi Campus, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Toumbis
- 6th Pulmonary Department, "Sotiria" Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Kaponi
- 5th Pulmonary Department, "Sotiria" Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Serafeim Chrysikos
- 5th Pulmonary Department, "Sotiria" Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Loukas Thanos
- Department of Radiology, "Sotiria" Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece
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18
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Wang D, Luo J, Du W, Zhang LL, He LX, Liu CT. A morphologic study of the airway structure abnormalities in patients with asthma by high-resolution computed tomography. J Thorac Dis 2016; 8:2697-2708. [PMID: 27867544 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2016.09.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway structure changes, termed as airway remodeling, are common in asthma patients due to chronic inflammation, which can be assessed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Considering the controversial conclusions in the correlation of morphologic abnormalities with clinical feature and outcome, we aimed to further specify and evaluate the structural abnormalities of Chinese asthmatics by HRCT. METHODS From August 2012 to February 2015, outpatients with asthma were recruited consecutively in the Asthma Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Standard HRCT and pulmonary function test (PFT) were performed to collect information of bronchial wall thickening, bronchial dilatation, mucus impaction, emphysema, mosaic perfusion, atelectasis, and spirometric parameters. We reported the incidence of each structural abnormality in HRCT and compared it among different asthmatic severities. RESULTS A total of 123 asthmatics were enrolled, among which 84 (68.3%) were female and 39 (31.7%) were male. At least one structural abnormality was detected by HRCT in 85.4% asthmatics, and the incidence of bronchial wall thickening, bronchial dilatation, mucus impaction, emphysema, mosaic perfusion, and atelectasis was 57.7%, 51.2%, 22%, 24.4%, 5.7% and 1.6%, respectively. The incidences of bronchial wall thickening, bronchial dilation and emphysema were significantly increased by asthma severity (P<0.05), while incidences of mucus impaction (26/27, 96.30%), mosaic perfusion (6/7, 85.71%) and atelectasis (2/2, 100%) were mainly found in severe asthma. We found a longer asthma history (28.13±18.55 years, P<0.001, P=0.003), older age (51.30±10.70 years, P=0.022, P=0.006) and lower predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) (41.97±15.19, P<0.001, P<0.001) and ratio of forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (48.01±9.55, P<0.001, P<0.001) in patients with severe bronchial dilation compared with those in none and mild bronchial dilation. A negative correlation was also found between the extent of bronchial dilation and FEV1% as well as FEV1/FVC (r=-0.359, P=0.004; r=-0.266, P=0.035, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The incidences of structural abnormalities detected by HRCT are fairly high in Chinese asthma populations, especially the bronchial wall thickening and bronchial dilation, which are significantly increased in severe asthma, and are potential risk factors of pulmonary function decline in asthmatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wen Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lan-Lan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li-Xiu He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chun-Tao Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Inoue H, Ito I, Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Matsuoka H, Jinnai M, Takeda T, Oguma T, Otsuka K, Nakaji H, Tajiri T, Iwata T, Nagasaki T, Kanemitsu Y, Mishima M. CT-assessed large airway involvement and lung function decline in eosinophilic asthma: The association between induced sputum eosinophil differential counts and airway remodeling. J Asthma 2016; 53:914-21. [PMID: 27115448 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2016.1167903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Eosinophilic asthma (EA) is a distinct clinical phenotype characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Few studies have used computed tomography (CT) scanning to assess the association between sputum eosinophil differential counts and airway involvement. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and airway involvement of EA, and to examine the correlation between induced sputum eosinophil differential counts and CT-assessed airway remodeling. METHODS We retrospectively divided 63 patients with stable asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids into 2 groups: 26 patients with EA (sputum eosinophil >3%) and 37 patients with non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA). Clinical measurements such as spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels (FeNO), and CT-assessed indices of airway involvement were compared between the groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify determinants of the percentage of wall area (WA%). RESULTS The EA group had significantly longer asthma duration, lower pulmonary function, and higher FeNO than the NEA group. Also, the EA group had higher WA% and smaller airway luminal area than the NEA group. Sputum eosinophil differential counts and WA% were positively correlated. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the factors associated with WA% included sputum eosinophil differential counts, age, and body mass index. However, asthma duration was not associated with WA%. Our CT-assessed findings demonstrated large airway involvement in EA, and we observed a positive association between induced sputum eosinophil differential counts and WA%. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that induced sputum eosinophil differential counts may be associated with airway remodeling in patients with stable asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Inoue
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan.,b University of Pittsburgh Asthma Institute at UPMC, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Isao Ito
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Akio Niimi
- c Department of Respiratory Medicine , Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University , Nagoya , Aichi , Japan
| | - Hisako Matsumoto
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Hirofumi Matsuoka
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Makiko Jinnai
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Tomoshi Takeda
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Oguma
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Kojiro Otsuka
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nakaji
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Tomoko Tajiri
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Iwata
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Tadao Nagasaki
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kanemitsu
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Michiaki Mishima
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
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Baldi S, Hartley R, Brightling C, Gupta S. Asthma. IMAGING 2016. [DOI: 10.1183/2312508x.10002815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Hartley R, Baldi S, Brightling C, Gupta S. Novel imaging approaches in adult asthma and their clinical potential. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 11:1147-62. [PMID: 26289375 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.1072049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Currently, imaging in asthma is confined to chest radiography and CT. The emergence of new imaging techniques and tremendous improvement of existing imaging methods, primarily due to technological advancement, has completely changed its research and clinical prospects. In research, imaging in asthma is now being employed to provide quantitative assessment of morphology, function and pathogenic processes at the molecular level. The unique ability of imaging for non-invasive, repeated, quantitative, and in vivo assessment of structure and function in asthma could lead to identification of 'imaging biomarkers' with potential as outcome measures in future clinical trials. Emerging imaging techniques and their utility in the research and clinical setting is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Hartley
- a 1 Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Simonetta Baldi
- a 1 Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Chris Brightling
- a 1 Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Sumit Gupta
- a 1 Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK.,b 2 Radiology Department, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
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22
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Oguma T, Niimi A, Hirai T, Jinnai M, Matsumoto H, Ito I, Yamaguchi M, Matsuoka H, Otsuka K, Takeda T, Nakaji H, Chin K, Mishima M. Assessment of Small Airways with Computed Tomography: Mosaic Attenuation or Lung Density? Respiration 2015; 89:539-49. [PMID: 25924974 DOI: 10.1159/000381553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) assessment of air trapping has been considered useful as a measure of small airway disease. Mean lung density (MLD) and the percentage of the lung field occupied by low attenuation area (LAA%) can be evaluated automatically, and their expiratory/inspiratory (E/I) ratios correlate with asthma severity and spirometry parameters. However, mosaic attenuation, another indicator of air trapping, has been assessed visually, and its functional relevance remains controversial. OBJECTIVES This retrospective study was conducted to correlate mosaic attenuation, which was assessed visually and automatically, and the E/I ratios of MLD and LAA% (defined as areas <-960 Hounsfield units) with clinical and physiological variables, including impulse oscillometry (IOS) indices. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 36 nonsmoking patients with stable asthma, the lungs were scanned at full inspiration and full expiration. Mosaic attenuation was measured visually and automatically, by counting areas with CT values higher than the surrounding areas. MLD and LAA% were measured using our validated method. Spirometry, IOS, exhaled NO and the sputum eosinophil count were evaluated. RESULTS The automatic results and visual scores of mosaic attenuation correlated well on expiratory scans (r = 0.894) and to a lesser degree on inspiratory scans (r = 0.629; p < 0.0001 for both). However, only the E/I ratios of MLD and LAA% correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity of spirometry and the IOS indices of resistance from 5 to 20 Hz and the integrated area of low-frequency reactance. CONCLUSIONS Our automatic method for analysis of mosaic attenuation is likely useful, but the results themselves may not be reflecting small airway involvement of asthma, unlike the E/I ratios of MLD and LAA%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Oguma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Alagha K, Jarjour B, Bommart S, Aviles B, Varrin M, Gamez AS, Molinari N, Vachier I, Paganin F, Chanez P, Bourdin A. Persistent severe hypereosinophilic asthma is not associated with airway remodeling. Respir Med 2015; 109:180-7. [PMID: 25592243 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypereosinophilic asthma (HEA) is considered as a specific severe asthma phenotype. Whether eosinophils have a link with airway remodeling characterized by pathological (thickening of the basement membrane), functional (persistent airflow impairment and decline in lung function) and imaging features (increase airway wall thickness at CT scan) is still debated. In a one year prospective cohort of 142 severe asthma patients (according to IMI), 14 persistent HEA patients (defined by a persistent blood eosinophilia >500/mm(3) at two consecutive visits) were identified and compared with ten patients without any blood eosinophilia during the follow-up period (NEA, blood eosinophilia always <500/mm(3)). Airflow and lung volumes were recorded. Bronchial biopsies obtained at enrollment were stained for eosinophils (EG2) and basement membrane thickness (BM) was quantified. Imaging by CT scan acquisition was standardized and bronchial abnormalities quantified. ACQ score and exacerbations were prospectively recorded. HEA was not associated with preeminent features of airway remodeling assessed by airflow impairment (Best ever FEV1 values 97% ± 20 in HEA vs. 80 ± 24% in NEA, p = 0.020), decline of FEV1 (FEV1 Decline 40 ± 235 ml/y in HEA vs. 19 ± 40 ml/y in NEA, P = 0.319), submucosal abnormalities (BM thickness 7.80 ± 2.66 μm in HEA vs. 6.84 ± 2.59 in NEA, p = 0.37) and airway wall thickening at CT-scan (0.250 ± 0.036 mm vs. 0.261 ± 0.043, p = 0.92). Eosinophils blood count was inversely correlated with semiquantitative imaging score (rho -0.373, p = 0.039). Smoking history and positive skin prick tests were independent risk factors for increased BM thickening. Outcomes were similar in both populations (Control and exacerbations). Persistent HEA is not associated with evidences of airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khuder Alagha
- Department of Respiratory Disease, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Baihas Jarjour
- Department of Respiratory Disease, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sebastien Bommart
- Department of Radiology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; INSERM U1046, Université Montpellier I et II, Montpellier, France
| | - Berta Aviles
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Palamos, Spain
| | - Muriel Varrin
- Department of Biostatistics, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Sophie Gamez
- Department of Respiratory Disease, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Molinari
- Department of Biostatistics, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Vachier
- Department of Respiratory Disease, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabrice Paganin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, GHSR, Saint Pierre de La Réunion, France; INSERM UMR, Université Aix Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Chanez
- Department of Respiratory Disease, APHM, Marseille, France; INSERM UMR, Université Aix Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Bourdin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; INSERM U1046, Université Montpellier I et II, Montpellier, France.
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Inoue H, Niimi A, Takeda T, Matsumoto H, Ito I, Matsuoka H, Jinnai M, Otsuka K, Oguma T, Nakaji H, Tajiri T, Iwata T, Nagasaki T, Kanemitsu Y, Chin K, Mishima M. Pathophysiological characteristics of asthma in the elderly: a comprehensive study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 113:527-33. [PMID: 25216975 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive studies of the pathophysiologic characteristics of elderly asthma, including predominant site of disease, airway inflammation profiles, and airway hyperresponsiveness, are scarce despite their clinical importance. OBJECTIVE To clarify the pathophysiologic characteristics of elderly patients with asthma. METHODS Patients older than 65 years (elderly; n = 45) vs those no older than 65 years (nonelderly; n = 67) were retrospectively analyzed by spirometry, computed tomographic indices of large airway wall thickness and small airway involvement (air trapping), impulse oscillation measurements, exhaled nitric oxide levels, blood and induced sputum cell differentials, methacholine airway responsiveness, and total and specific serum IgE levels. RESULTS Elderly patients with asthma had significantly lower values for forced expiration volume in 1 second, mid-forced expiratory flow (percentage predicted), and ratio of forced expiration volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity than nonelderly patients with asthma (median 81.2% vs 88.8%, P = .02; 50.9% vs 78.6%, P = .03; 0.72 vs 0.78, P = .001, respectively). In computed tomographic measurements, elderly patients with asthma had significantly greater airway wall thickening and air trapping than nonelderly patients. Impulse oscillation measurements indicated that elderly patients with asthma showed significantly greater resistance at 5 Hz (used as an index of total airway resistance), greater decrease in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz, a higher ratio of decrease in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz to resistance at 5 Hz, higher integrated area between 5 Hz and frequency of resonance, greater frequency of resonance, and lower reactance at a frequency of 5 Hz (potential markers of small airway disease) than nonelderly patients. There were no significant differences in blood or sputum cell differentials, exhaled nitric oxide, or methacholine airway responsiveness between the 2 groups. Total serum IgE levels and positive rates of specific IgE antibodies against several allergens were significantly lower in elderly than in nonelderly patients with asthma. CONCLUSION Based on spirometric, computed tomographic, and impulse oscillation analyses, elderly patients with asthma have greater involvement of small and large airways than nonelderly patients with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Inoue
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Niimi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Tomoshi Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisako Matsumoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Isao Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Matsuoka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makiko Jinnai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kojiro Otsuka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Oguma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nakaji
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tajiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Iwata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadao Nagasaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kanemitsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuo Chin
- Department of Respiratory Care and Sleep Control Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michiaki Mishima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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25
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Tajiri T, Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Ito I, Oguma T, Otsuka K, Takeda T, Nakaji H, Inoue H, Iwata T, Nagasaki T, Mishima M. Prevalence and clinical relevance of allergic rhinitis in patients with classic asthma and cough variant asthma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 87:211-8. [PMID: 24401902 DOI: 10.1159/000355706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A clinically relevant relationship between classic asthma and allergic rhinitis has been reported. However, the possible link between cough variant asthma (CVA) and allergic rhinitis remains unknown. OBJECTIVES To clarify the prevalence and clinical relevance of perennial allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis in CVA patients compared to classic asthma patients. METHODS We retrospectively studied adult patients with classic asthma (n = 190) and those with CVA (n = 83). The prevalence of perennial allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis and associations of concomitant perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis with asthma severity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (% predicted), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels, and eosinophil proportions in sputum and blood were analyzed in the two groups. RESULTS The prevalence of perennial allergic rhinitis and/or seasonal allergic rhinitis was significantly higher in classic asthma patients than in CVA patients (all p < 0.05). Concomitant perennial allergic rhinitis was associated with higher FeNO levels and eosinophil proportions in sputum and blood in classic asthma patients (p = 0.035, p = 0.036, and p = 0.008, respectively) and with higher asthma severity, FeNO levels, and sputum eosinophil proportions in CVA patients (p = 0.031, p = 0.007, and p = 0.010, respectively). Concomitant seasonal allergic rhinitis was only associated with higher sputum eosinophil proportions in CVA patients with active rhinitis symptoms during the sensitized pollen season (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS Perennial allergic rhinitis may be relevant for CVA patients as well as classic asthma patients by consistently augmenting eosinophilic lower airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Tajiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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26
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Gupta S, Hartley R, Khan UT, Singapuri A, Hargadon B, Monteiro W, Pavord ID, Sousa AR, Marshall RP, Subramanian D, Parr D, Entwisle JJ, Siddiqui S, Raj V, Brightling CE. Quantitative computed tomography-derived clusters: redefining airway remodeling in asthmatic patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 133:729-38.e18. [PMID: 24238646 PMCID: PMC3969578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma heterogeneity is multidimensional and requires additional tools to unravel its complexity. Computed tomography (CT)-assessed proximal airway remodeling and air trapping in asthmatic patients might provide new insights into underlying disease mechanisms. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore novel, quantitative, CT-determined asthma phenotypes. METHODS Sixty-five asthmatic patients and 30 healthy subjects underwent detailed clinical, physiologic characterization and quantitative CT analysis. Factor and cluster analysis techniques were used to determine 3 novel, quantitative, CT-based asthma phenotypes. RESULTS Patients with severe and mild-to-moderate asthma demonstrated smaller mean right upper lobe apical segmental bronchus (RB1) lumen volume (LV) in comparison with healthy control subjects (272.3 mm(3) [SD, 112.6 mm(3)], 259.0 mm(3) [SD, 53.3 mm(3)], 366.4 mm(3) [SD, 195.3 mm(3)], respectively; P = .007) but no difference in RB1 wall volume (WV). Air trapping measured based on mean lung density expiratory/inspiratory ratio was greater in patients with severe and mild-to-moderate asthma compared with that seen in healthy control subjects (0.861 [SD, 0.05)], 0.866 [SD, 0.07], and 0.830 [SD, 0.06], respectively; P = .04). The fractal dimension of the segmented airway tree was less in asthmatic patients compared with that seen in control subjects (P = .007). Three novel, quantitative, CT-based asthma clusters were identified, all of which demonstrated air trapping. Cluster 1 demonstrates increased RB1 WV and RB1 LV but decreased RB1 percentage WV. On the contrary, cluster 3 subjects have the smallest RB1 WV and LV values but the highest RB1 percentage WV values. There is a lack of proximal airway remodeling in cluster 2 subjects. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative CT analysis provides a new perspective in asthma phenotyping, which might prove useful in patient selection for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Gupta
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Radiology Department, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruth Hartley
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Umair T Khan
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Amisha Singapuri
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Beverly Hargadon
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - William Monteiro
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Ana R Sousa
- Respiratory Therapy Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard P Marshall
- Respiratory Therapy Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak Subramanian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - David Parr
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - James J Entwisle
- Radiology Department, Wellington Hospital, Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Salman Siddiqui
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Vimal Raj
- Radiology Department, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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27
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Walker C, Gupta S, Raj V, Siddiqui S, Brightling CE. Imaging advances in asthma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 5:453-65. [PMID: 23484630 DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2011.609886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is a global burden, affecting 5% of the general adult population, with approximately 5 - 10% suffering from severe asthma. Severe asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease entity, with high morbidity and mortality. Recent years have seen the introduction of a vast array of new imaging technologies, which have provided the ability to comprehensively, non-invasively and functionally assess the lungs. These advances have resulted in a better understanding of the pathophysiology in severe asthma and have the unprecedented potential to unravel the structure-function relationship of severe asthma in the future. AREAS COVERED This review article chronologically describes the technological advances currently used and to be used in the future. The article covers pitfalls in imaging of the airways and lung parenchyma in asthma from chest x-rays, CT scans, MRI, confocal florescence endomicroscopy to computational fluid dynamics. EXPERT OPINION Novel qualitative and quantitative imaging techniques have enabled us to study the large airway architecture in detail, assess the small airway structure and perform functional or novel physiological evaluations. Despite spectacular advances in imaging techniques and the birth of new modalities, there is an urgent need for both proof-of-concept studies, large cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical trials in severe asthma to validate and clinically correlate imaging-derived measures. This will extend our current understanding of the pathophysiology of severe asthma, and unravel the structure-function relationship, with the potential to discover novel severe asthma phenotypes, predict mortality, morbidity and response to existing and novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Walker
- University of Leicester , Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection , Inflammation and Immunity, Leicester , UK
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28
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Chalmers JD, Hill AT. Mechanisms of immune dysfunction and bacterial persistence in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Mol Immunol 2012; 55:27-34. [PMID: 23088941 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammatory lung disease. The underlying cause is not identified in the majority of patients, but bronchiectasis is associated with a number of severe infections, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders. Regardless of the underlying cause, the disease is characterised by a vicious cycle of bacterial colonisation, airway inflammation and airway structural damage. Inflammation in bronchiectasis is predominantly neutrophil driven. Neutrophils migrate to the airway under the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-8, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, all of which are increased in the airway of patients with bronchiectasis. Bacterial infection persists in the airway despite large numbers of neutrophils that would be expected to phagocytose and kill pathogens under normal circumstances. Evidence suggests that neutrophils are disabled by multiple mechanisms including cleavage of phagocytic receptors by neutrophil elastase and inhibition of phagocytosis by neutrophil peptides. Complement activation is impaired and neutrophil elastase may cleave activated complement from pathogens preventing effective opsonisation. Organisms also evade clearance by adapting to chronic infection. The formation of biofilms, reduced motility and the down-regulation of virulence factors are among the strategies used to subvert innate immune mechanisms. Greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying chronic colonisation in bronchiectasis will assist in the development of new treatments for this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Chalmers
- Tayside Respiratory Research Group, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom.
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29
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Deraz TE, Kamel TB, El-Kerdany TA, El-Ghazoly HMA. High-sensitivity C reactive protein as a biomarker for grading of childhood asthma in relation to clinical classification, induced sputum cellularity, and spirometry. Pediatr Pulmonol 2012; 47:220-5. [PMID: 21960260 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.21539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood and some reports have demonstrated systemic inflammation. The relevance of high-sensitivity assays for C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which are known to be a sensitive marker of low-grade systemic inflammation, has not been fully studied in childhood asthma. AIM OF STUDY This cross sectional case-control study aimed at evaluating serum hs-CRP in asthmatic children with different grades of severity and control. METHODS Serum hs-CRP, sputum cytology study, and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) % of predicted for age and sex were estimated in 60 asthmatic children (30 uncontrolled steroid-naïve, and 30 controlled on inhaled steroid). They were recruited from Pediatric Chest Clinic, Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University. Sixty healthy children-age and sex-matched were included as a control group. RESULTS Serum hs-CRP concentrations were significantly higher in asthmatics than in controls with a median of 1.93 mg/L and 0.24 mg/L, respectively. Serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in uncontrolled steroid-naïve asthmatics than those controlled on inhaled steroid with a median of 3.15 mg/L and 1.55 mg/L, respectively. Serum hs-CRP showed a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 93%. CONCLUSIONS Despite that pulmonary function tests and clinical classification are the gold standard for grading of asthma, hs-CRP can be considered as a new marker for assessment of different grades of asthma severity and control. It can be used for indirect detection and monitoring of airway inflammation, disease severity, and response to steroid treatment in asthmatic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Deraz
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt
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30
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Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice for imaging the airways. Volumetric data sets with isotropic spatial resolution based on multidetector thin-section CT with overlapping reconstruction should be used. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are the 2 most common disease entities that are defined by airflow obstruction. The morphologic correlates of airway changes are dilation of the lumen, thickening of the wall, visibility of small airways due to mucus or edema, air trapping, hypoxic vasoconstriction, and collapsibility. To assess air trapping, additional expiratory low-dose scans are recommended. In clinical routine, these findings are visually assessed and should be routinely reported. However, the interobserver variability is high, and there is a clear need for objective software-based measurements. The development of such tools is challenging, and they are just becoming available on a broader scale. Novel techniques based on dual-energy CT aim to measure iodine distribution maps to assess pulmonary perfusion as well as the distribution of inhaled xenon gas to assess the distribution and time course of pulmonary ventilation. However, these techniques are still being investigated in clinical studies. This review will provide an overview of CT for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, its role in phenotyping these diseases, and the measurement of disease severity and functional compromise.
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Walker C, Gupta S, Hartley R, Brightling CE. Computed tomography scans in severe asthma: utility and clinical implications. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2012; 18:42-7. [PMID: 22112997 PMCID: PMC3387553 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0b013e32834db255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma is a global burden, affecting 5% of the general adult population, of whom approximately 5-10% suffer from severe asthma. Severe asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease entity, with high morbidity and mortality. Increasingly novel techniques in computed tomography (CT) are being used to understand the pathophysiology of severe asthma. The utility and clinical implications of these CT techniques are the focus of this review. RECENT FINDINGS Novel qualitative and quantitative CT imaging techniques have enabled us to study the large airway architecture in detail, assess the small airway structure, and perform functional analysis of regional ventilation. SUMMARY Despite advances in CT imaging techniques, there is an urgent need for both proof-of-concept studies and large cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical trials in severe asthma to validate and clinically correlate imaging derived measures. This will extend our current understanding of the pathophysiology of severe asthma, and unravel the structure-function relationship, with the potential to discover novel severe asthma phenotypes and predict mortality, morbidity, and response to existing and novel pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Walker
- Department of Infection, Institute for Lung Health, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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32
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Brightling CE, Gupta S, Gonem S, Siddiqui S. Lung damage and airway remodelling in severe asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2011; 42:638-49. [PMID: 22192725 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03917.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe asthma is a heterogeneous disease with substantial unmet clinical need. Airway damage and remodelling is a consequence of complex host-environment interactions and is considered to be the cardinal feature leading onto the development and persistence of airflow obstruction. In this review, we shall bring together recent insights into the causes of airway damage and remodelling that propose key roles for pathogens and mechanical damage in addition to allergens, underlying genetic susceptibility, inflammatory and structural cell interactions, and impaired resolution of damage. We shall consider the consequences of airway remodelling in terms of airway geometry, mechanics and clinical expression of disease. Understanding the causes and consequences of airway damage and remodelling will shed light upon the structure-function relationships required to begin to unravel the complexity of severe asthma and will enable us to target current and novel therapies as we begin to move towards realizing personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Brightling
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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Takemura M, Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Ueda T, Matsuoka H, Yamaguchi M, Jinnai M, Chin K, Mishima M. Clinical, physiological and anti-inflammatory effect of montelukast in patients with cough variant asthma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 83:308-15. [PMID: 22094623 DOI: 10.1159/000332835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a phenotype of asthma presenting solely with coughing, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic inflammation and a cough response to bronchodilators. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are antiasthma medications with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties. Although LTRAs exert antitussive effects in CVA, the mechanisms involved are unknown. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to clarify the antitussive mechanisms of LTRAs in CVA patients. METHODS We prospectively observed the effect of montelukast (10 mg) daily for 4 weeks in 23 consecutive nonsmoking adults with anti-inflammatory treatment-naive CVA. We evaluated, before and after treatment, the cough visual analogue scale (VAS), pulmonary function (spirometry and impulse oscillation), methacholine airway responsiveness, cough receptor sensitivity, expressed by the concentration of capsaicin inducing 2 or more (C2) and 5 or more (C5) coughs, sputum eosinophil counts and levels of inflammatory mediators, including cysteinyl leukotrienes, leukotriene B(4), prostaglandin (PG) D(2), PGE(2), PGF(2)(α) and thromboxane B(2). We compared the baseline characteristics of the patients based on the symptomatic response to montelukast, defined as a decrease in the cough VAS of >25% (n = 15) or ≤25% (n = 8). RESULTS Montelukast significantly decreased the cough VAS (p = 0.0008), sputum eosinophil count (p = 0.013) and cough sensitivity (C2: p = 0.007; C5: p = 0.039), whereas pulmonary function, airway responsiveness and sputum mediator levels remained unchanged. Multivariate analysis showed that a better response to montelukast was associated solely with younger age (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION The antitussive effect of montelukast in CVA may be attributed to the attenuation of eosinophilic inflammation rather than its bronchodilatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takemura
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Coeman M, van Durme Y, Bauters F, Deschepper E, Demedts I, Smeets P, Joos G, Brusselle G. Neomacrolides in the treatment of patients with severe asthma and/or bronchiectasis: a retrospective observational study. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2011; 5:377-86. [PMID: 21890536 DOI: 10.1177/1753465811406771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies have demonstrated that long-term low-dose macrolides are efficacious in cystic fibrosis (CF) and diffuse panbronchiolitis, two chronic neutrophilic airway diseases. AIMS The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose neomacrolides as add-on therapy in patients with severe asthma and/or bronchiectasis and to identify predictors for therapeutic response. METHODS In a retrospective observational cohort study, we examined 131 adult, non-CF patients with severe asthma and/or bronchiectasis, receiving low-dose neomacrolides as add-on treatment. Pulmonary function tests and symptom scores were assessed at baseline and after 3 to 8 weeks of therapy. RESULTS After 3-8 weeks of treatment with low-dose neomacrolides, 108 patients were available for evaluation. In asthma patients (n = 47), pulmonary function tests and symptom scores improved significantly. Responders (≥7% forced expiratory volume in one second predicted [FEV(1)%] improvement) were older (55 vs. 47 years; p = 0.042) and had a longer duration of asthma (29 vs. 9 years; p = 0.052). In patients with bronchiectasis only (n = 61), symptom scores improved significantly. Responders (≥60% symptom score improvement) were older (61 vs. 53 years; p = 0.004), more frequently male (53% vs. 27%; p = 0.043), and there was a nonsignificant trend towards higher high-resolution CT (HRCT) score for bronchiectasis in responders (6.4 vs. 4.6; p = 0.053). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age and male gender were independent predictors for improvement in this group. CONCLUSION The results of this retrospective study suggest that neomacrolides may be useful as an add-on therapy in patients with severe asthma and/or bronchiectasis. Older age may predict good response in patients with severe asthma, whereas older age, male gender and a higher HRCT score for bronchiectasis may predict therapeutic response in patients with bronchiectasis only. Prospective controlled trials of neomacrolides in patients with severe asthma are needed to confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Coeman
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Otsuka K, Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Ito I, Yamaguchi M, Matsuoka H, Jinnai M, Oguma T, Takeda T, Nakaji H, Chin K, Sasaki K, Aoyama N, Mishima M. Plasma substance P levels in patients with persistent cough. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 82:431-8. [PMID: 21846969 DOI: 10.1159/000330419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance P (SP) is involved in the pathogenesis of cough in animal models. However, few studies in humans have been reported and the roles of SP in clinical cough remain obscure. OBJECTIVES To clarify the relevance of plasma levels of SP in patients with persistent cough. METHODS We studied 82 patients with cough persisting for at least 3 weeks and 15 healthy controls. Patients were classified as having asthmatic cough (cough-variant asthma and cough-predominant asthma; n = 61) or nonasthmatic cough (n = 21; postinfectious cough, n = 6; gastroesophageal reflux disease, n = 5; idiopathic cough, n = 5, and others, n = 5). Correlations were evaluated between plasma SP levels as measured with ELISA and methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness (airway sensitivity and airway reactivity), capsaicin cough sensitivity, sputum eosinophil and neutrophil counts, and pulmonary function. RESULTS Plasma SP levels were significantly elevated in patients with both asthmatic and nonasthmatic cough compared with controls [31.1 pg/ml (range 18.0-52.2) and 30.0 pg/ml (range 15.1-50.3) vs. 15.4 pg/ml (range 11.3-23.7); p = 0.003 and p = 0.038, respectively] but did not differ between the two patient groups (p = 0.90). Plasma SP levels correlated with airway sensitivity (threshold dose of methacholine) in the patients with asthmatic cough (r = -0.37, p = 0.005) but not with airway reactivity, cough sensitivity, FEV1 values, or sputum eosinophil and neutrophil counts in either group. CONCLUSIONS Increased levels of SP in plasma are associated with persistent cough in humans and might be related to airway sensitivity in asthmatic cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojiro Otsuka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Menzies D, Holmes L, McCumesky G, Prys-Picard C, Niven R. Aspergillus sensitization is associated with airflow limitation and bronchiectasis in severe asthma. Allergy 2011; 66:679-85. [PMID: 21261660 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02542.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities, including bronchiectasis, that are detectable on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) have been associated with severe asthma. Bronchiectasis is associated with the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which also occurs in patients with severe asthma. We sought to determine the frequency and pattern of HRCT abnormality and the relationship with Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization in one severe asthma population. METHODS We examined our database of patients attending a supraregional severe asthma service (Manchester, UK). Clinical, physiological and immunological characteristics were compared between those with HRCT evidence of airway disease (specifically bronchiectasis) and those with no radiological abnormality. RESULTS Of 133 patients analysed, 111 (83.4%) had an abnormal HRCT with bronchial wall thickening (41.3%), bronchiectasis (35.3%), air trapping (20.3%) and bronchial dilatation (16.5%) occurring most frequently. Radiological evidence of airway disease was associated with more obstructive spirometry (postbronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio 73.2%vs 64.8% [difference -8.5%, 95% CI -16.9 to -0.1, P = 0.048]). A. fumigatus sensitization was associated with a 2.01 increased hazard ratio of bronchiectasis (95% CI 1.26 to 3.22, P = 0.005), and more obstructive spirometry (postbronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio 57.6 vs 70.3 [difference -12.8, 95% CI -19.8 to -5.7, P = 0.001]). Patients with A. fumigatus sensitization had variable clinical and radiological characteristics that frequently did not conform to the conventional diagnostic criteria for ABPA. CONCLUSION Patients with severe asthma frequently have radiological abnormalities on HRCT. Sensitization to A. fumigatus is associated with bronchiectasis and greater airflow obstruction, even when diagnostic criteria for ABPA are not met.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Menzies
- North West Lung Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Matsuoka H, Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Takemura M, Ueda T, Yamaguchi M, Jinnai M, Inoue H, Ito I, Chin K, Mishima M. Inflammatory subtypes in cough-variant asthma: association with maintenance doses of inhaled corticosteroids. Chest 2010; 138:1418-25. [PMID: 20671058 DOI: 10.1378/chest.10-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sputum cell-subtype profiles in cough-variant asthma (CVA) are unknown. METHODS Ninety-eight inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-naive CVA patients were classified according to sputum eosinophil (eos)/neutrophil (neu) counts, as reported in subjects with asthma, as eosinophilic (E) (eos ≥ 1.0%, neu < 61%; n = 28), neutrophilic (N) (eos < 1.0%, neu ≥ 61%; n = 31), mixed granulocytic (M) (eos ≥ 1.0%, neu ≥ 61%; n = 12), and paucigranulocytic (P) (eos < 1.0%, neu < 61%; n = 27) subtypes. Patient characteristics; sputum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IL-8, and neutrophil elastase (NE); and daily ICS doses required to maintain control during follow-up (6, 12, 18, and 24 months) were compared, retrospectively. RESULTS Subtype N patients, predominantly women, were marginally older than the other subtypes, but FEV(1), airway responsiveness, and total and specific IgE results did not differ. ECP levels were higher in M and E than in N and P subtypes, being similar between M and E or N and P subtypes. Levels of IL-8 and NE were higher in M than in other subtypes, being similar among the latter. ICS doses were initially similar in all subtypes (800 μg equivalent of beclomethasone) but were higher in M than in N and P subtypes throughout follow-up, with E being intermediate between M and N or P subtypes. ICS doses decreased (halved or quartered) in E, N, and P patients followed for 24 months (P < .0001 for all) but remained unchanged in M subjects. IL-8 and NE levels correlated positively with ECP levels. CONCLUSIONS In addition to eosinophils, neutrophils, which are possibly activated in the presence of eosinophils, may participate in the pathophysiology of CVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Matsuoka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Shogoin, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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Jinnai M, Niimi A, Ueda T, Matsuoka H, Takemura M, Yamaguchi M, Otsuka K, Oguma T, Takeda T, Ito I, Matsumoto H, Mishima M. Induced sputum concentrations of mucin in patients with asthma and chronic cough. Chest 2010; 137:1122-9. [PMID: 20081098 DOI: 10.1378/chest.09-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucus hypersecretion is an important pathophysiologic index of airway disease. Measurement of secreted mucin in sputum has been reported in asthma, but not in chronic cough with or without increased sputum production. METHODS We studied 49 patients with classic asthma (CA), 39 with cough-variant asthma (CVA), nine and five with chronic cough associated with sinobronchial syndrome (SBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), respectively, and 11 healthy controls. Seventeen patients with CA, but none from the other groups, were taking antiinflammatory medications. Mucin levels in induced sputum supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which detects airway mucin, probably including MUC5AC and MUC5B. RESULTS Mucin levels were higher in patients with CA (674.2 +/- 548.8 microg/mL) and SBS (638.4 +/- 650.7 microg/mL) than in controls (212.0 +/- 167.1 microg/mL) (P = .0037 and .044). They were also higher in patients with CA than in those with CVA (350.4 +/- 374.0 microg/mL) and GERD (134.3 +/- 93.1 microg/mL) (P = .0016 and 0.015), but results did not differ between the latter groups and controls. When the four disease groups were combined, patients with frequent sputum production had greater mucin levels than those with occasional (P = .0023) or no sputum production (P < .0001). Patients with CA showed negative correlations of mucin levels with respiratory resistance indices on impulse oscillation and with airway sensitivity to methacholine. CONCLUSIONS Sputum mucin levels differ in various respiratory conditions when compared with controls, primarily reflecting the degree of sputum production. Airway mucin might possibly exert protective effects in asthma, at least between exacerbations, but this issue needs to be further clarified by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Jinnai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Shogoin, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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Gupta S, Siddiqui S, Haldar P, Raj JV, Entwisle JJ, Wardlaw AJ, Bradding P, Pavord ID, Green RH, Brightling CE. Qualitative analysis of high-resolution CT scans in severe asthma. Chest 2009; 136:1521-1528. [PMID: 19542254 DOI: 10.1378/chest.09-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning is part of the management of severe asthma, but its application varies between centers. We sought to describe the HRCT scan abnormalities of a large severe asthma cohort and to determine the utility of clinical features to direct the use of HRCT scanning in this group of patients. METHODS Subjects attending our Difficult Asthma Clinic (DAC) between February 2000 and November 2006 (n = 463) were extensively re-characterized and 185 underwent HRCT scan. The HRCT scans were analyzed qualitatively and the interobserver variability was assessed. Using logistic regression we defined clinical parameters that were associated with bronchiectasis (BE) and bronchial wall thickening (BWT) alone or in combination. RESULTS HRCT scan abnormalities were present in 80% of subjects and often coexisted with BWT (62%), BE (40%), and emphysema (8%). The interobserver agreement for BE (kappa = 0.76) and BWT (kappa = 0.63) was substantial. DAC patients who underwent HRCT scanning compared with those who did not were older, had longer disease duration, had poorer lung function, were receiving higher doses of corticosteroids, and had increased neutrophilic airway inflammation. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting BE clinically were 74% and 45%, respectively. FEV(1)/FVC ratio emerged as an important predictor for both BE and BWT but had poor discriminatory utility for subjects who did not have airway structural changes (FEV(1)/FVC ratio, >or= 75%; sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 65%). CONCLUSION HRCT scan abnormalities are common in patients with severe asthma. Nonradiologic assessments fail to reliably predict important bronchial wall changes; therefore, CT scan acquisition may be required in all patients with severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Gupta
- Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Salman Siddiqui
- Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Pranab Haldar
- Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | | | - Andrew J Wardlaw
- Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Peter Bradding
- Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ruth H Green
- Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Abstract
Significant advances continue in the subjective and quantifiable imaging features of asthma. Radiologists need to be aware of not only the general features, but also potential asthma mimics as well as complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyn Q Woods
- Division of Radiology, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
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Simpson JL, Milne DG, Gibson PG. Neutrophilic asthma has different radiographic features to COPD and smokers. Respir Med 2009; 103:881-7. [PMID: 19168339 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2008.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutrophilic asthma and COPD are obstructive airway diseases common in older age and have a characteristic airway inflammation with neutrophilic bronchitis. The structural differences between neutrophilic asthma and COPD have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the airway and parenchymal abnormalities using high resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scanning in participants with neutrophilic asthma, COPD and smoking controls. METHODS Participants (neutrophilic asthma (n=10), COPD (n=17) and smoking controls (n=8)) underwent clinical assessment and sputum induction. HRCT of the chest was performed and independently scored by a radiologist blinded to the subject group using a modified Bhalla scoring system. RESULTS Participants were of a similar age and those with COPD had a similar degree of airflow obstruction to those with neutrophilic asthma. The pattern of radiographic abnormalities differed between groups. Abnormal bronchial wall thickening was significantly more common in neutrophilic asthma, compared to COPD or smoking controls. Emphysema was greatest in the COPD group, and not recorded as a feature of neutrophilic asthma. FEV(1)% predicted was negatively associated with bronchial wall thickening and consolidation while KCO% predicted was negatively associated with the total emphysema score. Bronchiectasis was minimal in all groups. CONCLUSION The pattern of radiographic lung abnormality in neutrophilic asthma differs significantly from COPD, and resembles asthma. Neutrophilic asthma is a distinct inflammatory subtype of asthma with a different pathogenesis to COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie L Simpson
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
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Matsuoka H, Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Ueda T, Takemura M, Yamaguchi M, Jinnai M, Chang L, Otsuka K, Oguma T, Takeda T, Chin K, Mishima M. Patients' characteristics associated with unsuccessful sputum induction in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 121:774-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2007] [Revised: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 11/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ueda T, Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Takemura M, Yamaguchi M, Matsuoka H, Jinnai M, Chin K, Minakuchi M, Cheng L, Shirakawa T, Mishima M. TGFB1 promoter polymorphism C-509T and pathophysiology of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007; 121:659-64. [PMID: 18036644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2007] [Revised: 10/04/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TGF-beta1 can modulate airway inflammation and exaggerate airway remodeling. A polymorphism of a promoter region of TGFB1, C-509T, might be associated with the development of asthma, but its pathophysiologic relevance remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE We investigated relations of the C-509T polymorphism to airflow obstruction, sputum eosinophilia, and airway wall thickening, as assessed by means of computed tomography, in 85 patients with stable asthma. METHODS The CC, CT, and TT genotypes were examined by means of PCR and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism. At a selected bronchus, 3 indices of airway wall thickness were measured with an automatic method. RESULTS The CC, CT, and TT genotypes were found in 22, 46, and 17 patients, respectively. Serum TGF-beta1 levels were significantly associated with the polymorphism and were increased in the CT/TT genotypes. FEV(1) and sputum eosinophil percentages were also significantly associated with the polymorphism and were both decreased in the CT/TT genotypes. The polymorphism was unrelated to airway wall thickness. CONCLUSION In addition to increased serum TGF-beta1 levels, the T allele of the C-509T polymorphism is related to increased airflow obstruction but attenuated eosinophilic inflammation. The former relation is not attributed to thickening of the central airway walls. The latter relation might reflect the anti-inflammatory effect of TGF-beta1. The C-509T polymorphism has a complex role in asthma pathophysiology, presumably because of the diverse functions of TGF-beta1 and its various interactions with cells and humoral factors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Ueda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Sung A, Naidich D, Belinskaya I, Raoof S. The role of chest radiography and computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of asthma. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2007; 13:31-6. [PMID: 17133122 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0b013e328011bfbc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The management of asthma is guided by clinical symptoms, physiological measurements, and response to therapy. Recent advances in computed tomography imaging promise to add a new dimension to our diagnostic armamentarium. Accurate representation of airway pathology, visualized by high-resolution chest computed tomography scan, helps to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma. In addition, findings on computed tomography may help to guide therapies for asthma. As radiologists provide us with sophisticated modalities that may also have a bearing on treatment, clinicians should stay abreast of this evolving noninvasive technology. RECENT FINDINGS This review focuses on the findings seen on computed tomography imaging as related to asthma. Airway wall thickness is discussed and how it relates to disease progression and pulmonary function test. In addition, indirect findings such as bronchial dilatation and mosaic attenuation, both consequences of air-trapping, are discussed. Other investigational tools, such as endobronchial ultrasound and positron emission tomography, are described. SUMMARY New modalities in radiology hold promise to aid in the understanding and treatment of small-airway disease. Although still considered investigational modalities, research evidence is fast accumulating. It behooves the clinician to have a heightened awareness regarding further advancements in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Sung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn 11215, USA.
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Yilmaz S, Ekici A, Ekici M, Keles H. High-resolution computed tomography findings in elderly patients with asthma. Eur J Radiol 2006; 59:238-43. [PMID: 16621393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2006.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2005] [Revised: 02/22/2006] [Accepted: 03/03/2006] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on the hypothesis that airway remodelling is related to the duration of asthma, HRCT scanning should show greater abnormalities in the early-onset than the late-onset asthmatics. It was, therefore, intended to assess the presence and the frequency of airway and parenchymal abnormalities with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in elderly asthmatic patients, and to determine whether these abnormalities are related to the duration of asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-eight clinically stable asthmatic patients aged > or =60 yr were included in this prospective study. The patients were separated into two groups according to the duration of symptoms as late-onset asthma (n=31) with disease duration of <5 yr, and early-onset asthma (n=37) with disease duration of > or =5 yr. All patients were lifelong non-smoker and had been using inhaled beta agonists and inhaled steroids. HRCT-scanning and histamine inhalation test were performed on all patients. RESULTS In comparison with late-onset asthmatic patients, those with early-onset asthma had significantly higher frequency of emphysema (21.6% versus 0.0%, p=0.006), bronchial dilatation (13.9% versus 0.0%, p=0.03) and bronchial wall thickness (41.7% versus 12.9%, p=0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that early-onset of disease was an independent risk factor for the presence of irreversible HRCT-scan abnormalities in elderly asthmatics [odds ratio (OR): 9.4 (2.7-32.7), p=0.00001]. CONCLUSION Present data suggest that HRCT abnormalities in early-onset elderly asthmatics reflect parenchymal and airway changes that become irreversible throughout the long course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevda Yilmaz
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Kirikkale, 71100 Kirikkale, Turkey.
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Mitsunobu F, Tanizaki Y. The use of computed tomography to assess asthma severity. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2005; 5:85-90. [PMID: 15643349 DOI: 10.1097/00130832-200502000-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic inflammation in asthma can also lead to airway remodeling, which contributes to airway narrowing. It may be possible to assess and quantify the extent of airway remodeling in vivo using computed tomography. This review examines recent developments in the evaluation of asthma severity using computed tomography, and the effect of treatment assessed by computed tomography. RECENT FINDINGS Asthma patients have thicker airways on computed tomography scans than do healthy control individuals, and the degree of thickening is related to the severity of disease, airflow obstruction, and airway reactivity. Recent studies have indicated that patients with severe asthma and irreversible airflow obstruction had longer disease duration, a greater inflammatory process and more airway abnormalities, assessed by high-resolution computed tomography, suggestive of airway remodeling. Other studies have shown that high-resolution computed tomography lung density correlates with airflow limitation and lung volume (but not with lung transfer factor), and also correlates with patient age and severity of asthma. More recently, two publications demonstrated the effect of treatment on airway wall thickness and lung density assessed by computed tomography in patients with asthma. SUMMARY High-resolution computed tomography is one of the most useful tools for imaging airways and parenchyma. Computed tomography scanning may be useful in determining which patients might benefit from more or less treatment. With additional advances in technology, it is likely that quantitative assessment by computed tomography will ultimately be a valuable tool for the study and treatment of chronic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiro Mitsunobu
- Department of Medicine, Misasa Medical Center, Okayama University Medical and Dental School, Okayama, Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary M Doherty
- Department of Child Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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Matsumoto H, Niimi A, Takemura M, Ueda T, Minakuchi M, Tabuena R, Chin K, Mio T, Ito Y, Muro S, Hirai T, Morita S, Fukuhara S, Mishima M. Relationship of airway wall thickening to an imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and its inhibitor in asthma. Thorax 2005; 60:277-81. [PMID: 15790981 PMCID: PMC1747359 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2004.028936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance between matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) may be critical in extracellular matrix remodelling, a characteristic of asthmatic airways. An excess of TIMP-1 over MMP-9 has been associated with chronic airflow obstruction but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. Recent computed tomographic (CT) studies indicate that airway wall thickening is associated with chronic airflow obstruction. METHODS Sputum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and their molar ratio were examined in 26 patients with stable asthma and their relationship with pulmonary function and airway wall thickness, assessed by a validated CT technique which measured wall area corrected by body surface area (WA/BSA), the ratio of WA to outer wall area (WA%), and the absolute wall thickness corrected by radicalBSA of a segmental bronchus (T/ radicalBSA), was examined. RESULTS Sputum MMP-9 levels were inversely correlated with WA% and TIMP-1 levels were positively correlated with WA/BSA and T/ radicalBSA. The MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratio was inversely correlated with WA% and T/ radicalBSA and positively correlated with post-bronchodilator values of mid-forced expiratory flow and maximum expiratory flow at the quartile of lung volume. CONCLUSION Excess TIMP-1 may have a pathogenetic role in airway wall thickening in asthmatic patients which may result in chronic airflow obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Matsumoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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Niimi A, Matsumoto H, Takemura M, Ueda T, Nakano Y, Mishima M. Clinical assessment of airway remodeling in asthma: utility of computed tomography. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2005; 27:45-58. [PMID: 15347850 DOI: 10.1385/criai:27:1:045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Airway remodeling is an established feature of asthma. Histologic examination is essential in the assessment of remodeling that is a pathologic concept. Examinations of autopsied or resected lung have enabled detailed morphologic and morphometric studies and have provided fundamental knowledge of airway remodeling in asthma. However, such materials are only accidentally available, and clinical information may often be insufficient in autopsied cases. Bronchoscopic mucosal biopsy has been widely used since the 1980s, and has contributed substantially to basic investigations of inflammation and remodeling. However such specimens are limited in size and depth, limited to central airways, and the procedure might be too invasive to be repeated. Remodeling can also be assessed indirectly. Pulmonary function tests to evaluate chronic airflow obstruction are available in clinical settings and suitable for screening or mass studies, but they may be affected by concomitant diseases or short-term asthma control. Computed tomography (CT) has recently been utilized to assess remodeling. It cannot discern pathologic details but provides a broader range of airway/lung morphology and may be less invasive compared to biopsy. In addition to classic subjective evaluations,quantitative assessment has been reported for central airway dimensions, such as airway wall area, luminal area and wall thickness, and for peripheral airway abnormality or air trapping as measured by decreased lung attenuation or increased mosaic perfusion. This article summarizes the merits and limitations of various methods to assess airway remodeling, and describes the details of methodologies, interpretations, pathophysiologic relevance, and future directions of asthmatic airway remodeling assessed by CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Niimi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.
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