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Airway eosinophilia in remission and progression of asthma: Accumulation with a fast decline of FEV1.

Authors :
Broekema, M.
Volbeda, F.
Timens, W.
Dijkstra, A.
Lee, N.A.
Lee, J.J.
Lodewijk, M.E.
Postma, D.S.
Hylkema, M.N.
ten Hacken, N.H.T.
Source :
Respiratory Medicine; Sep2010, Vol. 104 Issue 9, p1254-1262, 9p
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

Summary: Background: As it is unknown whether complete asthma remission or progression of asthma is associated with airway inflammation and remodeling, we assessed these characteristics in bronchial biopsies of relevant subsets of asthma patients. Methods: Sputum and bronchial biopsies were obtained from asthma patients in remission (PC<subscript>20</subscript> histamine>32mg/ml, PC<subscript>20</subscript> AMP>320mg/ml) and from those with either a slow FEV<subscript>1</subscript> decline (<30ml/year) or fast decline (>30ml/year). Inflammatory cells and mediators were determined in sputum, inflammatory cells and aspects of airway remodeling in bronchial biopsies. Results: Asthmatics in remission and asthma patients with a slow FEV<subscript>1</subscript> decline had a similar extent of airway inflammation and remodeling in sputum and bronchial biopsies. Asthma patients with a fast FEV<subscript>1</subscript> decline had high sputum eosinophil numbers. Moreover, FEV<subscript>1</subscript> decline (ml/year) correlated with sputum eosinophil numbers (Rs=0.51, p=0.003) and ECP levels (Rs=0.57, p=0.001). Airway remodeling, i.e. basement membrane thickness, correlated with sputum eosinophils (Rs=0.69, p<0.001), sputum ECP (Rs=0.46, p=0.018) and airway wall eosinophil numbers (Rs=0.49, p=0.002). Conclusions: Asthma, even when in remission, is accompanied by airway inflammation and remodeling. Data suggest that eosinophils are important in a subset of asthma patients by association to accelerated FEV<subscript>1</subscript> decline and change of basement membrane thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09546111
Volume :
104
Issue :
9
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Respiratory Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
52839092
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2010.03.030