Sputum cell counts to manage prednisone-dependent asthma: effects on FEV and eosinophilic exacerbations.

Background: Prednisone dependence in asthma is usually described based on clinical and spirometric characteristics. It is generally believed that these patients have frequent exacerbations and lose lung function rapidly because of uncontrolled airway eosinophilia.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to report the effect on asthma exacerbations and the change in lung function over time in prednisone-dependent asthma when severe asthma is managed using a protocol that aims to maintain normal sputum cell counts.

The use of cellular and molecular biomarkers to manage COPD exacerbations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are a common cause of respiratory morbidity and mortality, and have various etiologies. Multiple cellular and molecular biomarkers have been associated with exacerbations. Quantitative sputum cell counts are able to identify the presence and type of bronchitis, which is an important contributor to exacerbations.

Cytokine responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to allergen do not identify asthma or asthma phenotypes.

Background: Asthmatic patients are often differentiated based on their atopic status (atopic or nonatopic) and type of bronchitis (eosinophilic, neutrophilic, both, or neither). There is evidence supporting a central role for the T cell in asthma, but the role of allergen-induced T cell cytokines in driving disease in different asthma phenotypes remains unclear.

Objective: To investigate the hypothesis that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from asthma patients with different phenotypes would react characteristically to a panel of common aeroallergens.

Dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of inhaled mometasone furoate/formoterol in subjects with asthma.

Objective: A well-controlled study in patients with allergic asthma was warranted to assess dose-dependency between fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and sputum eosinophils to a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid plus a long-acting β2-agonist. We sought to characterize the dose-dependency of mometasone furoate/formoterol (MF/F) using FeNO and sputum eosinophil percentage as surrogates of airway inflammation in subjects with allergic asthma.

Methods: Following a 2-week, open-label run-in, 93 subjects (≥12 y) using only short-acting beta agonist reliever medication as needed, were randomized to twice daily (BID) placebo; MF/F 100/10 μg, 200/10 μg, or 400/10 μg (via pressurized metered-dose inhaler [MDI]); MF-MDI 200 μg; or MF 200 μg via dry powder inhaler (DPI) during a 2-week, double-blind treatment period.

Quantitative sputum cell counts to monitor bronchitis: a qualitative study of physician and patient perspectives.

Many common diseases affecting the airways are characterized by airway inflammation. The measurement of this inflammation has a significant role in the management of these diseases. Quantitative sputum cell counts provide a measurement of the type and severity of inflammation present.