Lung function decline and variable airway inflammatory pattern: longitudinal analysis of severe asthma.

Background: Eosinophilic airway inflammation measured by using induced sputum is an important treatment stratification tool in patients with severe asthma. In addition, sputum eosinophilia has been shown to be associated with severe exacerbations and airflow limitation.

Objectives: We sought to identify whether eosinophilic inflammation in sputum is associated with FEV₁ decrease in patients with severe asthma and whether we could identify subgroups of decrease behavior based on the variation of eosinophilic airway inflammation over time.

Effectiveness of voriconazole in the treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus-associated asthma (EVITA3 study).

Background: IgE sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus and a positive sputum fungal culture result are common in patients with refractory asthma. It is not clear whether these patients would benefit from antifungal treatment.

Objectives: We sought to determine whether a 3-month course of voriconazole improved asthma-related outcomes in patients with asthma who are IgE sensitized to A fumigatus.

Aspergillus fumigatus during stable state and exacerbations of COPD.

Bacteria are often isolated in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether fungi are also commonly present and associated with clinical and pathological features of disease is uncertain. We investigated the frequency of filamentous fungal culture and IgE sensitisation to Aspergillus fumigatus and the relationship to clinical outcomes in COPD subjects.

Routine processing procedures for isolating filamentous fungi from respiratory sputum samples may underestimate fungal prevalence.

Colonization of the airways by filamentous fungi can occur in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. A recent study found IgE sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus to be associated with reduced lung function. Significantly higher rates of A.

New therapies and management strategies in the treatment of asthma: patient-focused developments.

It is increasingly recognized that large proportions of patients with asthma remain poorly controlled with daily symptoms, limitation in activities, or severe exacerbations despite traditional treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and other agents. This suggests that there is considerable scope for the refinement of traditional guidelines on the use of inhaled therapies in asthma and also a need for the development of novel therapeutic agents, particularly for the treatment of severe asthma. This review aims to discuss a range of emerging treatment approaches in asthma.

IgE sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with reduced lung function in asthma.

Rationale: The importance of Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization and colonization of the airways in patients with asthma is unclear.

Objectives: To define the relationship between the clinical and laboratory features of A. fumigatus-associated asthma.