Impact of exhaled nitric oxide measurements on treatment decisions in an asthma specialty clinic.

Background: Asthma management in an outpatient setting is best accomplished by clinical evaluation coupled with spirometry and symptom evaluation, but these assessments do not provide information about airway inflammation. Exhaled nitric oxide (fraction of exhaled nitric oxide [FeNO]) measures T-helper cell type 2-mediated airway inflammation and may be a useful adjunct in asthma management.

Objective: To determine whether the use of FeNO in the specialist management of asthma results in more effective and cost-effective treatment decisions.

Characterization of airway inflammation in patients with COPD using fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels: a pilot study.

Objective: To characterize fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels that may be indicative of Th2-mediated airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: This single-visit, outpatient study was conducted in 200 patients aged 40 years and older with COPD. All patients underwent spirometry and FeNO testing.

Fluticasone propionate hydrofluoroalkane inhalation aerosol in patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids.

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) delivered by metered-dose inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbon propellants are being discontinued because of the harmful effects of chlorofluorocarbon on the ozone layer. Therefore, some metered-dose inhaler products are being reformulated with "ozone-friendly" hydrofluoroalkane propellants.

Objective: To evaluate treatment with fluticasone propionate hydrofluoroalkane inhalation aerosol, 88, 220, and 440 microg twice daily, vs placebo in patients with asthma receiving an ICS.

Fluticasone propionate HFA-134a pressurized metered-dose inhaler in adolescents and adults with moderate to severe asthma.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 397 patients with moderate to severe asthma, previously treated with bronchodilators alone, received fluticasone propionate 88, 220, or 440 microg twice daily, or placebo via metered dose inhaler (MDI) for 12 weeks. Mean change from baseline to endpoint in pre-dose percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was greater (p < 0.001) in each fluticasone propionate group (9.

Potential effects of fluticasone propionate on bone mineral density in patients with asthma: a 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of treatment with fluticasone propionate vs placebo on bone, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, and the eyes in patients with asthma.

Patients And Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 160 patients with asthma who had minimal previous exposure to corticosteroids was conducted from July 1994 through June 1997. Patients received fluticasone at 88 microg twice daily, fluticasone at 440 microg twice daily, or placebo twice daily for 2 years.