Near Fatal Asthma: Clinical and Airway Biopsy Characteristics. (9th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barbers, Richard G.; Papanikolaou, Ilias C.; Koss, Michael N.; Patel, Ashish; Katagihara, Elton; Arenas, Maggie; Chan, Khalid; Azen, Colleen G.; Sharma, Om P.
• Other Names: Mauad Thais Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Pulmonary medicine. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-09
• Subjects: Lungs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Lung Diseases; Lungs -- Diseases; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals -- Sciences; Electronic journals -- Medicine; Periodicals; 616.24
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/829608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1836

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Inflammation and remodeling are integral parts of asthma pathophysiology. We sought to describe the clinical and pathologic features of near fatal asthma exacerbation (NFE). Methods . Bronchial biopsies were collected prospectively from NFE I subjects. Another NFE II group and a moderate severity exacerbation control group (ME II) were retrospectively identified—no biopsies obtained. Results . All NFE II (n = 9 ) subjects exhibited remodeling and significant inflammation (eosinophilic, neutrophilic). NFE II group (n = 37 ) had a significant history of prior intubation and inhaled corticosteroids usage compared to ME II group (n = 41 ). They also exhibited leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and longer hospitalization days. Conclusions . Remodeling, eosinophilic, and neutrophilic inflammation were observed in NFE. NFE is associated with prior intubation and inhaled corticosteroids usage.