[Evaluation of the relationship between the clinical course of severe asthma and ventilatory parameters]

The aim of the study was the assessement of relations between the clinical symptoms of asthma, ventilatory parameters and nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 22 patients with severe asthma, 12 females and 10 men, aged 43-68 years (mean 56) were observed for two years. The duration of asthma ranged from 6 to 38 years (mean 18). All the patients were treated with inhalatory steroids in dose 800-1200 mg. Three months before entering the study the patients had no exacerbation or respiratory tract infection. Throughout the study diary cards were filled and the symptoms were recorded on 0-4 scale. PEF was measured two times a day, the highest value noted. Spirometry and reversibility tests were performed. On the last day patients underwent histamine challenge test. Data from four weeks were analyzed statistically. The significant correlation was established between PEF variability and clinical symptoms scores, both mean and measured in the last day of the study. The relationship between mean PEF variability and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was also observed.