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Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Not all children with under-control asthma are controlled.
G Ricci1, A Dondi, E Calamelli
1Department of Paediatrics, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. giampaolo.ricci@unibo.it
The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal
|April 3, 2009
Summary
Many children with seemingly controlled asthma have hidden lung function issues. Adjusting their therapy can improve lung function and quality of life for these pediatric asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Allergy
Background:
- Subclinical lung function abnormalities can exist in children with asthma, even when appearing clinically controlled.
- Identifying these hidden airway issues is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies in pediatric asthma management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of subclinical airway abnormalities in apparently well-controlled asthmatic children.
- To assess the impact of adjusted asthma therapy on lung function and quality of life in this specific pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry was performed before and after bronchodilation in 134 asthmatic children aged 6-17.
- Children with a positive bronchodilation test (indicating subclinical abnormalities) were identified and compared to those with negative tests.
- A subset of patients with positive tests were randomized to receive adjusted therapy versus no adjustment for re-evaluation.
Main Results:
- 17.3% of apparently controlled asthmatic children exhibited positive bronchodilation tests, showing significantly lower lung function.
- Asthmatic children receiving adjusted therapy (n=8) demonstrated improvements in lung function tests and quality of life.
- Children without therapy adjustment (n=7) did not show similar improvements.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of children with clinically controlled asthma have underlying airway alterations.
- Adjusting asthma therapy in these children can lead to measurable improvements in lung function.
- Therapy adjustments appear to positively impact the quality of life for pediatric asthma patients with subclinical disease.
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