title: Changes in maximum expiratory flow-volume curve configuration after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.
abstract: The present study reports the changes in configuration of maximal flow-volume curves after eight weeks' treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in 14 asthmatic patients. The configuration was compared with that seen after bronchodilatation following inhalation of a single dose of ipratropium bromide. After inhaled corticosteroids the shape of the flow-volume curves was less bowed toward the volume axis, whereas the shape of the flow-volume curves after inhalation of ipratropium bromide showed no significant change. A significant correlation was observed between the decrease in blood eosinophil cell count and the straightening of the flow-volume curves, quantitatively expressed as shape factor and slope ratio. It is concluded that these changes in flow-volume curve configuration reflect a decrease in inhomogeneously distributed inflammatory airway narrowing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Lung Disease, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kraan
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: van der Mark
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Koëter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001286:Atropine Derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019819:Budesonide; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009241:Ipratropium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008449:Maximal Expiratory Flow-Volume Curves / Q000187:drug effects; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001286:Atropine Derivatives; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D011282:Pregnenediones; D019819:Budesonide; D009241:Ipratropium