Lung function in asthma: relation to clinics, challenge tests and immunotherapy.
BACKGROUND
In the last few years the consensus on asthma, guidelines and GINA have introduced a classification based on clinical criteria, PFR or FEV1 values and reversibility. However the relation of clinical classification with the functional data is not well defined.


OBJECTIVE
To correlate the clinical evaluation of asthma with the most usual parameters of larger and smaller airways bronchial obstruction, PFR and FEV1.n


METHODS
153 patients have been studied by spirometry on absence of bronchodilator or anti inflammatory therapy in the last few days. Clinically, they were classified following the 2002 revised strategy for asthma management (NIH), 66 as mild intermitent, 61 mild persistent and 26 moderate persistent asthmas.


RESULTS
In mild intermitent asthma PFR was decreased in 53 patients (80.3%) and FEV1 in 51 (77.2%). In mild persistent PFR and FEV1 were decreased in 59 (96.7%). In medium persistent asthma PFR was decreased in 25 (96.0%) and FEV1 in 24 (92%). The values of PFR and FEV1 were statistically different in intermitent and persistent asthma. For PFR square chi X2 = 8.91, p < 0.01 and for FEV1 X2 = 9.0 p < 0.01. In contrast there were no statistically differences between mild and moderate persistent asthmas. For PFR X2 = 0.02 p < 0.8 and for FEV1 X2 = 0.039, p < 0.9 (tables 1, 2, 3, 4).


CONCLUSIONS
The occurrence of 77.2% and 80.3% of decreased FEV1 and PFR values in non dyspnea as reported by the patients. There were also no functional differences between patients in the different groups of persistent asthma. Clinical and functional data must be correlated, case by case in order to establish a correct classification of asthmatic patients and improve therapy and the relation between lung function and clinic reevaluate.
Palma-Carlos
A G
AG
I Medical Clinic, Immunology-Hematology Center-Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon University, Portugal.
Palma-Carlos
M L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006632:Histamine; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008170:Lung Compliance; D008297:Male; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012882:Skin Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014797:Vital Capacity
D000485:Allergens; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D006632:Histamine