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Research Article
Changes in maximum expiratory flow-volume curve configuration after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.
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  1. J Kraan,
  2. T W van der Mark,
  3. G H Koëter
  1. Department of Lung Disease, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.

    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.

    https://doi.org/10.1136/thx.44.12.1015

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