Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Biomarker-guided management reduces exacerbations in non-eosinophilic asthma in pregnancy: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
The aim of this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of asthma management in pregnancy was to determine the treatment decision differences between a symptom control algorithm and a fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-guided algorithm, and whether the approach was effective in non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA). ⋯ The FENO algorithm was more effective in treating NEA, resulting in reduced exacerbations, compared to a symptom control algorithm. This was not the result of ICS overtreatment, since the benefits occurred at a lower median daily ICS dose. Two applications of the FENO-guided algorithm, one month apart, were sufficient to achieve beneficial effects in terms of asthma exacerbations, among pregnant women with asthma.
-
Comparative Study
Artificial stone-associated silicosis in China: A prospective comparison with natural stone-associated silicosis.
We recently noted a dramatic increase in the number of patients with accelerated silicosis associated with exposure to artificial stone dust. Therefore, the natural history of artificial stone-associated silicosis was compared with that of natural stone-associated silicosis. ⋯ Compared to natural stone-associated silicosis, artificial stone-associated silicosis was characterized by short latency, rapid radiological progression, accelerated decline in lung function and high mortality.