Oscillometry helps assess treatment responsiveness in adults with asthma exacerbations

Abstract

BackgroundIt is necessary to evaluate the severity of asthma exacerbations for subjective symptoms and objective indicators. When patients cannot perform spirometry, oscillometry is a surrogate test. ObjectiveWe assessed the usefulness of oscillometry for the evaluation of treatment responsiveness in patients with asthma exacerbations. MethodsThe subjects included 21 consecutive patients with asthma exacerbations. Symptomatic responses, oscillometry, and spirometry (if possible) were assessed before and after treatment with corticosteroids and aminophylline. ResultsAfter treatment, all of the patients were allowed to return home and had no hospital visits. Oscillometry was feasible in all patients; however, spirometry could not be performed in 9 patients. Overall, there was a significant improvement in wheezing scores and oscillometric parameters, but not in FEV1 after treatment. The thresholds for a positive bronchodilator response in oscillometry were observed in 4 or more patients, while the minimal clinically important differences in FEV1 were observed in one patient. ConclusionOscillometry can detect improvements that cannot