FOB | Day before FOB* | Day after FOB* | p Value |
---|---|---|---|
FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FOB, fibreoptic bronchoscopy; NS, not significant. | |||
The data suggest that, provided an established FOB protocol is followed and the procedure is performed by an experienced group of operators with dedicated aftercare, three consecutive bronchoscopies can be performed in volunteers with asthma, with no occurrence of adverse events. Any deterioration in asthma control seems to be related to increased airway hyper-responsiveness resulting from allergen provocation, combined with bronchoscopy. | |||
*Values are median (range). | |||
FOB1 | |||
FEV1% | 84.80 (68.06–120) | 87.98 (63.71–113) | NS |
Symptom score | 0 (0–4) | 4.5 (0–10) | 0.002 |
Reliever drug frequency | 0 (0–2) | 1 (0–8) | 0.02 |
FOB2 | |||
FEV1% | 90.17 (67.10–120.4) | 82.18 (56.25–111.9) | 0.002 |
Symptom score | 0 (0–4) | 3 (0–9) | 0.001 |
Reliever drug frequency | 0 (0–4) | 2 (0–16) | 0.004 |
FOB3 | |||
FEV1% | 86.78 (69.06–125.0) | 86.43 (68.71–120) | NS |
Symptom score | 0 (0–10) | 2 (0–7) | 0.05 |
Reliever drug frequency | 0 (0–10) | 1 (0–7) | NS |