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. 1989 Dec;44(12):1015–1021. doi: 10.1136/thx.44.12.1015

Changes in maximum expiratory flow-volume curve configuration after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.

J Kraan 1, T W van der Mark 1, G H Koëter 1
PMCID: PMC1020877  PMID: 2533411

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.

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Selected References

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