Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive methods for detailed evaluation of airway pathology in asthma, including structural airway abnormalities, remain limited, and accurate assessment is still insufficient. The MostGraph, which utilizes the impulse oscillation system (IOS), allows non-invasive measurement of airway resistance and reactance. This study evaluated its utility in distinguishing airway pathology between bronchial asthma (BA) and cough variant asthma (CVA), with a focus on peripheral airway involvement. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 383 patients with stable respiratory symptoms for over three months were enrolled (203 BA, 180 CVA). All patients underwent spirometry, IOS assessment using the MostGraph, blood tests, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement. RESULTS: Body composition was comparable between groups, although BA patients were older. BA showed significantly greater airway obstruction (%FEV1/predicted FEV1) and peripheral impairment (V50/V25, MMF). R5-R20 values were higher in BA than CVA before and after bronchodilator use. In BA, R5, R20, and R5-R20 correlated significantly with %FEV1; in CVA, only R5 and R20 did. R5-R20 showed no correlation (R = -0.11, P = 0.14). Inspiratory R5-R20 was not correlated in CVA (Pre-BD: R = -0.048, P = 0.53; Post-BD: R = -0.13, P = 0.091), while all parameters correlated in BA. Fres was significantly higher in BA both pre- and post-bronchodilator (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: MostGraph indices, when integrated with spirometry, may offer a valuable non-invasive approach for characterizing peripheral airway abnormalities that may reflect remodeling-related changes in BA and support airway monitoring in asthma management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial (UMIN000054006). (https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000061647).

DOI： 10.1016/j.rmed.2026.108728

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.2147/COPD.S571172

Web of Science

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

A 48-year-old woman with a history of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis presented with cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation and was resuscitated by defibrillation. Coronary angiography revealed coronary vasospasm. Various antispastic agents were unable to control recurrent coronary spasms. We searched for other points of intervention and found a significant increase in the eosinophil count. The patient received mepolizumab for bronchial asthma with eosinophilia, which normalized the eosinophil count. Since then, the patient has remained free from coronary vasospasm, suggesting that mepolizumab may be a viable option for treating refractory coronary angina associated with bronchial asthma and eosinophilia.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.3736-24

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

INTRODUCTION: Noninvasive evaluation of airway conditions is considered useful in the management of COPD, although assessing airway remodeling remains difficult in routine clinical practice. The impulse oscillometry system used in this study allows separate analysis of inspiratory and expiratory phases, offering detailed insights into airway function. This study examined the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) on airway remodeling and assessed the utility of this system in COPD management. METHODS: Stable COPD patients on LAMA/LABA for over a year were assessed by spirometry and impulse oscillometry at baseline and after 48 weeks of ICS/LAMA/LABA therapy. Symptoms, imaging, and blood tests were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 52 patients (mean baseline %FEV1/predicted: 56.9% ± 22.1%), all had one to two moderate exacerbations in the past year despite LAMA/LABA therapy. Significant correlations were observed between spirometry and MostGraph (e.g., baseline FEV1 vs. R5: r = -0.54). Although spirometry showed no significant changes, Fres improved significantly (-2.11 ± 0.35, p < 0.0001), with reductions in both expiratory and inspiratory phases. CONCLUSIONS: Fres measured by MostGraph significantly improved after ICS addition, whereas no significant changes were observed in spirometry or resistance parameters. Fres also showed significant correlations with FEV1, suggesting that it may capture airway changes not detected by spirometry. These findings support further investigation into its role as a noninvasive marker in COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial: UMIN000040764 (https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042394).

DOI： 10.1111/crj.70105

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in patients with predisposing immunodeficiencies other than AIDS is growing. Knowing the different characteristics and outcomes of PCP according to HIV status would help physicians manage and treat patients with PCP. METHODS: The medical charts of all patients with a proven first episode of PCP, diagnosed between 1997 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed, and clinical and laboratory data abstracted. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients with PCP, 18 were HIV-positive and 17 were HIV-negative with other immunosuppressive conditions. HIV-negative patients were significantly older than HIV-positive patients. The WCC (10 952 +/- 5669 vs 9750 +/- 3133/microL; P = 0.015), neutrophil counts (9631 +/- 5421 vs 5680 +/- 2628/microL; P = 0.01) and CD4+ lymphocyte counts (329 +/- 502 vs 47 +/- 50/microL; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in HIV-negative patients. Six of the 17 HIV-negative patients had a CD4+ lymphocyte count >300/microL. Serum IgG levels were lower in HIV-negative patients (943 +/- 379 vs 1635 +/- 657 mg/dL; P = 0.017). Mortality was higher in HIV-negative (52.9%) than in HIV-positive patients (0%). On univariate analysis, risk factors for mortality from PCP were the presence of underlying pulmonary disease (odds ratio 4.000, 95% CI: 1.501-10.658) and HIV-negative status (odds ratio 2.125, 95% CI: 1.283-3.518). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics and outcomes of PCP differ significantly depending on HIV status. The existence of underlying pulmonary diseases may be associated with the prognosis of HIV-negative patients with PCP.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2009.01660.x

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本アレルギー学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本呼吸器学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本医科大学医学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病院薬剤師会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本皮膚科学会  

researchmap