Eosinophilic inflammation in the small airways of patients with severe asthma is considered to be an important marker of disease severity. In clinical trials, treatment with mepolizumab reduces exacerbation rates by almost a half along with modest improvements in symptom scores and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) early after the first month of commencing mepolizumab treatment. However, there is an apparent discrepancy between major patient-reported outcomes and lung function that should be explored. It has recently been reported that mepolizumab improves small airway function in severe eosinophilic asthma as detected by multiple-breath nitrogen washout test. The improvement in small airway function was seen rapidly after the first mepolizumab injection and was associated with a sustained response in the majority of patients. However, gaps in knowledge about the choice of device, gas, and standardization across systems are key issues leading the committee to conclude that multiple-breath nitrogen washout test is not ready for use as a clinical trial endpoint in asthmatics. The investigators hypothesize that early improvement in small airway function may be a significant contributor to the therapeutic response of anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody therapy in patients with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma. The investigators speculate that SAD could be effectively evaluated using IOS. Consequently, this study could lead to novel SAD subtypes with possible clinical relevance in the context of treatment with anti-IL-5 factor. The investigators hypothesize that healthy individuals and patients with severe controlled asthma would disclose a lesser extent of SAD than patients with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma with or without fixed airway obstruction.
Asthma is an inflammatory condition impacting the entire bronchial tree, with small airways playing a crucial role. Small airways, defined as those less than 2 mm in diameter, are significantly involved in all stages of asthma, particularly severe cases. This region, known as the silent zone, is often linked with poor asthma control, increased severity, and a higher risk of exacerbations. Structural changes at the peribronchiolar level, such as increased stiffness due to remodeling, contribute to the disease's pathogenesis. These changes are associated with more frequent exacerbations and poorer quality of life. Small airways account for a significant portion of airway resistance, particularly in obstructive diseases like asthma. For example, resistance in small airways can constitute up to 51% of total airway resistance in severe asthma cases. Despite their importance, measuring small airway inflammation and dysfunction remains challenging. Various tests, including spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS), are used, but each has limitations in detecting and evaluating small airway disease (SAD). Methods More refined techniques like IOS are employed to better understand and treat SAD. IOS measures airway resistance and reactance during breathing without patient effort, offering a detailed analysis more sensitive to small airway changes than traditional spirometry. This technique is crucial for identifying different subtypes of SAD and is associated with asthma severity stages and control. In clinical practice, forced oscillation technique (FOT) devices, including newer models that utilize multiple sound frequencies, are becoming popular for assessing respiratory impedance in diseases like asthma. These devices, particularly IOS, help differentiate between small and large airway obstructions and are easier to use in diverse patient groups, including the elderly and children. Research Focus Recent studies have highlighted the effectiveness of new treatments like mepolizumab in improving small airway function in severe eosinophilic asthma. This improvement, detectable through methods like the multiple-breath nitrogen washout test, occurs quickly after treatment begins and is sustained over time. However, gaps in standardization and device choice remain challenges. Study Objectives and Design The upcoming study will investigate early changes in respiratory mechanics using IOS in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma starting on mepolizumab. This 2-year prospective cohort study will involve 40 patients with severe asthma, matched controls for age and gender, and will assess various respiratory parameters and asthma control metrics. Measurements will be taken at multiple points to gauge the treatment's effectiveness and its impact on lung function. Ethical Considerations The study will adhere to ethical standards, with informed consent obtained from all participants and approval from relevant ethical bodies. The goal is to enroll patients efficiently and effectively, leveraging networks of healthcare providers and educational programs to support patient recruitment and data collection. Conclusion This research aims to enhance our understanding of SAD in severe asthma and improve treatment outcomes through innovative diagnostic techniques and targeted therapies. By focusing on the small airways, which play a significant role in asthma pathology but are challenging to study, this work could lead to more effective management strategies for those most affected by this condition.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
130
This will be a 2-year prospective study. Patients with uncontrolled severe asthma will receive mepolizumab according to standard of care and best clinical practice, which will be administered as a 100-mg subcutaneous dose every four weeks.
External Unit of Asthma of Respiratory Medicine Department of the University of Thessaly in Greece
Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) at Baseline (Pre-mepolizumab Initiation)
Measurements of R5 at baseline (pre-mepolizumab initiation). R5 was assessed using impulse oscillometry. The values are reported in kPa/L/s and were analyzed following the guidelines of the European Respiratory Society
Time frame: 0 months
Airway Resistance at 20 Hz (R20) at Baseline
Measurement of R20 at baseline - mepolizumab initiation. R20 was measured using impulse oscillometry, representing airway resistance at 20 Hz. Values are reported in kPa/L/s, and assessments were conducted according to the standards outlined by the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 0 months
Difference Between Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20) at Baseline / (R5-R20) at Baseline
Measurement of R5-R20 at baseline. R5-R20 represents the difference between airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20), measured using impulse oscillometry. This measure reflects peripheral airway resistance. Assessments were conducted at baseline, and values are reported in kPa/L/s following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society
Time frame: 0 months
Reactance Area (AX) at Baseline
Measurement of AX at baseline. AX, the area of reactance derived from impulse oscillometry, represents the elastic and inertial properties of the lungs. Measurements were taken at baseline using standard protocols. Values are reported in kPa/L and analyzed following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 0 months
Resonant Frequency (Fres) at Baseline
Measurement of Fres at Baseline. Fres, the resonant frequency, is the point where the reactance of the respiratory system equals zero, indicating the balance between elastic and inertial forces in the lungs. Measurements were taken at baseline using impulse oscillometry. Values are reported in Hz and analyzed following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society
Time frame: 0 months
Respiratory Reactance at 5 Hz (X5) at Baseline
Measurement of X5 at Baseline. X5, the respiratory reactance at 5 Hz, is a measure of the elastic properties of the lungs and the peripheral airways. It indicates how easily the lungs expand and contract during breathing. Measurements were taken at baseline using impulse oscillometry, with values expressed in kPa/L. Assessments followed European Respiratory Society guidelines. X5 is negative because the lungs store energy due to their elasticity, which results in a delayed response of airflow relative to pressure changes. This behavior is characteristic of a capacitive system, where elastic forces dominate at low frequencies. A less negative X5 means that the lung's elastic recoil is reduced, leading to decreased resistance to expansion.
Time frame: 0 months
Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) at Week 4.
Estimate the airway resistance measured at the 5 Hz frequency (R5) after four weeks from mepolizumab initiation (only severe uncontrolled asthma patients received mepolizumab). R5 was assessed using impulse oscillometry. The values are reported in kPa/L/s and were analyzed following the guidelines of the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Airway Resistance at 20 Hz (R20) at Week 4.
Estimate the airway resistance measured at the 20 Hz frequency (R20) after four weeks from mepolizumab initiation. R20 was measured using impulse oscillometry, representing airway resistance at 20 Hz. Values are reported in kPa/L/s, and assessments were conducted according to the standards outlined by the European Respiratory Society
Time frame: 4 weeks
Difference Between Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20) at Week 4/ R5-R20 at Week 4.
After four weeks of mepolizumab initiation, estimate the small airway resistance (R5- R20). R5-R20 represents the difference between airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20), measured using impulse oscillometry. This measure reflects peripheral airway resistance. Assessments were conducted after 4 weeks from mepolizumab initiation, and values are reported in kPa/L/s following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society
Time frame: 4 weeks
Reactance Area (AX) at Week 4
Estimate the AX after four weeks from mepolizumab initiation. AX, the area of reactance derived from impulse oscillometry, represents the elastic and inertial properties of the lungs. Measurements were taken at Week 4 using standard protocols. Values are reported in kPa/L and analyzed following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Resonant Frequency (Fres) at Week 4.
Estimate Fres after four weeks from mepolizumab initiation. Fres, the resonant frequency, is the point at which the reactance of the respiratory system equals zero, reflecting the balance between the elastic and inertial forces of the lungs. Measurements were taken at Week 4 using impulse oscillometry. Values are expressed in Hz and analyzed in accordance with European Respiratory Society guidelines.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Respiratory Reactance at 5 Hz (X5) at Week 4.
Estimate X5 after four weeks from mepolizumab initiation. X5, the respiratory reactance at 5 Hz, is a measure of the elastic properties of the lungs and peripheral airways, reflecting the ability of the respiratory system to expand and contract. Measurements were taken at Week 4 using impulse oscillometry. Values are reported in kPa/L and were analyzed according to European Respiratory Society guidelines. X5 is negative because the lungs store energy due to their elasticity, which results in a delayed response of airflow relative to pressure changes. This behavior is characteristic of a capacitive system, where elastic forces dominate at low frequencies. A less negative X5 means that the lung's elastic recoil is reduced, leading to decreased resistance to expansion.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) at Week 12
Estimate the airway resistance measured at the 5 Hz frequency (R5) after 12 weeks from the mepolizumab initiation. R5 was assessed using spirometry with impulse oscillometry. The values are reported in kPa/L/s and were analyzed following the guidelines of the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Airway Resistance at 20 Hz (R20) at Week 12
Estimate the airway resistance measured at the 20 Hz frequency (R20) after 12 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. R20 was measured using impulse oscillometry, representing airway resistance at 20 Hz. Values are reported in kPa/L/s, and assessments were conducted according to the standards outlined by the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Difference Between Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20) at Week 12 / R5-R20 at Week 12
Estimate small airway resistance (R5-R20) after 12 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. R5-R20 represents the difference between airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20), measured using impulse oscillometry. This measure reflects peripheral airway resistance. Assessments were conducted at week 12 after mepolizuamb initiation, and values are reported in kPa/L/s following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Reactance Area (AX) at Week 12
Estimate the AX after 12 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. AX, the area of reactance derived from impulse oscillometry, represents the elastic and inertial properties of the lungs. Measurements were taken at Week 12 using standard protocols. Values are reported in kPa/L and analyzed following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Resonant Frequency (Fres) at Week 12
Estimate Fres after12 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. Fres, the resonant frequency, is the point at which the reactance of the respiratory system equals zero, reflecting the balance between the elastic and inertial forces of the lungs. Measurements were taken at Week 4 using impulse oscillometry. Values are expressed in Hz and analyzed in accordance with European Respiratory Society guidelines.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Respiratory Reactance at 5 Hz (X5) at Week 12
Estimate X5 after 12 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. X5, the respiratory reactance at 5 Hz, measures the elastic properties of the lungs and peripheral airways, reflecting the ability of the respiratory system to expand and contract. Measurements were taken at Week 12 using impulse oscillometry. Values are reported in kPa/L and analyzed according to European Respiratory Society guidelines. X5 is negative because the lungs store energy due to their elasticity, which results in a delayed response of airflow relative to pressure changes. This behavior is characteristic of a capacitive system, where elastic forces dominate at low frequencies. A less negative X5 means that the lung's elastic recoil is reduced, leading to decreased resistance to expansion.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) at Week 26.
Estimate the airway resistance measured at the 5 Hz frequency (R5) after 26 weeks from the initiation of mepolizumab. R5 was assessed using spirometry with impulse oscillometry. The values are reported in kPa/L/s and were analyzed following the guidelines of the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 26 weeks
Airway Resistance at 20 Hz (R20) at Week 26.
Estimate the airway resistance measured at the 20 Hz frequency (R20) after 26 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. R20 was measured using impulse oscillometry, representing airway resistance at 20 Hz. Values are reported in kPa/L/s, and assessments were conducted according to the standards outlined by the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 26 weeks
Difference Between Airway Resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20) at Week 26 / R5-R20 at Week 26.
Estimate the small airway resistance (R5-R20) after 26 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. R5-R20 represents the difference between airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20), measured using impulse oscillometry. This measure reflects peripheral airway resistance. Assessments were conducted at Week 26 after mepolizumab initiation, and values are reported in kPa/L/s following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society
Time frame: 26 weeks
Reactance Area (AX) at Week 26.
Estimate AX after 26 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. AX, the area of reactance derived from impulse oscillometry, represents the elastic and inertial properties of the lungs. Measurements were taken at Week 26 using standard protocols. Values are reported in kPa/L and analyzed following guidelines from the European Respiratory Society.
Time frame: 26 weeks
Resonant Frequency (Fres) at Week 26.
Estimate Fres after 26 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. Fres, the resonant frequency, is the point at which the reactance of the respiratory system equals zero, reflecting the balance between the elastic and inertial forces of the lungs. Measurements were taken at Week 26 using impulse oscillometry. Values are expressed in Hz and analyzed in accordance with European Respiratory Society guidelines.
Time frame: 26 weeks
Respiratory Reactance at 5 Hz (X5) at Week 26.
Estimate X5 after 26 weeks from mepolizumab initiation. X5, the respiratory reactance at 5 Hz, reflects the elastic properties of the lungs and peripheral airways, indicating the ability of the respiratory system to expand and contract. Measurements were taken at Week 26 using impulse oscillometry. Values are reported in kPa/L and were analyzed following European Respiratory Society guidelines. X5 is negative because the lungs store energy due to their elasticity, which results in a delayed response of airflow relative to pressure changes. This behavior is characteristic of a capacitive system, where elastic forces dominate at low frequencies. A less negative X5 means that the lung's elastic recoil is reduced, leading to decreased resistance to expansion.
Time frame: 26 weeks
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