Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the acute effect of inhalation of budesonide/formoterol combination and placebo using lung function tests and imaging in COPD patients and to compare both. A total of 10 patients was assessed in a double blind cross over study. Airway volumes were analysed using segmentation of the HRCT images. Results showed that distal airway volume significantly increased in patients four hours after receiving budesonide/formoterol combination. No other lung function parameters showed a significant change. When considering the effect of placebo a significant decline in distal airway volume and peak expiratory flow was observed. A downward trend was depicted by forced expiratory volume in one second. The bodyplethysmography showed a significant increase in specific airway resistance. In addition it was shown that imaging was the only parameter that was able to predict correctly the visit at which the combination product was administered for all patients.
This study showed that imaging is a sensitive, complementary tool to describe changes in airway structure and function. Future uses could include the assessment of anti-inflammatory compounds as standard lung function test might lack the sensitivity to describe the more subtle changes.
- © 2011 ERS
