Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Asthmatics have inflammation in the large airways (tubes through which air travels in and out
of the lungs). The large airways are located in the central lung. New research shows that
asthmatics also have inflammation in the small airways. The small airways are located in the
peripheral lung (the parts of the lung away from the central lung).
Until now, most of the inhaled medications available have been made up of big particles that
never reach the peripheral lung. The purpose of this study is to try to measure the level of
inflammation in the peripheral lung in asthmatics and see if this inflammation can be
decreased with different types of inhaled corticosteroids. The investigators will check
airway inflammation before and after use of an inhaled corticosteroid that has a large
particle size and should only reach the large airways (Flunisolide-CFC), and before and after
use of an inhaled, small particle corticosteroid that should reach both the large and small
airways (Flunisolide-HFA).
Subjects will make 6 study visits over two phases of the study. In the first phase, the
investigators will collect baseline information about subjects while they are using placebo
(inactive substance). In the second phase, subjects will take either the large or small
particle corticosteroid.
Visits will involve questionnaires and various tests measuring lung function (such as
spirometry, forced oscillation, and methacholine challenge). Exhaled nitric oxide will be
measured as an indication of inflammation. Subjects will also measure and make note of lung
function at home twice daily using a peak expiratory flow meter. Two of the visits will
involve fiberoptic bronchoscopy so that the investigators may collect cells and tissue
samples without surgery. Another two of the visits will involve the use of high resolution
computed tomography (HRCT) scans to indirectly evaluate disease in distant parts of the
lungs.