Oscillometry defined small airways dysfunction in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma and preserved spirometry - 17/04/26

Abstract |
Small airways dysfunction (SAD) is an important treatable trait in asthma that is often under-recognised. It can be assessed through spirometry as forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity however this is limited due to being both effort and volume dependent. Forced oscillometry technique is effort independent and showing to be more sensitive for SAD. We reviewed patients with severe uncontrolled asthma prior to commencing biologic therapy to identify the incidence of abnormal SAD defining values. SAD was identified in 63% of patients. Of the 31 patients with preserved spirometry (normal FEV1 and FEV1/FVC), only 6% had an impaired FEF25-75 while 29% had impaired oscillometry. This result highlights SAD is a common finding in severe uncontrolled asthma and that oscillometry is more sensitive than spirometry at identifying SAD, particularly when spirometry is preserved.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | Small airways dysfunction is commonly seen in severe uncontrolled asthma. |
• | Small airway dysfunction may be under-recognised in patients with preserved spirometry on PFTs alone. |
• | Oscillometry is a key technique to identify SAD especially in those with preserved spirometry. |
Keywords : Severe asthma, Small airways dysfunction, Spirometry, Oscillometry
Plan
Vol 256
Article 108790- mai 2026 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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