Phenotyping Asthma for Bronchial Thermoplasty: Airway Smooth Muscle Structure and Function
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
This study will evaluate a new imaging technology, called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine the asthmatic airways before and after bronchial thermoplasty, which is a new treatment option for severe asthmatic patients. The aim of this study is to learn more about how airways respond to this new treatment. In the future the investigators hope OCT will aid clinicians in the initial assessment, management and long-term follow up of patients receiving bronchial thermoplasty.
Description
Asthma currently affects over 300 million individuals worldwide and the number of the affected patient is continuously increasing. Approximately 10% of asthmatics have poorly controlled, severe symptoms. The exact mechanisms behind the development of asthma are unknown. However, the excessive contraction of airway smooth muscle leading to airway constriction is thought to be responsible for the majority of the symptoms of asthma. A new treatment option, termed bronchial thermoplasty, can offer relief for individuals with severe asthma. Bronchial thermoplasty works by reducing smooth muscle wi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patient undergoing elective bronchial thermoplasty 2. Patient is between the ages of 18 and 60 3. Patient is able to give informed consent 4. Negative pregnancy test for all female of childbearing potential who are sexually active and not using contraception, are seeking to become pregnant, or who are nursing. 5. Nonsmoking (\<5 pack year tobacco exposure) 6. No history of co-existing lung disease 7. Meet American Thoracic Society criteria for diagnosis of asthma with either/or 1. Bronchodilator response to albuterol (≥12% change in FEV1) 2. Positive methacholine…
Locations (2)
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBoston, Massachusetts