Thermoplasty Aids Patients with Severe Asthma
Results from the Research in Severe Asthma Trial (RISA) which evaluated Asthmatx, Inc.’s bronchial thermoplasty device were presented at the American Thoracic Society Meeting.
Researchers compared treatment with the Alair System to standard therapy for asthma control. The results from the small sample of 32 patients revealed overall improvements in asthma control.
Outcomes considered pulmonary function, quality of life, asthma control, use of rescue medication, and hospitalizations. Potentially the most exciting finding from the study was the potential to decrease medication with oral steroids while maintaining disease control.
The team did note an increase in pulmonary symptoms following treatment with the bronchial thermoplasty. Some of these events required hospitalization, but resolved quickly. Side effects seen were similar to those common in asthmatics who’ve undergone bronchoscopy.
Long term studies are still required to evaluate this therapy before it can receive FDA approval. The preliminary findings suggest, however, that this therapy may be an alternative treatment for patients with severe asthma. The short time period during which there was disease exacerbation will likely be significantly outweighted by decreased costs required to facilitate ongoing disease control.
Related story: Sleep Apnea Device Testing Commences.
May 30, 2007 Related topics: Pulmonary