Volumetric computed tomography is a reliable and accurate method to predict postoperative lung function in patients undergoing lung resection that provides better accuracy than conventional procedures. Because lung computed tomography is systematically performed in the staging of patients with suspected lung cancer, this volumetric analysis might simultaneously provide the information necessary to evaluate operability.

Background A very weak relationship has been reported between the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with asthma and their degree of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), evaluated in terms of sensitivity. However, this relationship still has not been sufficiently explored for bronchial reactivity indices. Objectives To analyse the relationship between bronchial reactivity and sensitivity with the HRQL of patients with stable asthma, identifying the functional parameters that determine HRQL. Methods In 103 consecutive patients with stable asthma, HRQL was evaluated using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Patients underwent spirometry and non-specific bronchial provocation with methacoline. Sensitivity (PD 20 ) and reactivity (doseeresponse slope (DRS), continuous index of responsiveness (CIR) and bronchial reactivity index (BRI)) of the doseeresponse curve were analysed. Results BRI presented significant differences with different degrees of asthma severity. Although patients with AHR showed poorer quality of life than patients without AHR, the AQLQ total score was not related to PD 20 but rather to DRS (r¼À0.784), CIR (r¼À0.712) and BRI (r¼À0.776). The indices of bronchial reactivity reached a negative correlation with all the domains of the AQLQ. In a multiple linear regression model, BRI, DRS, FIV 1 (forced inspiratory volume in 1 s) and VCIN (inspiratory vital capacity) were identified as independent predictors of the AQLQ total score (r 2

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract