In vivo imaging of airway wall in asthma using fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy
Author Information
Author(s): Yick Ching Yong, Jan H von der Thüsen, Elisabeth H Bel, Peter J Sterk, Peter W Kunst
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that FCFM images capture in vivo elastic fibre patterns within the airway wall and that such patterns correspond with airway histology.
Conclusion
FCFM captures the elastic fibre pattern within the airway wall in humans in vivo.
Supporting Evidence
- There was good agreement between elastic fibre patterns in histology and FCFM images (κw 0.744).
- Post-bronchodilator FEV1 %predicted was significantly lower for FCFM score 3 ('lamellar') compared to score 1 ('wispy').
- No differences in histological elastic fibre patterns were found between asthmatic patients and healthy controls.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special camera to look at the airways of people with asthma and found that the patterns of elastic fibers can tell us how well their lungs work.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study with 16 subjects (8 asthmatic patients and 8 healthy controls) using spirometry and bronchoscopy to record FCFM images and perform biopsies.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in semi-quantitative scoring of histological sections due to technical limitations in orienting biopsy specimens.
Limitations
The sample size was relatively low, and there may have been bias in scoring due to the orientation of biopsy specimens.
Participant Demographics
8 atopic asthmatic patients and 8 healthy controls, aged 18 to 50 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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