V|LF-Spiro3D project hosted its 8th dissemination seminar “Evaluation of Respiratory Function in Severe Asthma: Beyond Spirometry.”
Led by Dr. Antoine Beurnier, a renowned pneumologist from Bicêtre Hospital in Paris, the seminar gathered a diverse audience of specialists, researchers, and healthcare professionals both online and in person. Dr. Beurnier provided valuable insights into advanced assessment techniques for respiratory function in severe asthma, focusing on the limitations of traditional spirometry in evaluating the efficacy of biotherapies for these patients.
Asthma, one of the most prevalent respiratory diseases, is marked by variable bronchial obstruction and recurrent exacerbations that worsen with inflammation. For patients with severe, treatment-resistant asthma, biotherapies offer promising therapeutic advancements, notably by reducing flare-ups, improving symptom control, and lowering the reliance on oral corticosteroids. Yet, despite their benefits, traditional spirometric measurements have proven insufficient to fully capture biotherapies’ impact on lung function. Dr. Beurnier emphasized the need for alternative approaches like oscillometry, which offers a more comprehensive picture by analyzing the mechanical properties of the respiratory system.
Oscillometry, he explained, measures impedance of the thoraco-pulmonary system, including resistance and reactance, through applied oscillating pressure waves. This method, particularly when combined with advanced imaging, holds potential for deepening understanding of biotherapies’ physiological effects on severe asthma cases, offering new perspectives beyond spirometric data alone.
The seminar highlighted the importance of these emerging methods for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare providers dedicated to optimizing asthma care. The success of this event reinforces the V|LF-Spiro3D project’s commitment to fostering advancements in respiratory health, aligning with its goal to develop innovative, precise, and patient-centered assessment tools.