‘Uncontrolled’ asthma | T&F

FEV1/FVC is a function of the partial pressure of oxygen in comparison to that of carbon dioxide in the lungs.

Omalizumab is an anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody which exerts its effect indirectly on DNA transcription via mRNA.

Omalizumab is given as an IV infusion and the dose is determined by body weight and IgE levels measured in advance.

Long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are currently not licensed in the treatment of asthma.

Oral steroids are preferable in treating persistent asthma due to higher steady state serum levels that are achieved.

Tachycardia as a side effect of SABA is mediated by beta-1 receptors in the heart.

Mepolizumab has shown to be of benefit in treating refractory allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis.

Bronchial thermoplasty is a technique that aims to treat asthma by reducing smooth muscle mass of the airways.

Bronchial thermoplasty is now performed routinely in Ireland and the technique may be used wherever there is access to bronchoscopy

Type 2 respiratory failure in the context of arterial blood gas interpretation relates to both low levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.