Efficacy of Intrabronchial Voriconazole Instillation for Inoperable Pulmonary Aspergilloma: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial administration of voriconazole is a potential therapeutic option for inoperable aspergilloma. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of endobronchial instillation of voriconazole for inoperable pulmonary aspergilloma. METHOD: Patients with mild to moderate hemoptysis, due to inoperable aspergilloma, were randomized to receive either medical therapy (MT) alone or bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole with MT and followed up till 3 months. The primary objective of this study was to compare the percentage of patients achieving reduction in the severity of hemoptysis assessed on visual analogue scale (VAS) in intervention and control arm at 3 months. RESULTS: This study included 60 patients (female = 47) with mean (SD) age of 40.6 (13.2) years who were randomized to receive either bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole (n = 30) or MT alone (n = 30). At 3-month follow-up, the primary objective was achieved in 26/30 (86.7%) patients in intervention group as compared to 11/30 (36.7%) in the control group (p value <0.0001). The VAS score at 3 months was significantly lower in voriconazole group 13.9 (9.3) mm as compared to MT alone group 22.3 (11.5) mm, p value of 0.003. Bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole was also associated with reduction in cough severity and size of the aspergilloma; however, there was no benefit of this therapy in terms of requirement of hospitalization and BAE. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that for nonoperable aspergilloma, bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole is associated with reduction in the severity of hemoptysis. This therapy should be evaluated in large multi-center trials.

Guidelines for diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy in adults: Joint Indian Chest Society/National College of chest physicians (I)/Indian association for bronchology recommendations.

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. However, bronchoscopy practices vary widely across India and worldwide. The three major respiratory organizations of the country supported a national-level expert group that formulated a comprehensive guideline document for FB based on a detailed appraisal of available evidence. These guidelines are an attempt to provide the bronchoscopist with the most scientifically sound as well as practical approach of bronchoscopy. It involved framing appropriate questions, review and critical appraisal of the relevant literature and reaching a recommendation by the expert groups. The guidelines cover major areas in basic bronchoscopy including (but not limited to), indications for procedure, patient preparation, various sampling procedures, bronchoscopy in the ICU setting, equipment care, and training issues. The target audience is respiratory physicians working in India and well as other parts of the world. It is hoped that this document would serve as a complete reference guide for all pulmonary physicians performing or desiring to learn the technique of flexible bronchoscopy.