Effect of Benralizumab on Airway Remodeling in Asthma

Endobronchial biopsies will be collected following a standardized procedure based on established guidelines. Before the procedure, asthmatic subjects will receive 400 μg of salbutamol with the aid of an aerosol chamber to open up the airways before the procedure. Anesthesia of the upper airways will be achieved with lidocaine 5% spray. The total amount of lidocaine per subject is limited to 225 mg. General anesthesia will be obtained using propofol (average dose of 1.5 to 2 mg/kg). The fiberoptic bronchoscope (Pentax BF 15V, Argenteuil, France) is introduced and 8 to 10 biopsies will be taken from the middle lobe and the lower right lobe. Standard procedures such as bronchial brushing and bronchial fluid aspiration will also be performed. The duration of bronchoscopy is 15 minutes to 30 minutes. After the procedures, subjects will receive a short acting bronchodilator if required.