Bronchodilator Effects of Nebulized Versus Inhaled Albuterol in Subjects With Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Background: \- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare type of lung disease that occurs almost exclusively in women. In LAM, muscle tissue grows in the lungs and starts to block the flow of air. It is a progressive disease, and in severe cases may require a lung transplant. One possible treatment to improve breathing in people with LAM is inhaled albuterol. Albuterol can be given in a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or with a nebulizer. Researchers want to compare these methods to see which method best improves lung function in women with LAM.
Objectives: \- To see whether a nebulizer or MDI can better improve lung function in women with LAM.
Eligibility: \- Women at least 18 years of age who have impaired lung function because of LAM.
Design: * Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. No lab tests will be needed for this study. * Participants will have a 3-day overnight stay at the National Institutes of Health. Those who are using long-acting inhalers will have to stop taking these drugs 1 week before the study. * Participants will receive either the nebulizer or two or four puffs of the inhaler. Four puffs of albuterol is a higher dose than is normally prescribed, and is being tested on this study. * Participants will have each treatment around the same time of day on each of the 3 days. Before and after taking the albuterol, participants will have lung function tests.
• Diagnosis of LAM either by tissue biopsy, evidence of lung and other organ involvement (renal angiomyolipomas, chylous effusions, lymphangioleiomyomas), high serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VGEF-D)(1) or a diagnosis of TSC associated with cystic lung lesions.
• Age 18 years or over
• Evidence of airflow obstruction: FEV1/VC ratio \< fifth percentile of predicted normal and an FEV(1) \<80% predicted of the normal values.