1
|
Kamal BJ, Khalaf MA. Impact of COVID-19 on asthma control in Kirkuk City: an analysis of post-pandemic trends. J Med Life 2024; 17:292-295. [PMID: 39044936 PMCID: PMC11262596 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bronchial asthma, a common chronic respiratory disease, should be managed and controlled correctly to prevent symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Viral upper respiratory infections, especially the widespread COVID-19 virus, can exacerbate asthma. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 severity (mild, moderate, severe) on asthma control compared to a control group without COVID-19. Asthma control was assessed using Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores and spirometry before and after COVID-19 infection. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decline (P = 0.001) in asthma control following mild to moderate COVID-19 recovery, evidenced by increased asthma symptoms, lower ACT scores, difficulty managing asthma, and increased need for asthma medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Jamal Kamal
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Ali Khalaf
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khojasteh-Kaffash S, Parhizkar Roudsari P, Ghaffari Jolfayi A, Samieefar N, Rezaei N. Pediatric asthma exacerbation and COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts, challenges, and future considerations. J Asthma 2024; 61:81-91. [PMID: 37610180 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2251062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma, a common disease among children and adolescents, poses a great health risk when ignored; therefore, a thorough follow-up to prevent exacerbations is emphasized. The aim of the present study is to investigate asthma exacerbation in children during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. DATA SOURCES This narrative review has been done by searching the PubMed and Embase databases using Asthma, COVID-19, Pandemic, and Symptom flare up as keywords. STUDY SELECTIONS Studies related to asthma exacerbation in COVID-19 pandemic were included. RESULTS Based on studies, controlled or mild to moderate asthma has not been considered a risk factor for COVID-19 severity and has not affected hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality. Surprisingly, emergent and non-emergent visits and asthmatic attacks decreased during the pandemic. The three main reasons for decreased incidence and exacerbation of asthma episodes in the COVID-19 era included reduced exposure to environmental allergens, increasing the acceptance of treatment by pediatrics and caregivers, and decreased risk of other respiratory viral infections. Based on the available studies, COVID-19 vaccination had no serious side effects, except in cases of uncontrolled severe asthma, and can be injected in these children. Also, there was no conclusive evidence of asthma exacerbation after the injection of COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSION Further studies are recommended to follow the pattern of asthma in the post-pandemic situation and to become prepared for similar future conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Khojasteh-Kaffash
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ghaffari Jolfayi
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noosha Samieefar
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang AA, Huang SY. Use of feature importance statistics to accurately predict asthma attacks using machine learning: A cross-sectional cohort study of the US population. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288903. [PMID: 37992024 PMCID: PMC10664888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma attacks are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations, and identification of associations with asthma attacks is necessary to improve public awareness and the timely delivery of medical interventions. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to identify feature importance of factors associated with asthma in a representative population of US adults. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using a modern, nationally representative cohort, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2017-2020). All adult patients greater than 18 years of age (total of 7,922 individuals) with information on asthma attacks were included in the study. Univariable regression was used to identify significant nutritional covariates to be included in a machine learning model and feature importance was reported. The acquisition and analysis of the data were authorized by the National Center for Health Statistics Ethics Review Board. RESULTS 7,922 patients met the inclusion criteria in this study. The machine learning model had 55 out of a total of 680 features that were found to be significant on univariate analysis (P<0.0001 used). In the XGBoost model the model had an Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (AUROC) = 0.737, Sensitivity = 0.960, NPV = 0.967. The top five highest ranked features by gain, a measure of the percentage contribution of the covariate to the overall model prediction, were Octanoic Acid intake as a Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) (gm) (Gain = 8.8%), Eosinophil percent (Gain = 7.9%), BMXHIP-Hip Circumference (cm) (Gain = 7.2%), BMXHT-standing height (cm) (Gain = 6.2%) and HS C-Reactive Protein (mg/L) (Gain 6.1%). CONCLUSION Machine Learning models can additionally offer feature importance and additional statistics to help identify associations with asthma attacks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Huang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Samuel Y. Huang
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Amirav I, Garcia G, Le BK, Barria P, Levy G, Aggarwal B, Fahrbach K, Martin A, Phansalkar A, Sriprasart T. SABAs as Reliever Medications in Asthma Management: Evidence-Based Science. Adv Ther 2023; 40:2927-2943. [PMID: 37280414 PMCID: PMC10244083 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02543-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of as-needed inhaled short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) in the management of asthma has become a subject of debate due to differing opinions in the professional community relating to the use of SABAs. In this article, we summarize the current position of SABAs when used as reliever medications and examine the challenges to appropriate use including a critique of the data that have led to the condemnation of SABA used as a reliever. We consider the evidence for the appropriate use of SABA as a reliever together with practical solutions to ensure such use, including identifying patients at risk of misusing their SABA relievers and managing issues of inhaler technique and treatment adherence. We conclude that inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-based maintenance treatment with SABA used as-needed as a reliever is an effective and safe treatment for patients with asthma, with no scientific evidence of a causal link between SABA use as a reliever and mortality or serious adverse events (including exacerbations). Increased SABA use warns of a deterioration in asthma control, and patients at risk of misusing their ICS and SABA medication should be rapidly identified to ensure they are receiving adequate ICS-based controller therapy. Appropriate use of ICS-based controller therapy and as-needed SABA should be encouraged and promoted with educational activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Israel Amirav
- Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Gabriel Garcia
- Servicio de Neumonología, Hospital Rossi La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bao Khac Le
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Paulina Barria
- Unidad de Respiratorio, Hospital Clínico de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gur Levy
- Respiratory Medical Emerging Markets, GSK, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | | | | | | | | | - Thitiwat Sriprasart
- Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rijpkema C, Ramerman L, Homburg M, Meijer E, Muris J, Olde Hartman T, Berger M, Peters L, Verheij R. Care by general practitioners for patients with asthma or COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2023; 33:15. [PMID: 37031214 PMCID: PMC10082338 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-023-00340-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on general practitioners' (GP) care for patients with asthma and/or COPD is largely unknown. To describe the impact of the pandemic on asthma or COPD-related GP care, we analysed routinely recorded electronic health records data from Dutch general practices and out-of-hours (OOH) services. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), the contact rates for asthma and/or COPD were significantly lower in GP practices and OOH services compared with the pre-pandemic period (2019) (respectively, 15% lower and 28% lower). The proportion of telephone contacts increased significantly with 13%-point in GP practices and 12%-point at OOH services, while the proportion of face-to-face contacts decreased. Furthermore, the proportion of high urgent contacts with OOH services decreased by 8.5%-point. To conclude, the overall contact rates in GP practices and OOH services decreased, while more contacts were remote. Lower contact rates have, after a short follow-up, not resulted in more patients with exacerbations in OOH care. However, this might still be expected after a longer follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Rijpkema
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Lotte Ramerman
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Homburg
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, UMCG, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Meijer
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, UMCG, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Data Science Centre in Health (DASH), UMCG, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jean Muris
- Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Olde Hartman
- Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Berger
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, UMCG, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian Peters
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, UMCG, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Verheij
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Domingo C, Singh D. The Changing Asthma Management Landscape and Need for Appropriate SABA Prescription. Adv Ther 2023; 40:1301-1316. [PMID: 36715896 PMCID: PMC10070225 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Short-acting β2 agonists (SABAs) have been a mainstay of asthma treatment since the 1950s, and have been mainly recommended as-needed for symptom relief alongside daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-based maintenance treatment for the past 30 years. However, patient adherence to regular ICS-based anti-inflammatory maintenance therapy is frequently poor, leading to SABA overuse for symptom relief and associated poor outcomes. At present, there is a lack of consensus between treatment guidelines on how SABA should be used, and as-needed ICS-formoterol is suggested by some as an alternative reliever therapy. Here, we examine the pharmacology and current use of inhaled SABAs, identify that regular dosing of ICS can encourage appropriate SABA use, and appraise the evidence used to support the changing reliever treatment recommendations. We conclude that SABA continues to play an important role in the asthma management landscape, and give our views on how it should be used in patients with mild-moderate asthma, to complement regular ICS-based maintenance treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Domingo
- Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Sabadell, Barcelona Spain
- S. Pneumologia, Planta Primera, Edifici Tauli Nou, Corporació Sanitària Parc Tauli, Parc Tauli 1, 08208 Sabadell, Barcelona Spain
| | - Dave Singh
- University of Manchester, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sriprasart T, Siasoco MB, Aggarwal B, Levy G, Phansalkar A, Van GV, Cohen M, Seemungal T, Pizzichini MMM, Mokhtar M, Daley-Yates P. The role of modeling studies in asthma management and clinical decision-making: a Delphi survey of physician knowledge and perceptions. J Asthma 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36825839 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2180748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the knowledge and perceptions of physicians on the role of modeling studies in asthma, using a modified Delphi procedure. METHODS Group opinions among a panel of respiratory experts were obtained using two online questionnaires and a virtual scientific workshop. A consensus was pre-defined as agreement by >75% of participants. RESULTS From 26 experts who agreed to participate, 22 completed both surveys. At the end of the process, the panel rated their own understanding of modeling as good (77%) but that among physicians in general as poor (77%). Participants agreed that data from modeling studies should be used, at least sometimes, to inform treatment guidelines (91%) and could be useful for guiding clinical decisions (100%). Perceived barriers to using modeling studies were 'A lack of understanding' (81%) and 'A lack of standardized methodology' (82%). Based on data from two modeling studies, no consensus was reached on physicians recommending regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus as-needed therapy for patients with mild asthma, whereas 77% agreed that they would recommend regular ICS over maintenance and reliever therapy for ≥80% of their patients with moderate asthma. No consensus was reached on the value of modeling data in relation to empirical data. CONCLUSION There is overall support among respiratory experts for the usefulness of modeling data to guide asthma treatment guidelines and clinical decision making. More publications on modeling data using robust models and accessible terminology will aid the understanding of physicians in general and help clarify the evidence-based value of modeling studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thitiwat Sriprasart
- Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ma Bella Siasoco
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Medicine - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Gur Levy
- Respiratory Medical Emerging Markets, GSK, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama
| | | | - Giap Vu Van
- Respiratory Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Internal Medicine Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mark Cohen
- Edificio Clinicas Centro Médico 2, Guatemala city, Guatemala
| | - Terence Seemungal
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago
| | - Marcia M M Pizzichini
- Internal Medicine Division, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mahmoud Mokhtar
- Respiratory Unit, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shah SA, Quint JK, Sheikh A. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on asthma exacerbations: Retrospective cohort study of over 500,000 patients in a national English primary care database. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2022; 19:100428. [PMID: 35756853 PMCID: PMC9213032 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Several countries reported a substantial reduction in asthma exacerbations associated with COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions. However, it is not known if these early reported declines were short-term and if these have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels following easing of lockdown restrictions. Methods We undertook a retrospective, cohort study of all asthma patients in a national primary care database of almost 10 million patients, Optimum Patient Care Database (OPCRD), identified from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015, using a previously validated algorithm. We subsequently followed the identified cohort of asthma patients from January 1, 2016, to October 3, 2021, and identified every asthma exacerbation episode with a validated algorithm. To quantify any pandemic-related change in exacerbations, we created a control time-series (mean of 2016-2019) and then compared the change in exacerbation rate in 2020-2021 over quarterly periods when compared with the control period (the pre-pandemic period). We undertook overall and stratified analyses by age group, sex, and English region. Findings We identified 100,362 asthma patients (502,669 patient-years) from across England who experienced at least one exacerbation episode (298,390 exacerbation episodes during the entire follow-up). Except for the first quarter of 2020, the exacerbation rates were substantially lower (>25%) during all quarters in 2020-2021 when compared with the rates during 2016-2019 (39.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 34.6, 44.9) in quarter-2, 2020; 46.5% (95%CI: 36.7, 56.4) in quarter-3, 2020; 56.3% (95%CI: 48.7, 63.9) in quarter-4, 2020; 63.2% (95%CI: 53.9, 72.5) in quarter-1, 2021; 57.7% (95%CI: 52.9, 62.4) in quarter-2, 2021; 53.3% (95%CI: 43.8, 62.8) in quarter-3, 2021). Interpretation There was a substantial and persistent reduction in asthma exacerbations across England over the first 18 months after the first lockdown. This is unlikely to be adequately explained by changes in health-seeking behaviour, pandemic-related healthcare service disruption, or any air-quality improvements. Funding Asthma UK, Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), Medical Research Council (MRC), National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ahmar Shah
- Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Aziz Sheikh
- Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chapman KR, Canonica G, Lavoie K, Nenasheva N, Garcia G, Bosnic-Anticevich S, Bourdin A, Cano M, Abhijith P, Aggarwal B. Patients' and physicians’ perspectives on the burden and management of asthma: Results from the APPaRENT 2 study. Respir Med 2022; 201:106948. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|