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Md Khairi LNH, Gnanasan S. Emerging Roles of Malaysian Pharmacists in Asthma Management Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Malays J Med Sci 2023; 30:33-47. [PMID: 37655143 PMCID: PMC10467601 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.4.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 adversely affected every aspect of human life, including the management of asthma. The pandemic has forced clinicians to revisit the application of high-risk aerosol-generating procedures in asthma management, including spirometry and nebuliser therapy. The use of commercial spacers with pressurised metered-dose inhalers to replace nebulisation is limited by the high cost and pandemic-induced stock unavailability of these inhalers. The need for social distancing, healthcare reserves reallocation, and scarce personal protective equipment has promote increased telemedicine uptake for patients' asthma control and monitoring. Malaysian pharmacists have been providing long-term care of asthma through the introduction of the respiratory Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (MTAC) to empower patients' general health literacy, train and regularly evaluate their inhalation technique, and reinforce the importance of medication compliance. To minimise the use of unplanned healthcare resources and avoidable COVID-19 infection exposure, Malaysian pharmacists need to better support asthma self-management via increased uptake of written Asthma Action Plans (AAPs). Pharmacist-led asthma treatment step-down to attain the lowest effective dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has become increasingly relevant during the pandemic, as its prolonged use carries risk of numerous side effects and possible hospitalisation. Telepharmacy offers a promising model for exploration and an alternative to the traditional service delivery of asthma education. Despite not being authorised as vaccinators, Malaysian pharmacists hold strong positions in COVID-19 immunisation programmes for pharmacovigilance and advocacy. The pandemic demands an increased role for pharmacists within medication management to prevent patients from the stockpiling that can cause adverse effects on pharmaceutical supply chain. This review intends to summarise the impact of COVID-19 on asthma management, with a focus on the transitional roles of Malaysian pharmacists before and after the pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukman Nul Hakim Md Khairi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Shubashini Gnanasan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
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Öztürk BÖ, Sözener ZÇ, Aydin Ö, Mungan D. A step-down experience in asthma treatment: a retrospective cohort study. J Asthma 2021; 59:998-1004. [PMID: 33827371 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1895211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to recent guidelines; patients with controlled asthma who are stable for at least three months and don't have risk factor should be considered for step down. OBJECTIVE To evaluate our step down attempts and affecting factors. METHODS This study was a retrospective-cohort study of patients with asthma who were followed up in our clinic for at least one year. Sociodemographic, phenotypic, clinical features and number of step-down attempts were recorded from the files. Step down was tried in well controlled patients and considered as successful whether descending step was maintained or a lower step was reached until the last visit. RESULTS A total of 239 patients (196 F/43 M) with a mean age of 51.54 ± 15.29 years were included in the study. Step-down attempt was performed in 44.8% (n = 107) of the patients and % 74.8 (n = 80) of them were successful. Factors related to failure were lower level of education, allergic comorbidity (p = 0.04) and female gender (p = 0.04). Risk of failure was 3.45 and 1.84 times higher than university graduates in high school and primary school graduates, respectively. The probability of failure in step down was 3.38 times higher in patients with allergic comorbidity, and it was 3.92 times more likely in women than men. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that the step down attempt could be performed in patients receiving treatment from all steps. In addition, treatment of allergic comorbidities and increased level of education, may make a step down attempt more successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Özdel Öztürk
- Division of Immunology and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Çelebi Sözener
- Division of Immunology and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ömür Aydin
- Division of Immunology and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilsad Mungan
- Division of Immunology and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Kim JH, Lee S, Shin YH, Ha EK, Lee SW, Kim MA, Yoon JW, Baek HS, Choi SH, Han MY. Airway mechanics after withdrawal of a leukotriene receptor antagonist in children with mild persistent asthma: Double-blind, randomized, cross-over study. Pediatr Pulmonol 2020; 55:3279-3286. [PMID: 32965787 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the response of airway mechanics and the changes in asthma symptoms to stepping down of leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) therapy. METHODS Thirty children (mean age: 7.1 years) with mild, well-controlled, and persistent asthma who took LTRA as maintenance treatment were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Each group received an LTRA (montelukast) or placebo daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week washout period, and then the alternate treatment for 2 weeks. Spirometry and impulse oscillation system (IOS) measurements before and after four puffs of salbutamol inhalation, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and the childhood asthma control test (C-ACT) were evaluated at baseline, the end of placebo treatment, and the end of LTRA treatment. RESULTS Changes of FEV1 /FVC (p = .113) and FEV1 (p = .109) from baseline to posttreatment did not differ significantly between the placebo and montelukast groups. In the placebo group, prebronchodilator (pre-) FEV1 /FVC was decreased (83% vs. 86%) and bronchodilator response (BDR) in FEV1 was diminished (10.7% vs. 6.4%) at posttreatment compared with baseline. However, the montelukast group had no significant changes in pre-FEV1 /FVC (p = .865) and BDR in FEV1 (p = .461). In addition, compared with the montelukast group, the placebo group showed no significant changes in Rrs5 (total airway resistance), Rrs5-20 (peripheral airway resistance), FeNO, and symptoms by the C-ACT. CONCLUSION In children with well-controlled mild persistent asthma, changes in spirometry, IOS, FeNO, and C-ACT results did not differ between the placebo and montelukast groups within 2 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hee Kim
- Departments of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinhae Lee
- Departments of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Ho Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyo Ha
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Data Science, Sejong University College of Software Convergence, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ae Kim
- Departments of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Won Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Myongji Hospital, Seonam University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hey Sung Baek
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Yong Han
- Departments of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Martínez-Moragón E, Delgado J, Mogrovejo S, Fernández-Sánchez T, López JJ, Orenes MÁM, Montaño PP, Toro MT, Oliver BC, Torres ÁF, Delgado PG, Rodríguez TWJ, Auli BV, Yebenes JJZ, Berasategui MTA, Jiménez MF, Ruibio NHDM, Azagra MV, Fernández JAÁ, Sainz SA, González RMB, Nieves MEG, Carpio DA, Sellés NA, García CB, Lessmann AC, Carrillo DDLR, Pla JJ, Giraldo AL, Sánchez OL, Rivera CM, Olondris PM, Gall XM, Nogués EP, Coimerma FP, Carroz KP, Blanch AR, Ortún MLR, Berenguer DS, Batlles JS, Mitjà PS, Sagardía AS, Retes LS, Combas JV, Giralte XV, Zubeldia IA, Ercoreca IA, Peña MH, Pascual MMI, Michelena CJ, Castro AL, Legarreta AL, Llorente PL, Prieto JP, Lorenzo VZ, Gil LA, Muñoz JPG, Durantez MM, Miguel TP, Ahmida T, Izquierdo MIA, Olbah MA, Muñoz AA, Núñez IG, Fernández DG, Camacho AL, Pellon LF, Miguel EMM, Portal FO, Raducan I, Prats JAR, Segarra MDS, Soler FT, Naon AL, Bonilla PG, Muñoz FLG, Calderón PM, Costa LME, Aparicio MB, Pazos JMG, Paz VG, Barcala FJG, Sotes PI, Rodríguez PJM, Nieto FM, Orjales RN, Martín CS, Antelo JS, Rodríguez JT, Español SA, Nieto CS, Talaverano GS, Rodríguez MME, López JFF, Jiménez MÁL, Vílchez MJR, Palacín SC, Quintana SD, Echeverria JAN, Guardia EFDL, Jara BH, García VM, Vazquez LV, De Sus JC, Santonio J, López JAA, Campillo EA, Molina CVJMC, Venegas ADS, Martínez PB, Reinosa BB, Parra BF, García DF, Gutiérrez VS, Lobera AVRD, Alcon SL, González FC, Fernández TG, Lázaro JM, Macenlle NM, Viteri SA, Amerigo DA, Bobolea I, Aguirre MDPC, Contreras RC, Arias FC, Álvarez MC, Martínez EBDH, Campos RMD, Cano MDMG, Rodríguez LG, Tejada JAGRD, Mancebo EG, Seco EG, Torralba FG, Santana AH, Herrera PDLH, Mosquete MRH, Rodríguez PL, Ballesteros BLM, Vicente EM, Chacón BM, Fernández AM, García EM, Castillejo EO, Serrano FP, Acevedo YPA, Rojo RP, Ruiz-Rico NQ, Pinedo ÁR, Jiménez BR, Rodríguez MR, Ingelmo AR, Peña AR, González MJS, Trujillo MJT, Fuertes LV, Albelda CV, Meniz AY, Grovas RIAP, Ramírez JARA, Muñoz JMB, Manzanares MB, Martínez GDL, Núñez IG, Luna FLD, Paez AM, Tejada EOSD, Galo AP, Cornejo MPE, Esojo CS, Alemán ÁFA, Rumayor MCA, Espinosa RA, Mora RB, Lancharro FJC, Urra TG, Martín SH, Lizaldre AR, Quintas RD. Factors that determine the loss of control when reducing therapy by steps in the treatment of moderate-severe asthma in standard clinical practice: A multicentre Spanish study. Rev Clin Esp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Martínez-Moragón E, Delgado J, Mogrovejo S, Fernández-Sánchez T, Jesús JL, Ángel MOM, Patricia PM, Miguel TT, Begoña CO, Ángel FT, Purificación GD, Wilfox JRT, Brian VA, José ZYJ, Teresa ABM, Marta FJ, Nieves HDMR, Marta VA, Antonio ÁFJ, Sara AS, Rosa BGM, Estela GNM, Diego AC, Núria AS, Cristina BG, Astrid CL, David DLRC, Jordi JP, Alejandra LG, Olga LS, Carlos MR, Pilar MO, Xavier MG, Ester PN, Francisco PC, Karina PC, Antoni RB, Luisa ROM, Dan SB, Joan SB, Pere SM, Ana SS, Lorena SR, Joan VC, Xavier VG, Ignacio AZ, Ignacio AE, Miguel HP, Milagros IPM, Carmen JM, Adolfo LC, Amaia LL, Paula LL, Joaquina PP, Vanessa ZL, Lidia AG, Pablo GMJ, Marisa MD, Teresa PM, Tahar A, Isabel AIM, Michael AO, Aurelio AM, Ignacio GN, Diego GF, Antonio LC, Luis FP, Maria MME, Félix OP, Isabela R, Antonio RPJ, Dolores SSM, Frederic TS, Alberto LN, Pedro GB, Luis GMF, Patricia MC, Manuel ECL, Marina BA, Manuel GPJ, Vanessa GP, Francisco-Javier GB, Pilar IS, Jorge MRP, Fernando MN, Ramón NO, Carracedo SM, Juan SA, Julia TR, Santiago AE, Carlos SN, Gladis ST, Mar ERM, Fernando FLJ, Ángeles LJM, José RVM, Susana CP, Silvia DQ, Antonio NEJ, Eduardo FDLG, Belén HJ, Victoria MG, Lucía VV, Joaquín CDS, Santonio CVJ, Alfonso ALJ, Eduardo AC, María CMJ, Dolores SVA, Patricia BM, Begoña BR, Beatriz FP, Domingo FG, Virginia SG, Adolfo VRDL, Silvia LA, Francisco CG, Teresa GF, Joaquín ML, Noemí MM, Soledad AV, Darío AA, Irina B, Puerto CAMD, Remedios CC, Fernando CA, Mercedes CÁ, Belén DHME, Magdalena DCR, Mar GCMD, Leticia GR, Andrés GRDTJ, Eloina GM, Emma GS, Fernando GT, Aythamy HS, Lys HHPD, Ruth HMM, Pedro LR, Belén LMB, Ester MV, Beatriz MC, Antonio MF, Esther MG, Elena OC, Fernando PS, Yesenia PAA, Raquel PR, Natividad QRR, Ángela RP, Beatriz RJ, Mercedes RR, Ana RI, Antonio RP, José SGM, Jesús TTM, Laura VF, Concepción VA, Alexandra YM, Ismael APGR, José ARAR, Manuel BMJ, Miguel BM, Gustavo DLM, Ignacio GN, Francisco LDL, Alfonso MP, Ezequiel OSDT, Alicia PG, Manuel PEC, Carmen SE, Francisco AAÁ, Consuelo ARM, Rubén AE, Roberto BM, Javier CLF, Tamara GU, Sonia HM, Alfredo RL, Raquel DQ. Factors that determine the loss of control when reducing therapy by steps in the treatment of moderate-severe asthma in standard clinical practice: A multicentre Spanish study. Rev Clin Esp 2019; 220:86-93. [PMID: 31350049 DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the clinical practice guidelines recommend continuous adjustment of asthma treatment and reducing the maintenance drugs when achieving control (step-down), there are few studies of standard clinical practice aimed at collecting information on the factors that determine step-down failure. OBJECTIVE To determine the factors that determine step-down failure in standard clinical practice of patients with moderate-severe asthma controlled by a combination of inhaled glucocorticoids and long-acting beta agonists. METHODS A multicentre retrospective study included 374 patients with moderate-severe asthma controlled with inhaled glucocorticoids and long-acting beta agonists for whom the physician indicated a step-down in 2016. RESULTS The step-down failed in 41.7% of the patients. The following factors were related to failure: greater patient age (P=.006), presence of at least 2 comorbidities (P=.016), greater severity level (severe persistent vs. moderate persistent) (P<.001), greater age at diagnosis (>40 years) (P=.045), the higher the therapeutic step before (P=.003) and after the change (P<.001), the shorter the time of improvement/control prior to the change (P=.019), lower FEV1 (P=.001) and a poorer Asthma Control Test score or Asthma Control Questionnaire score before the step-down (P<.001). The logistic regression analysis showed a higher probability of step-down failure in the more elderly patients (OR, 0.983; 95% CI 0.969-0.997) and those with severe asthma compared to those with moderate asthma (OR, 0.537; 95% CI 0.292-0.985), as well as an increased probability of success if the patients had the disease controlled for more than 6 months (OR, 2.253; 95% CI 1.235-4.112). CONCLUSION In standard clinical practice conditions, step-down fails in a high percentage of patients, and the suggestion is to indicate step-down when the patient has had more than 6 months of disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Delgado
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Alergología, Hospital Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
| | - S Mogrovejo
- Neumología, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, España
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Chipps BE, Bacharier LB, Murphy KR, Lang D, Farrar JR, Rank M, Oppenheimer J, Zeiger RS. The Asthma Controller Step-down Yardstick. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2018; 122:241-262.e4. [PMID: 30550809 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Asthma guidelines recommend a control-based approach to disease management in which the assessment of impairment and risk is linked to step-based therapy. Using this model, controller treatment is adjusted-upward or downward-according to a patient's level of asthma control over time. Strategies for stepping up controller therapy are well described, and the adult and pediatric Asthma Yardsticks provide operational recommendations based on patient profiles. Strategies for stepping down controller treatment are less clear, although stepping down to the minimum effective therapy is important and should be considered when a patient's asthma has been well controlled for an adequate period as defined by risk and impairment. This Yardstick presents recommendations for when and how to step down asthma controller therapy according to guideline-defined control levels. The objective is to provide clinicians who treat patients with asthma with a practical and clinically relevant framework for implementing a step-down in controller therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley E Chipps
- Capital Allergy & Respiratory Disease Center, Sacramento, California.
| | - Leonard B Bacharier
- Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Kevin R Murphy
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska
| | - David Lang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Matthew Rank
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | | | - Robert S Zeiger
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region, Department of Allergy and Research and Evaluation, San Diego and Pasadena, California
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Pérez de Llano L, García-Rivero JL, Urrutia I, Martínez-Moragón E, Ramos J, Cebollero P, Carballada F, Blanco-Aparicio M, Vennera MDC, Merino M, Torralba-García Y, Plaza V. A Simple Score for Future Risk Prediction in Patients with Controlled Asthma Who Undergo a Guidelines-Based Step-Down Strategy. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2018; 7:1214-1221.e3. [PMID: 30368006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The minimum controlling dose of treatment must be established in patients with asthma, but the outcome of step-down is unpredictable. OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with risk of control loss when stepping down asthma treatment and to develop a score to predict this risk. METHODS A prospective, multicenter study including adults with well-controlled asthma was performed. Treatment was stepped up or stepped down over a 12-month period to maintain asthma control. We determined associations between clinical and functional variables and step-down failure. Finally, we derived a score to predict loss of control in 1 cohort and validated it in an independent cohort. RESULTS The derivation cohort consisted of 228 patients; 218 completed at least 1 step-down episode and a total of 495 step-down episodes were evaluated. A medical-record documented postbronchodilator spirometry result of <70% forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-3.43), current FEV1 < 80% (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.03-3.14), ≥1 severe exacerbation in the previous 12 months (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.48-4.01), and Asthma Control Test score < 25 (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.35-3.92) were independently associated with failure. The score showed an area under the curve of 0.690 (95% CI: 0.633-0.747; P < .05) in the derivation cohort and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.643-0.882; P < .001) in a validation cohort of 114 patients. A score <4.5 implies a low risk of failure (<20%), whereas a score >8 implies a high risk (>40%). CONCLUSION This score can facilitate the prediction of step-down failure before medication taper in patients with well-controlled asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isabel Urrutia
- Pneumology Service, Hospital de Galdakao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Jacinto Ramos
- Pneumology Service, Complejo Asistencial de Salamanca, Salamanca, València, Spain
| | - Pilar Cebollero
- Pneumology Service, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Navarra, Spain
| | | | - Marina Blanco-Aparicio
- Pneumology Service, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Vennera
- Servei de Pneumologia i Allèrgia Respiratòria, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Merino
- Health Outcomes Research Department, Weber, Economía y Salud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Torralba-García
- Servei de Pneumologia i Allèrgia Respiratòria, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Plaza
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
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Abramson SL. Addressing the step-down process in controlled asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 137:1380-1. [PMID: 27155034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart L Abramson
- Allergy and Immunology Service, Shannon Medical Center and Shannon Clinic, San Angelo, Tex.
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Ye Q, He XO, D’Urzo A. A Review on the Safety and Efficacy of Inhaled Corticosteroids in the Management of Asthma. Pulm Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s41030-017-0043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Demoly P, Makatsori M, Casale TB, Calderon MA. The Potential Role of Allergen Immunotherapy in Stepping Down Asthma Treatment. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2016; 5:640-648. [PMID: 28042004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For patients whose asthma is controlled and who have a low risk for future exacerbations, current guidelines recommend gradually stepping down pharmacotherapy to identify the lowest dose needed to maintain control. This review article will discuss the benefits and risks of step down in asthma management and the different strategies of achieving step down with particular focus on allergen immunotherapy (AIT). A literature search was conducted to identify studies that assessed the effect of AIT on asthma step down and evaluated this and asthma control as one of the outcomes. Six studies were identified: 2 subcutaneous and 4 sublingual AIT studies. Five studies assessed house dust mite-induced asthma, whereas 1 study focused on birch-induced seasonal asthma. Regarding house dust mite-induced asthma, the AIT studies reviewed suggest that individuals with moderate rather than mild asthma are the patients who are more likely to benefit from the addition of AIT for their asthma condition. The potential value of AIT is likely to be in enabling successful step down of the inhaled corticosteroid dose in Global Initiative for Asthma step 3 or 4. It is important to further explore this effect so that affected individuals can benefit from this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Demoly
- Department of Pulmonology, Division of Allergy, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Melina Makatsori
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Thomas B Casale
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla
| | - Moises A Calderon
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Koskela HO, Purokivi MK, Kokkarinen J. Stepping down from combination asthma therapy: The predictors of outcome. Respir Med 2016; 117:109-15. [PMID: 27492520 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stepping down from combination asthma therapy (inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) + long-acting β2 agonists (LABA)) is often avoided due to fear of exacerbations, which may lead to overmedication in well-controlled asthma. A better knowledge about the predictors of outcome might encourage clinicians to start stepping down more often than previously. METHODS In 55 subjects with well controlled asthma and combination therapy, LABAs were discontinued first, followed by ICS dose halving, and then cessation, in six weeks' intervals. The ability of Juniper's asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), ambulatory peak flow monitoring, spirometry, and hypertonic saline challenge to predict the outcomes of medication reductions were assessed. RESULTS The proportions of subjects experiencing an exacerbation at each step were: 4 out of 55 subjects (7%) after LABA cessation, 4 out of 25 subjects (16%) after ICS dose halving, and 21 out of 46 subjects (46%) after ICS cessation. All exacerbations could be managed on an outpatient basis. There were 126 step-downs altogether. ACQ score < 0.29 (likelihood ratio 2.30 (1.05-5.05)), ACQ without spirometry < 0.15 (2.17 (0.96-4.90)) and FEV1 > 96% of predicted (2.18 (1.03-4.61)) predicted a successful outcome after step-down. Cough responsiveness to saline, bronchoconstrictive responsiveness to saline, and peak flow variation were not associated with the outcome. CONCLUSION Combination therapy can often be reduced in controlled asthma but total cessation of ICSs must be carefully considered. Simple investigations, namely asthma control assessment by validated questionnaire and spirometry, help to predict the outcome of stepping down. TRIAL REGISTRY The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov database (https://clinicaltrials.gov, KUH5801124).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heikki O Koskela
- Unit for Medicine and Clinical Research, Pulmonary Division, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; School of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Minna K Purokivi
- Unit for Medicine and Clinical Research, Pulmonary Division, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jouko Kokkarinen
- Unit for Medicine and Clinical Research, Pulmonary Division, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Yamasaki A, Tomita K, Kato K, Fukutani K, Sano H, Tohda Y, Shimizu E. Development and validation of a predictive model of failed stepping-down of inhaled corticosteroids in adult asthmatics. Patient Prefer Adherence 2016; 10:339-44. [PMID: 27051275 PMCID: PMC4807945 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s98637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma guidelines suggest stepping-down of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) when asthma is stable. OBJECTIVE To determine outcomes of stepping-down and prediction of outcome after stepping-down of ICSs in controlled adult asthma. METHODS We performed a retrospective study on 21-81 year-old hospital-based outpatients with asthma in Japan. Protocol for stepping-down of ICSs was performed according to the GINA guideline. Failure/success of stepping-down is judged as occurring exacerbation or not for stepping-down of ICSs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to develop a prediction model for failed stepping-down, and then was validated by the leave-one-out cross-validation method. Our model of prediction score was calculated using receiver-operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis. The Nelson-Aalen curve demonstrated time to failure of stepping-down of ICSs. RESULTS A total of 126 patients with asthma attempted the stepping-down of ICSs according to the guideline. Of patients with follow-up, 97 (77.0%) of stepping-down attempts were successful. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, comorbidity with rhinitis/rhinosinusitis and phlegm grade were independent predictors of failed stepping-down of ICSs, with odds ratios of 3.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-13.3; P=0.04) and 1.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-11.5; P=0.04), respectively. These variables were then used to build a prediction score in terms of the prediction of failed stepping-down events. When the two variables were added to form the prediction score, the discriminative power of scores calculated by the prediction model using the AUC was 0.75 (range: 0.62-0.88) for naïve prediction and 0.72 (range: 0.60-0.86) after cross-validation. In the time-to-failure models, cumulative hazard ratio of failed stepping-down have fixed 1 year after stepping-down. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that comorbidity with rhinitis/rhinosinusitis and phlegm grade are imperative to predict failed stepping-down of ICSs in controlled patients with adult asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yamasaki
- Division of Medical Oncology and Molecular Respirology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Tomita
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yonago Medical Centre, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sanin Rosai Hospital, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kouji Fukutani
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sanin Rosai Hospital, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuji Tohda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eiji Shimizu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Molecular Respirology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
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Rank MA, Johnson R, Branda M, Herrin J, van Houten H, Gionfriddo MR, Shah ND. Long-term Outcomes After Stepping Down Asthma Controller Medications: A Claims-Based, Time-to-Event Analysis. Chest 2015; 148:630-639. [PMID: 25997080 DOI: 10.1378/chest.15-0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term outcomes after stepping down asthma medications are not well described. METHODS This study was a retrospective time-to-event analysis of individuals diagnosed with asthma who stepped down their asthma controller medications using a US claims database spanning 2000 to 2012. Four-month intervals were established and a step-down event was defined by a ≥ 50% decrease in days-supplied of controller medications from one interval to the next; this definition is inclusive of step-down that occurred without health-care provider guidance or as a consequence of a medication adherence lapse. Asthma stability in the period prior to step-down was defined by not having an asthma exacerbation (inpatient visit, ED visit, or dispensing of a systemic corticosteroid linked to an asthma visit) and having fewer than two rescue inhaler claims in a 4-month period. The primary outcome in the period following step-down was time-to-first asthma exacerbation. RESULTS Thirty-two percent of the 26,292 included individuals had an asthma exacerbation in the 24-month period following step-down of asthma controller medication, though only 7% had an ED visit or hospitalization for asthma. The length of asthma stability prior to stepping down asthma medication was strongly associated with the risk of an asthma exacerbation in the subsequent 24-month period: < 4 months' stability, 44%; 4 to 7 months, 34%; 8 to 11 months, 30%; and ≥ 12 months, 21% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS In a large, claims-based, real-world study setting, 32% of individuals have an asthma exacerbation in the 2 years following a step-down event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Rank
- From the Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ; Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Ryan Johnson
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Megan Branda
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Knowledge Encounter Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jeph Herrin
- Division of Cardiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Health Research & Educational Trust, Chicago, IL
| | - Holly van Houten
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Nilay D Shah
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Optum Labs, Optum, Inc, Cambridge, MA
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Rank MA, Liesinger JT, Branda ME, Gionfriddo MR, Schatz M, Zeiger RS, Shah ND. Comparative safety and costs of stepping down asthma medications in patients with controlled asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 137:1373-1379.e3. [PMID: 26506020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data exist regarding outcomes after stepping down asthma medication. OBJECTIVE We sought to compare the safety and costs of stepping down asthma controller medications with maintaining current treatment levels in patients with controlled asthma. METHODS Patients with persistent asthma were identified from the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey years 2000-2010. Each patient had Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data for 2 years, and measurement was divided into 5 periods of 4 to 5 months each. Eligibility for stepping down asthma controller medications included no hospitalizations or emergency department visits for asthma in periods 1 to 3 and no systemic corticosteroid and 3 or less rescue inhalers dispensed in periods 2 and 3. Steps were defined by type and dose of chronic asthma medication based on current guidelines when comparing period 4 with period 3. The primary outcome of complete asthma control in period 5 was defined as no asthma hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and dispensed systemic corticosteroids and 2 or fewer dispensed rescue inhalers. Multivariable analyses were conducted to assess safety and costs after step down compared with those who maintained the treatment level. RESULTS Overall, 29.9% of patients meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 4235) were eligible for step down; 89.4% (95% CI, 86.4% to 92.4%) of those who stepped down had preserved asthma control compared with 83.5% (95% CI, 79.9% to 87.0%) of those who were similarly eligible for step down but maintained their treatment level. The average monthly asthma-related cost savings was $34.02/mo (95% CI, $5.42/mo to $61.24/mo) with step down compared with maintenance of the treatment level. CONCLUSION Stepping down asthma medications in those whose symptoms were controlled led to similar clinical outcomes at reduced cost compared with those who maintained their current treatment level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Rank
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz; Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
| | | | - Megan E Branda
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Knowledge and Evaluation Research (KER) Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
| | - Michael R Gionfriddo
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research (KER) Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Mayo Graduate School, Rochester, Minn
| | - Michael Schatz
- Departments of Allergy and Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, San Diego and Pasadena, Calif
| | - Robert S Zeiger
- Departments of Allergy and Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, San Diego and Pasadena, Calif
| | - Nilay D Shah
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Knowledge and Evaluation Research (KER) Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
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Gionfriddo MR, Hagan JB, Hagan CR, Volcheck GW, Castaneda-Guarderas A, Rank MA. Stepping down inhaled corticosteroids from scheduled to as needed in stable asthma: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy Asthma Proc 2015; 36:262-7. [PMID: 26108083 DOI: 10.2500/aap.2015.36.3850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with asthma are potentially overtreated, which results in unnecessary cost and unnecessary exposure to drugs that may result in adverse events. Step down helps reduce overtreatment, may mitigate these harms, and is advocated by major guidelines. Unfortunately, data that support step down are sparse. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to examine the effect of stepping down from scheduled inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to as-needed ICS in patients with stable asthma. METHODS Several electronic databases were systematically searched in April 2014. Articles were screened independently in duplicate. Studies were required to have at least a 12-week follow-up duration and to have compared stepping down from scheduled ICS to as-needed ICS and maintenance of scheduled ICS. Patients were required to have stable asthma as evidenced by at least 4 weeks without asthma exacerbation before intervention. RESULTS A total of 3025 abstracts were retrieved initially, 77 of which were retrieved for full-text screening. Of these, only two articles were found to be eligible for inclusion, both were randomized controlled trials. By using random effects meta-analysis, it was determined that, after a follow-up of 6-10 months, the relative risk of exacerbation of stepping down from scheduled to as-needed ICS was 1.32 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-2.16; p = 0.27, I(2) = 0%). Those who did not step down had more symptom-free days (standard mean difference 0.26 [95% CI, 0.02-0.49; p = 0.03; I(2) = 22%]). CONCLUSION There is currently insufficient evidence to associate stepping down from scheduled to as-needed ICS with a change in exacerbations, although it may lead to fewer symptom-free days.
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Nickels AS, Tilburt JC. Uncertainty and the ethics of allergy care. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 114:3-5. [PMID: 25457865 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Nickels
- Division of Allergic Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Biomedical Ethics Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | - Jon C Tilburt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Division of Healthcare Policy & Research, Department of Health Sciences Research Biomedical Ethics Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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