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Dębowski T, Marko M, Rogala B, Majak P, Pawliczak R. Improvement of asthma control in adult patients using extrafine inhaled beclomethasone/formoterol fixed combination as maintenance therapy as well as maintenance and reliever therapy - CONTROL study. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2024; 84:102272. [PMID: 38036258 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2023.102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extrafine formulation of beclomethasone/formoterol fixed combination (BDP/F pMDI HFA) is approved for both fixed maintenance and maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) of asthma, and recent data has proven that BDP/F pMDI HFA maintenance and reliever therapy is an effective alternative to other regimens. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the level of asthma control in a real-life setting in adult patients using extrafine BDP/F pMDI HFA fixed combination in a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) as fixed maintenance dosing as well as maintenance and maintenance and reliever therapy. Additionally, we examined patients' satisfaction with the inhaler device and compliance with therapy as essential factors determining asthma control. METHODS This multicenter prospective non-interventional observational study lasted 4 months with 3 patient visits. We used the Asthma Control Questionnaire 7 (ACQ-7) to evaluate the degree of asthma control and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) to assess compliance. A self-developed questionnaire was used to assess satisfaction with the inhaler device. RESULTS 2179 patients using BDP/F pMDI HFA fixed combination as maintenance and reliever therapy or BDP/F pMDI HFA as maintenance therapy and SABA (short-acting beta2-agonist) as a reliever for at least 2 months were included. During the prospective follow-up, we observed an upward trend in the FEV1% (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) predicted values, improvement in the control of symptoms as indicated by a decline in the mean ACQ-7 score was noted (1.62 at Visit 1 vs. 1.21 at Visit 2 vs. 0.94 at Visit 3, p < 0.001) and increase in patients' compliance (the number of patients that reported forgetting at times to take their medication was reduced from 49.7 % to 27.1 %, p < 0.001). At the same time, we noted a reduction in the number of as-needed doses used for symptom relief (p < 0.001). Most patients were satisfied with the pMDI, considered it easy and convenient to use, and preferred it to a dry powder inhaler (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The use of extrafine BDP/F pMDI HFA as maintenance as well as reliever therapy seems to be associated with increased asthma control and better compliance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Dębowski
- Chiesi Poland sp. z o.o., Aleje Jerozolimskie 134, 02-305, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Marko
- Department of Immunopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Science, Medical University of Lodz, 7/9 Zeligowskiego St., 90-752, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Barbara Rogala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 14 St., 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Paweł Majak
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Medical University of Lodz, Piłsudskiego 71 St., 90-329, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Rafał Pawliczak
- Department of Immunopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Science, Medical University of Lodz, 7/9 Zeligowskiego St., 90-752, Lodz, Poland.
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Abdul Hamid MF, Ahmad A, Mohamad Jailaini MF, Soelar SA, Nik Abeed NN, Hau NB, Azmel AA, Ban A. The effect of fine-particle size and extrafine particle size inhaled corticosteroid in reducing airway resistance in asthmatic patients. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/20101058231167250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bronchial asthma is characterised by chronic inflammation of both large and small airways. Extra-fine formulation of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) can achieve a higher peripheral lung deposition leading to improved asthma control. We investigated the effect of extra-fine and fine particle size inhaled ICS with airway resistance and severity of symptoms in asthmatic patients. Methods Prospective interventional study of outpatient asthmatics in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Subjects were grouped based on pre-existing inhalers; extra-fine and fine inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long acting beta agonist (LABA). Crossover was at week 7 and treatment regime continued for 7 weeks. Subjects were assessed at week 0, 6 and 13 using asthma control test (ACT) score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and impulse oscillometry (IOS) Inhaler technique was assessed periodically. Results Thirty-four subjects were recruited. Median asthma duration was 20 years. Twenty subjects (58%) in fine ICS/LABA and 14 (42%) in extra-fine ICS/LABA group. Thirty-one subjects were analysed before crossver. There was a significant improvement of FEV1 in the extra-fine ICS/LABA group (1.7 ± 0.47 to 1.88 ± 0.5; p = 0.01). ACT score reduced significantly in extra-fine ICS/LABA group (23 ± 5 to 21 ± 4; p = 0.04) at week 0–6. Week 7–13 showed a significant improvement of ACT score (16.5 ± 3 to 20 ± 3; p = 0.01) and FEV1 (1.71 ± 0.96 to 1.81 ± 1.02: p = 0.01) in extra-fine ICS/LABA. There was no significant difference in (IOS) parameters between the groups. Conclusion There was an improvement of FEV1 and ACT score with extra-fine ICS/LABA with no benefit in airway resistance.
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Cottini M, Bondi B, Bagnasco D, Braido F, Passalacqua G, Licini A, Lombardi C, Berti A, Comberiati P, Landi M, Heffler E, Paoletti G. Impulse oscillometry defined small airway dysfunction in asthmatic patients with normal spirometry: Prevalence, clinical associations, and impact on asthma control. Respir Med 2023; 218:107391. [PMID: 37595673 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The small-airway dysfunction (SAD), detected with impulse oscillometry (IOS) methods, has been recently better characterized in patients with asthma. However, little is known about SAD in asthmatic patients with normal spirometry (NS). OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to investigate, in an unselected sample of 321 patients with physician-diagnosed asthma and NS, prevalence, clinical characterization, and impact on asthma control of IOS-defined SAD. As a secondary objective of the study, we focused on comparing the difference between IOS- and spirometry-defined SAD. METHODS Consecutive patients with a previous diagnosis of asthma but normal spirometry at the moment of the enrollment were stratified by the presence of IOS-defined SAD (difference in resistance at 5 Hz and at 20 Hz [R5-R20] greater than 0.07 kPa x s x L-1). We have also assessed the presence of SAD defined by spirometry, according to FEF 25-75 < 65% of the predicted. Clinical and laboratory features were collected, and univariable and multivariable analyses were used to analyze cross-sectional associations between clinical variables and outcomes (SAD). RESULTS IOS-defined SAD was present in 54.1% of the cohort. In contrast, spirometry-defined SAD was present in only 10% of patients. Subjects with IOS-defined SAD showed less well-controlled asthma and a higher mean inhaled corticosteroid dosage use compared with subjects without SAD (both P < .001). Overweight (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.23), exacerbation history (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.34-6.97), asthma-related night awakenings (OR, 6.88; 95% CI, 2.13-22.23), exercise-induced asthma symptoms (OR, 33.5; 95% CI, 9.51-117.8), and controlled asthma (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.84) were independently associated with SAD. CONCLUSIONS Asthmatic patients with IOS-defined SAD showed less well-controlled asthma, more severe exacerbations and higher mean inhaled corticosteroid dosage. We confirmed exercise-induced asthma, asthma-related night awakenings, exacerbation history, and overweight as independently associated with SAD, while showing well-controlled asthma as inversely associated. SAD may be overlooked by standard spirometry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benedetta Bondi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.
| | - Diego Bagnasco
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Fulvio Braido
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Passalacqua
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Anita Licini
- Allergy and Pneumology Outpatient Clinic, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlo Lombardi
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Immunology & Pulmonary Diseases, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alvise Berti
- Center for Medical Sciences (CISMed) and Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy, and Santa Chiara Regional Hospital, APSS, Trento, Italy
| | - Pasquale Comberiati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Landi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, SSDDU Allergologia e Immunologia Clinica, Università degli Studi di Torino, AO Ordine Mauriziano Umberto I, Torino, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Erjefält JS. Anatomical and histopathological approaches to asthma phenotyping. Respir Med 2023; 210:107168. [PMID: 36822489 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is typically characterized by variable respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Along with the pathophysiology and symptoms are immunological and inflammatory processes. The last decades research has revealed that the immunology of asthma is highly heterogeneous. This has clinical consequences and identification of immunological phenotypes is currently used to guide biological treatment. The focus of this review is on another dimension of asthma diversity, namely anatomical heterogeneity. Immunopathological alterations may go beyond the central airways to also involve the distal airways, the alveolar parenchyma, and pulmonary vessels. Also, extrapulmonary tissues are affected. The anatomical distribution of inflammation in asthma has remained relatively poorly discussed despite its potential implication on both clinical presentation and response to treatment. There is today evidence that a significant proportion of the asthma patients has small airway disease with type 2 immunity, eosinophilia and smooth muscle infiltration of mast cells. The small airways in asthma are also subjected to remodelling, constriction, and luminal plugging, events that are likely to contribute to the elevated distal airway resistance seen in some patients. In cases when the inflammation extends into the alveolar parenchyma alveolar FCER1-high mast cells, eosinophilia, type 2 immunity and activated alveolar macrophages, together with modest interstitial remodelling, create a complex immunopathological picture. Importantly, the distal lung inflammation in asthma can be pharmacologically targeted by use of inhalers with more distal drug deposition. Biological treatments, which are readily distributed to the distal lung, may also be beneficial in eligible patients with more severe and anatomically widespread disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas S Erjefält
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Allergology and Respiratory Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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Combined analysis of five non-interventional studies of the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of the extrafine fixed dose beclomethasone/formoterol combination in the treatment of asthma in Austria. Respir Med 2023; 207:107097. [PMID: 36584794 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.107097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The real-world effectiveness and tolerability of an extrafine fixed dose beclomethasone/formoterol (BDP/FF) treatment of patients with partially or non-controlled asthma was evaluated in five non-interventional studies (NISs) from Austria. METHODS Asthma patients enrolled in these five NISs were treated with beclomethasone/formoterol (Foster® or Foster® Nexthaler®) as maintenance and reliever over 12 weeks. Asthma control, lung function and symptom scores were assessed at baseline, after 4-8 weeks and at the end of the investigations in week 12. In addition, tolerability and handling of the devices were evaluated by questionnaires. RESULTS The combined analysis included 891 patients (53% female, aged 49.3 years) demonstrating significant improvements in asthma control, lung function parameters (PEF, FEV1 and FVC) and symptom scores (reduction of breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and cough). These changes were already detectable after 4-8 weeks. The treatment was effective irrespective of smoking status, exercise, or previous medication. Tolerability of the therapy with extrafine BDP/FF was rated as "very good" or "good" in 98% of the patients. 95% of the patients intended to continue the treatment, and nearly all (99%) rated the handling of the device as "very good" or "good". No serious adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS This combined analysis of five non-interventional studies confirms the effectiveness and tolerability of the extrafine fixed-dose BDP/FF combination (Foster® and Foster® Nexthaler®) in a heterogenous patient population suffering from partially or non-controlled asthma. Therapy was associated with a high patient satisfaction and the absence of serious adverse reactions.
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Kamga A, Rochefort-Morel C, Guen YL, Ouksel H, Pipet A, Leroyer C. Asthma and smoking: A review. Respir Med Res 2022; 82:100916. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmer.2022.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Asthma and Tobacco Smoking. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081231. [PMID: 36013180 PMCID: PMC9409665 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a prevalent chronic pulmonary condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Tobacco smoking is implicated in asthma pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Smokers display increased prevalence and incidence of asthma, but a causal association cannot be claimed using existing evidence. Second-hand smoking and passive exposure to tobacco in utero and early life have also been linked with asthma development. Currently, approximately one-fourth of asthma patients are smokers. Regular smokers with asthma might display accelerated lung function decline and non-reversible airflow limitation, making their distinction from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients challenging. Asthma patients who smoke typically have uncontrolled disease, as shown by increased symptoms, more exacerbations and impaired quality of life. On the other hand, smoking cessation improves lung function and asthma severity. Thus, asthma patients and their caregivers should be actively questioned about their smoking status at each medical encounter, and smoking cessation ought to be strongly encouraged both for patients with asthma and their close contacts. Smokers with asthma should be provided with comprehensive smoking cessation interventions on top of other anti-asthma medications.
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Ulmeanu R, Bloju S, Vittos O. Assessment of Symptoms Control, Pulmonary Function and Related Quality of Life in Asthmatic Patients Treated with Extrafine Beclomethasone Dipropionate/Formoterol Fumarate 100/6 μg pMDI: Results of a Multicenter Observational Study in Romania (ALFRESCO Study). J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:919-933. [PMID: 35836969 PMCID: PMC9275489 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s358798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthma treatment guidelines advocate the use of long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) in addition to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients whose asthma is uncontrolled by ICS alone. This is the first study done in Romania, which collected the real-world data on the effects of Foster® (extrafine beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate BDP/FF in a pressurized metered-dose inhaler pMDI 100/6 μg formulation) in adult asthmatic population. Objective We aimed to assess the asthma symptoms control, pulmonary function and quality of life parameters in a heterogeneous Romanian asthmatic adult outpatient population, treated with extrafine BDP/FF 100/6 μg pMDI. Methods This was a prospective, multicenter, observational study involving 30 pulmonologists randomly selected from the Romanian healthcare system, which did not declare any competing interests. Recruitment period was Oct 2018 - Feb 2019, while the patients' observational period was 24 weeks. The study included poorly controlled and uncontrolled adult asthma outpatients treated with non-extrafine formulations medication, for which the treatment indication, according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2018, was the use of an ICS-LABA combination. The study collected demographic data, smoking habits, comorbidities, data regarding asthma diagnosis, the evolution of asthma symptoms, spirometry, Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-7) scoring test, current and concomitant treatment. Results Of 302 included patients, 290 completed the study. Pulmonary function parameters assessed during the trial (forced expiratory volume in one second - FEV1 and forced vital capacity - FVC) showed a significant improvement versus baseline (p<0.001). ACQ-7 score decreased significantly from 3.09±0.83 (visit 1) to 1.56±0.89 (visit 2) and to 1.09±0.81 (visit 3) (p<0.001). At the end of the study, 127 (43.79%) patients were well controlled (ACQ-7 score < 0.75). Conclusion This observational study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of extrafine fixed combination of BDP/FF (100/6 μg) pMDI in Romanian adult asthma patients uncontrolled with non-extrafine medication in a real-world setting, leading to clinically and statistically improvements in asthma control and pulmonary function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxandra Ulmeanu
- Postgraduate Training School of the Romanian Society of Pulmonology; Bronchoscopy Department - Institute of Pulmonology "Marius Nasta", Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Oana Vittos
- Clinical Research Department, Medone Research, Bucharest, Romania
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Cottini M, Lombardi C, Passalacqua G, Bagnasco D, Berti A, Comberiati P, Imeri G, Landi M, Heffler E. Small Airways: The “Silent Zone” of 2021 GINA Report? Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:884679. [PMID: 35677830 PMCID: PMC9168121 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.884679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disease, affecting approximately 350 million people worldwide. Inflammation and remodeling in asthma involve the large airways, and it is now widely accepted that the small airways (those with an internal diameter <2 mm) are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and are the major determinant of airflow obstruction in this disease. From a clinical perspective, small airways dysfunction (SAD) is associated with more severe bronchial hyperresponsiveness, worse asthma control and more exacerbations. Unlike the GOLD guidelines which, in their definition, identify COPD as a disease of the small airways, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines do not refer to the prevalence and role of SAD in asthmatic patients. This decision seems surprising, given the growing body of compelling evidence accumulating pointing out the high prevalence of SAD in asthmatic patients and the importance of SAD in poor asthma control. Furthermore, and remarkably, SAD appears to possess the characteristics of a treatable pulmonary trait, making it certainly appealing for asthma control optimization and exacerbation rate reduction. In this mini-review article, we address the most recent evidence on the role of SAD on asthma control and critically review the possible inclusion of SAD among treatable pulmonary traits in international guidelines on asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Cottini
- Allergy and Pneumology Outpatient Clinic, Bergamo, Italy
- Marcello Cottini
| | - Carlo Lombardi
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Immunology & Pulmonary Diseases, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Carlo Lombardi
| | - Giovanni Passalacqua
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Diego Bagnasco
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Alvise Berti
- Ospedale Santa Chiara and Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Thoracic Disease Research, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Pasquale Comberiati
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Imeri
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, University of Milan-Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Massimo Landi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
- Pediatric National Healthcare System, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital - Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Cottini M, Licini A, Lombardi C, Bagnasco D, Comberiati P, Berti A. Small airway dysfunction and poor asthma control: a dangerous liaison. Clin Mol Allergy 2021; 19:7. [PMID: 34051816 PMCID: PMC8164746 DOI: 10.1186/s12948-021-00147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a common chronic condition, affecting approximately 339 million people worldwide. The main goal of the current asthma treatment guidelines is to achieve clinical control, encompassing both the patient symptoms and limitations and the future risk of adverse asthma outcomes. Despite randomized controlled trials showing that asthma control is an achievable target, a substantial proportion of asthmatics remain poorly controlled in real life. The involvement of peripheral small airways has recently gained greater recognition in asthma, and many studies suggest that the persistent inflammation at these sites leads to small airway dysfunction (SAD), strongly contributing to a worse asthma control. Overall, the impulse oscillometry (IOS), introduced in the recent years, seems to be able to sensitively assess small airways, while conventional spirometry does not. Therefore, IOS may be of great help in characterizing SAD and guiding therapy choice. The aim of this article is to review the literature on SAD and its influence on asthma control, emphasizing the most recent evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anita Licini
- Allergy and Pneumology Outpatient Clinic, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlo Lombardi
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Immunology and Pulmonary Diseases, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Diego Bagnasco
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Comberiati
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alvise Berti
- Ospedale Santa Chiara and Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Clinical Characterization and Predictors of IOS-Defined Small-Airway Dysfunction in Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2019; 8:997-1004.e2. [PMID: 31726234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The involvement of small airways has recently gained greater recognition in asthma. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a simple and noninvasive method based on the forced oscillation technique, for the detection of small-airway dysfunction (SAD). OBJECTIVE To identify the predictors of SAD in an unselected sample of 400 patients with physician-diagnosed asthma. METHODS All patients underwent standard spirometry and IOS at the first visit, and were stratified by the presence of SAD defined by IOS (fall in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz [R5-R20] > 0.07 kPa × s × L-1). Univariable and multivariable analyses and classification tree method were used to analyze cross-sectional relationships between clinical variables and outcome (SAD). RESULTS SAD was present in 62% of the cohort. Subjects with SAD showed a less well-controlled asthma, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma definition, and a higher mean inhaled corticosteroid dosage use compared with subjects without SAD (both P < .001). Increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% CI, 1.14-3.70), female sex (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.29-4.06), smoking (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.60-6.05), older age (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.77-5.49), asthma-related night awakenings (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.85-6.17), overweight (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.99-6.85), and exercise-induced asthma symptoms (OR, 6.39; 95% CI 3.65-11.45) were independent predictors of SAD. Classification tree analysis confirmed that exercise-induced asthma, overweight, asthma-related night awakenings, smoking, and older age have potential for clinical use in distinguishing patients with SAD from those without it. CONCLUSIONS We identified predictors of SAD and showed that especially exercise-induced asthma, overweight, asthma-related night awakenings, smoking, and older age were strongly associated with SAD.
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Campbell JD, Perry R, Papadopoulos NG, Krishnan J, Brusselle G, Chisholm A, Bjermer L, Thomas M, van Ganse E, van den Berge M, Quint J, Price D, Roche N. The REal Life EVidence AssessmeNt Tool (RELEVANT): development of a novel quality assurance asset to rate observational comparative effectiveness research studies. Clin Transl Allergy 2019; 9:21. [PMID: 30962876 PMCID: PMC6436213 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-019-0256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from observational comparative effectiveness research (CER) is ranked below that from randomized controlled trials in traditional evidence hierarchies. However, asthma observational CER studies represent an important complementary evidence source answering different research questions and are particularly valuable in guiding clinical decision making in real-life patient and practice settings. Tools are required to assist in quality appraisal of observational CER to enable identification of and confidence in high-quality CER evidence to inform guideline development. METHODS The REal Life EVidence AssessmeNt Tool (RELEVANT) was developed through a step-wise approach. We conducted an iterative refinement of the tool based on Task Force member expertise and feedback from pilot testing the tool until reaching adequate inter-rater agreement percentages. Two distinct pilots were conducted-the first involving six members of the Respiratory Effectiveness Group (REG) and European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) joint Task Force for quality appraisal of observational asthma CER; the second involving 22 members of REG and EAACI membership. The final tool consists of 21 quality sub-items distributed across seven methodology domains: Background, Design, Measures, Analysis, Results, Discussion/Interpretation, and Conflict of Interest. Eleven of these sub-items are considered critical and named "primary sub-items". RESULTS Following the second pilot, RELEVANT showed inter-rater agreement ≥ 70% for 94% of all primary and 93% for all secondary sub-items tested across three rater groups. For observational CER to be classified as sufficiently high quality for future guideline consideration, all RELEVANT primary sub-items must be fulfilled. The ten secondary sub-items further qualify the relative strengths and weaknesses of the published CER evidence. RELEVANT could also be applicable to general quality appraisal of observational CER across other medical specialties. CONCLUSIONS RELEVANT is the first quality checklist to assist in the appraisal of published observational CER developed through iterative feedback derived from pilot implementation and inter-rater agreement evaluation. Developed for a REG-EAACI Task Force quality appraisal of recent asthma CER, RELEVANT also has wider utility to support appraisal of CER literature in general (including pre-publication). It may also assist in manuscript development and in educating relevant stakeholders about key quality markers in observational CER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Campbell
- Center for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Robert Perry
- Center for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jerry Krishnan
- Population Health Sciences Program, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Guy Brusselle
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Departments of Epidemiology and Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Leif Bjermer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Institute of Clinical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michael Thomas
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Eric van Ganse
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, UMR CNRS 5558, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Quint
- Respiratory Epidemiology, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Price
- Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicolas Roche
- Hôpital Cochin (APHP), University Paris Descartes (EA2511), Paris, France
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13
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Roche N, Campbell JD, Krishnan JA, Brusselle G, Chisholm A, Bjermer L, Thomas M, van Ganse E, van den Berge M, Christoff G, Quint J, Papadopoulos NG, Price D. Quality standards in respiratory real-life effectiveness research: the REal Life EVidence AssessmeNt Tool (RELEVANT): report from the Respiratory Effectiveness Group-European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Task Force. Clin Transl Allergy 2019; 9:20. [PMID: 30962875 PMCID: PMC6436229 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-019-0255-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A Task Force was commissioned jointly by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the Respiratory Effectiveness Group (REG) to develop a quality assessment tool for real-life observational research to identify high-quality real-life asthma studies that could be considered within future guideline development. METHODS The resulting REal Life EVidence AssessmeNt Tool (RELEVANT) was achieved through an extensive analysis of existing initiatives in this area. The first version was piloted among 9 raters across 6 articles; the revised, interim, version underwent extensive testing by 22 reviewers from the EAACI membership and REG collaborator group, leading to further revisions and tool finalisation. RELEVANT was validated through an analysis of real-life effectiveness studies identified via systematic review of Medline and Embase databases and relating to topics for which real-life studies may offer valuable evidence complementary to that from randomised controlled trials. The topics were selected through a vote among Task Force members and related to the influence of adherence, smoking, inhaler device and particle size on asthma treatment effectiveness. RESULTS Although highlighting a general lack of high-quality real-life effectiveness observational research on these clinically important topics, the analysis provided insights into how identified observational studies might inform asthma guidelines developers and clinicians. Overall, RELEVANT appeared reliable and easy to use by expert reviewers. CONCLUSIONS Using such quality appraisal tools is mandatory to assess whether specific observational real-life effectiveness studies can be used to inform guideline development and/or decision-making in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Roche
- Pneumologie, Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Jonathan D. Campbell
- Center for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Reasearch, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | | | - Guy Brusselle
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Leif Bjermer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Skane University Hospital, 221, 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mike Thomas
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ UK
| | - Eric van Ganse
- Claude-Bernard Lyon1 University, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - George Christoff
- Medical University - Sofia, Faculty of Public Health, 8 “Bialo more” str, 1527, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jennifer Quint
- Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | | | - David Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, 60 Paya Lebar Road, Paya Lebar Square, #05-33/34, Singapore, 409051 Singapore
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14
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Thomson NC. Challenges in the management of asthma associated with smoking-induced airway diseases. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:1565-1579. [PMID: 30196731 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1515912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking-induced airway diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and small airway dysfunction contribute to the chronic respiratory symptoms experienced by adults with asthma, including those with spirometric chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), termed asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Drug treatment of symptomatic smokers with asthma or ACO is uncertain due to their exclusion from most clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes evidence for the efficacy of small molecule drugs used in the clinic to treat current and former smokers with a diagnostic label of asthma or ACO. Other therapeutic interventions are reviewed, including smoking cessation and biologics. EXPERT OPINION Clinical trials and observational studies suggest that smoking cessation and approved drugs used to treat non-smokers with asthma produce clinical benefits in smokers with asthma or ACO, although the overall quality of evidence is low. The efficacy of some treatments for asthma is altered in current smokers, including reduced responsiveness to short-term inhaled corticosteroids and possibly improved responsiveness to leukotriene receptor antagonists. Preliminary findings suggest that low-dose theophylline, statins, and biologics, such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab, may improve clinical outcomes in smokers with asthma or ACO. Improved phenotyping and endotyping of asthma and smoking-induced airway diseases should lead to better targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil C Thomson
- a Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation , University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
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15
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Cox CA, Boudewijn IM, Vroegop SJ, Schokker S, Lexmond AJ, Frijlink HW, Hagedoorn P, Vonk JM, Farenhorst MP, Ten Hacken NHT, Kerstjens HAM, Postma DS, van den Berge M. Extrafine compared to non-extrafine particle inhaled corticosteroids in smokers and ex-smokers with asthma. Respir Med 2017; 130:35-42. [PMID: 29206631 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking is as prevalent in asthmatics as in the general population. Asthmatic smokers benefit less from inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) than non-smoking asthmatics, possibly due to more smoking-induced small airways disease. Thus targeting small airways may be important in treating asthmatic (ex-)smokers. We hypothesized that extrafine particle ICS improve small airways function more than non-extrafine particle ICS in asthmatic (ex-)smokers. METHODS We performed an open-label, randomized, three-way cross-over study comparing extrafine beclomethasone (HFA-QVAR) to non-extrafine beclomethasone (HFA-Clenil) and fluticasone (HFA-Flixotide) in 22 smokers and 21 ex-smokers with asthma (?5 packyears). RESULTS Improvement from baseline in PD20 adenosine after using QVAR, Clenil or Flixotide was 1.04 ± 1.71, 1.09 ± 2.12 and 0.94 ± 1.97 doubling doses, mean ± standard deviation (SD), respectively. The change from baseline in R5-R20 at PD20 adenosine after using QVAR, Clenil or Flixotide was ?0.02 ± 0.27, 0.02 ± 0.21, and ?0.02 ± 0.31 kPa sL?1, mean ± SD, respectively. The change in PD20 adenosine and R5-R20 at PD20 adenosine were neither statistically significant different between QVAR and Clenil (p = 0.86 and p = 0.82) nor between QVAR and Flixotide (p = 0.50 and p = 0.96). CONCLUSION Similar effectiveness in improving small airways function was found for extrafine and non-extrafine particle ICS treatment for asthmatic smokers and ex-smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Cox
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ilse M Boudewijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Sebastiaan J Vroegop
- Martini Hospital Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.033, 9700 RM Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Siebrig Schokker
- Martini Hospital Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.033, 9700 RM Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anne J Lexmond
- University of Groningen, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Henderik W Frijlink
- University of Groningen, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Hagedoorn
- University of Groningen, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Judith M Vonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Martijn P Farenhorst
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Nick H T Ten Hacken
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Huib A M Kerstjens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Dirkje S Postma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, PO Box 30.0001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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16
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Dhillon S. Extrafine beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate metered-dose and dry-powder inhalers in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a profile of their use. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-017-0397-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Braido F, Scichilone N, Lavorini F, Usmani OS, Dubuske L, Boulet LP, Mosges R, Nunes C, Sánchez-Borges M, Ansotegui IJ, Ebisawa M, Levi-Schaffer F, Rosenwasser LJ, Bousquet J, Zuberbier T, Canonica GW. Manifesto on small airway involvement and management in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an Interasma (Global Asthma Association - GAA) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) document endorsed by Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) and Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA 2LEN). Asthma Res Pract 2016; 2:12. [PMID: 27965780 PMCID: PMC5142416 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-016-0027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence that enables us to identify, assess, and access the small airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has led INTERASMA (Global Asthma Association) and WAO to take a position on the role of the small airways in these diseases. Starting from an extensive literature review, both organizations developed, discussed, and approved the manifesto, which was subsequently approved and endorsed by the chairs of ARIA and GA2LEN. The manifesto describes the evidence gathered to date and defines and proposes issues on small airway involvement and management in asthma and COPD with the aim of challenging assumptions, fostering commitment, and bringing about change. The small airways (defined as those with an internal diameter <2 mm) are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD and are the major determinant of airflow obstruction in these diseases. Various tests are available for the assessment of the small airways, and their results must be integrated to confirm a diagnosis of small airway dysfunction. In asthma and COPD, the small airways play a key role in attempts to achieve disease control and better outcomes. Small-particle inhaled formulations (defined as those that, owing to their size [usually <2 μm], ensure more extensive deposition in the lung periphery than large molecules) have proved beneficial in patients with asthma and COPD, especially those in whom small airway involvement is predominant. Functional and biological tools capable of accurately assessing the lung periphery and more intensive use of currently available tools are necessary. In patients with suspected COPD or asthma, small airway involvement must be assessed using currently available tools. In patients with subotpimal disease control and/or functional or biological signs of disease activity, the role of small airway involvement should be assessed and treatment tailored. Therefore, the choice between large- and small-particle inhaled formulations must reflect the physician’s considerations of disease features, phenotype, and response to previous therapy. This article is being co-published in Asthma Research and Practice and the World Allergy Organization Journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Braido
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - N Scichilone
- Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - F Lavorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - O S Usmani
- Airway Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - L Dubuske
- Immunology Research Institute of New England, Harvard, USA
| | - L P Boulet
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - R Mosges
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Nunes
- Centro de ImmunoAlergologia de Algarve, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Sánchez-Borges
- Centro Medico Docente La Trinidad, Caracas, Venezuela ; Clinica El Avila, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - I J Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quirón Bizkaia, Carretera Leioa-Inbe, Erandio, Bilbao, Spain
| | - M Ebisawa
- Department of Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Allergy & Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Japan
| | - F Levi-Schaffer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - L J Rosenwasser
- University of Missouri - Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri USA
| | - J Bousquet
- Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Hopital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - T Zuberbier
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G Walter Canonica
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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18
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Braido F, Scichilone N, Lavorini F, Usmani OS, Dubuske L, Boulet LP, Mosges R, Nunes C, Sanchez-Borges M, Ansotegui IJ, Ebisawa M, Levi-Schaffer F, Rosenwasser LJ, Bousquet J, Zuberbier T, Canonica GW, Cruz A, Yanez A, Yorgancioglu A, Deleanu D, Rodrigo G, Berstein J, Ohta K, Vichyanond P, Pawankar R, Gonzalez-Diaz SN, Nakajima S, Slavyanskaya T, Fink-Wagner A, Loyola CB, Ryan D, Passalacqua G, Celedon J, Ivancevich JC, Dobashi K, Zernotti M, Akdis M, Benjaponpitak S, Bonini S, Burks W, Caraballo L, El-Sayed ZA, Fineman S, Greenberger P, Hossny E, Ortega-Martell JA, Saito H, Tang M, Zhang L. Manifesto on small airway involvement and management in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an Interasma (Global Asthma Association - GAA) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) document endorsed by Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) and Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA 2LEN). World Allergy Organ J 2016; 9:37. [PMID: 27800118 PMCID: PMC5084415 DOI: 10.1186/s40413-016-0123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence that enables us to identify, assess, and access the small airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has led INTERASMA (Global Asthma Association) and WAO to take a position on the role of the small airways in these diseases. Starting from an extensive literature review, both organizations developed, discussed, and approved the manifesto, which was subsequently approved and endorsed by the chairs of ARIA and GA2LEN. The manifesto describes the evidence gathered to date and defines and proposes issues on small airway involvement and management in asthma and COPD with the aim of challenging assumptions, fostering commitment, and bringing about change. The small airways (defined as those with an internal diameter <2 mm) are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD and are the major determinant of airflow obstruction in these diseases. Various tests are available for the assessment of the small airways, and their results must be integrated to confirm a diagnosis of small airway dysfunction. In asthma and COPD, the small airways play a key role in attempts to achieve disease control and better outcomes. Small-particle inhaled formulations (defined as those that, owing to their size [usually <2 μm], ensure more extensive deposition in the lung periphery than large molecules) have proved beneficial in patients with asthma and COPD, especially those in whom small airway involvement is predominant. Functional and biological tools capable of accurately assessing the lung periphery and more intensive use of currently available tools are necessary. In patients with suspected COPD or asthma, small airway involvement must be assessed using currently available tools. In patients with subotpimal disease control and/or functional or biological signs of disease activity, the role of small airway involvement should be assessed and treatment tailored. Therefore, the choice between large- and small-particle inhaled formulations must reflect the physician’s considerations of disease features, phenotype, and response to previous therapy. This article is being co-published in Asthma Research and Practice and the World Allergy Organization Journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Braido
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - N Scichilone
- Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - F Lavorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - O S Usmani
- Airway Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - L Dubuske
- Immunology Research Institute of New England, Harvard, USA
| | - L P Boulet
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - R Mosges
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Nunes
- Centro de ImmunoAlergologia de Algarve, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Sanchez-Borges
- Centro Medico Docente La Trinidad, Caracas, Venezuela ; Clinica El Avila, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - I J Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quirón Bizkaia, Carretera Leioa-Inbe, Erandio, Bilbao Spain
| | - M Ebisawa
- Department of Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Allergy & Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Japan
| | - F Levi-Schaffer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - L J Rosenwasser
- University of Missouri - Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri USA
| | - J Bousquet
- Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Hopital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - T Zuberbier
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G Walter Canonica
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Cruz
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Yanez
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Yorgancioglu
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - D Deleanu
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Rodrigo
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - J Berstein
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - K Ohta
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - P Vichyanond
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - R Pawankar
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - S N Gonzalez-Diaz
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Nakajima
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - T Slavyanskaya
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Fink-Wagner
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Baez Loyola
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - D Ryan
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Passalacqua
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - J Celedon
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - J C Ivancevich
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - K Dobashi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Zernotti
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Akdis
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Benjaponpitak
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Bonini
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - W Burks
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Caraballo
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Z Awad El-Sayed
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Fineman
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - P Greenberger
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - E Hossny
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - J A Ortega-Martell
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - H Saito
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Tang
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Zhang
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Department DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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Chatkin JM, Dullius CR. The management of asthmatic smokers. Asthma Res Pract 2016; 2:10. [PMID: 27965778 PMCID: PMC5142412 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-016-0025-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is still a major public health problem in most countries; new strategies to better control this disease are necessary. Such strategies must include predisposing factors. One of these factors is smoking and a significant fraction of asthmatics are smokers. However, clinical trials studying new drugs or newer therapeutic regimens for asthma generally exclude smokers. Therefore, there is a lack of specific information about the treatment of asthma in smokers. The asthmatic smoker is a special phenotype with important therapeutic and prognostic clinical implications. Any form of tobacco use, especially cigarette smoking, plays an important role in this disease. Asthmatic smokers are prone to several negative outcomes. Smoking cessation results in an improvement of symptoms and pulmonary functioning. Counselling and first-line medications for smoking cessation (nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline) significantly increase quitting rates. The role of electronic cigarettes in this group of patients has only begun to be studied. The treatment of asthmatics that smoke has characteristics that need must be well understood by clinicians, especially the poor response to corticosteroids. This condition is not universal and physicians should always consider its inclusion in the treatment of these patients. The association of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus a long-acting beta2 adrenegic (LABA) by smoking asthmatics results in more pronounced improvement in several asthma outcomes compared with the use of corticosteroid alone. Inhaled corticosteroids in extra-fine particles associated with LABA may be a new perspective of treatment. Also the use of leukotriene antagonists may become another therapeutic alternative. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the challenges faced by clinicians to control asthma in smokers and to present methods of coping with smoking treatment and avoiding relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Chatkin
- Faculdade de Medicina PUCRS; Hospital Sao Lucas PUCRS; Centro Clínico, Av. Ipiranga 6690, Office 501, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000 Brazil
| | - Cynthia Rocha Dullius
- Faculdade de Medicina PUCRS; Hospital Sao Lucas PUCRS; Centro Clínico, Av. Ipiranga 6690, Office 501, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000 Brazil
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20
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Marth K, Spinola M, Kisiel J, Woergetter C, Petrovic M, Pohl W. Treatment response according to small airway phenotypes: a real-life observational study. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2016; 10:200-10. [PMID: 27060186 DOI: 10.1177/1753465816642635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scant clinical data are available on the effects of current treatments for asthma on different subgroups of patients with this disease. We conducted a prospective, noninterventional, multicenter real-life study in adult patients with persistent asthma, and we specifically analyzed the effects of treatment with extrafine beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol (BDP/F) in asthma patients categorized by phenotypes related to small airways (i.e. smoking habits, disease duration, and air trapping). METHODS Patients received BDP/F as a fixed combination (100/6 μg), administered in 1-2 inhalations twice daily over a period of 12 weeks. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), number of asthma attacks, asthma control, and severity of asthma symptoms were evaluated in the overall population and in different subgroups at three different time points. RESULTS Overall, 213 patients were enrolled. In the overall population the treatment resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of well controlled patients (from 6.1% to 66.3%; p<0.001), and a reduction of uncontrolled subjects (70.3% versus 10.0%; p<0.001). BDP/F was also associated with a reduction in asthma attacks and an improvement of symptoms. These results were confirmed in specific subgroups of patients identified as small airway phenotypes: smokers, elderly patients, those with long duration of disease and air trapping. CONCLUSIONS This real-life observational study indicates that extrafine BDP/F in a fixed combination improves asthma control and symptoms in the overall population as well as specific subgroups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wolfgang Pohl
- 1130 Wien, KH Hietzing, Abt. f. Atmungs- u. Lungenkrankheiten, Austria
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21
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Crisafulli E, Zanini A, Pisi G, Pignatti P, Poli G, Scuri M, Chetta A. Inhaled beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate extrafine fixed combination for the treatment of asthma. Expert Rev Respir Med 2016; 10:481-90. [PMID: 26938578 DOI: 10.1586/17476348.2016.1161508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inhaled therapy is often considered the cornerstone of asthma management and international guidelines recommend combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting-beta2-agonists (LABA) in a large proportion of asthmatic patients. The effectiveness of ICS/LABA is dependent on the correct choice of device and proper inhalation technique, this influences drug delivery and distribution along the bronchial tree, including the most peripheral airways. The fixed combination of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) is the only extrafine formulation available in pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) and in dry powder inhaler (DPI). Here, we focus on the recent significant advances regarding BDP/FF fixed combination for the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Crisafulli
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit , University of Parma , Parma , Italy
| | - Andrea Zanini
- b Division of Internal and Respiratory Medicine , Malcantonese Hospital, Giuseppe Rossi Foundation , Castelrotto , Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Pisi
- c Paediatrics Department, Cystic Fibrosis Unit , University Hospital , Parma , Italy
| | - Patrizia Pignatti
- d Allergy and Immunology Unit , Salvatore Maugeri Foundation (IRCCS) , Pavia , Italy
| | | | - Mario Scuri
- e Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A ., Parma , Italy
| | - Alfredo Chetta
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit , University of Parma , Parma , Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The prevalence of active smoking in adults with asthma is similar to the general population. Smoking asthma is associated with poorer disease control, impaired response to corticosteroid therapy, accelerated decline in lung function, and increased rate of healthcare utilization. Current asthma guidelines do not provide specific treatment advice for smoking asthmatic patients. There is an urgent need for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and effective treatment for smoking asthmatic patients. RECENT FINDINGS An association between both active and passive smoking and adult-onset asthma is supported by many studies.The asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) has recently gained particular interest and smoking asthmatic patients should be evaluated for ACOS.Treatment regimens for smoking asthma include higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), extrafine particle ICS formulations, antileukotrienes, and combinations of these options.Asthma is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidities whereas smoking is an additional strong independent risk factor for pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco smoking and not asthma per se seems to be the reason of poor prognosis, especially with regard to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in asthmatic patients. SUMMARY Smoking asthma represents a common challenge to the clinician both in terms of diagnosis and management. These aspects have not been thoroughly evaluated and deserve further investigation.
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23
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Contoli M, Bellini F, Morandi L, Forini G, Bianchi S, Gnesini G, Marku B, Rabe KF, Papi A. Assessing small airway impairment in mild-to-moderate smoking asthmatic patients. Eur Respir J 2016; 47:1264-7. [PMID: 26869674 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01708-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Contoli
- Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federico Bellini
- Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giacomo Forini
- Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Bianchi
- Dept of Pharmacy, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Gnesini
- Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Brunilda Marku
- Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Klaus F Rabe
- LungClinic Grosshansdorf, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Grosshansdorf, Germany Dept of Medicine, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alberto Papi
- Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Arsovski Z, Breshkovska G, Dokic D, Ј. Janeva E, Arsovska A, Isjanovski V. The influence of inhaled corticosteroids on asthma control test in smokers and non-smokers with asthma. MAKEDONSKO FARMACEVTSKI BILTEN 2016. [DOI: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2016.62.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoking in asthmatics is responsible for the worsening of asthma symptoms, more frequent asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations and lowered quality of life. In smoking asthmatics the designated doses of the inhaled corticosteroid treatment are usually insufficient to accomplish total asthma control. Out of 54 screened adult patients up to 50 years old with mild asthma, 38 were involved in the study. They were divided in two groups: smokers and non-smokers. They received a total daily dosage of 500 µg of inhaled fluticasone propionate. A rescue medication, a short-acting ß2 agonist (salbutamol) in a dosage of 0.1 mg/per inhaled dose, was used when needed. Asthma was diagnosed by a positive metacholine provocation test and/or a positive bronchodilatator response. An asthma control test i.e. the ACT-TM questionnaire was performed before the beginning of the study and 6 weeks after the treatment
with fluticasone propionate of the previous corticosteroid-naive patients. A statistically positive response (p<0.05) was reached in favor of non-smoking asthmatics. It can be concluded that ACT is a reliable tool to assess the effect of the topical corticosteroid treatment in non-smoking and smoking asthmatics. An achievement of better asthma control could be expected among both of the examined groups, but the effect of the intervention in the therapy is estimated to be more expressed within the group of asthmatic non-smokers. In smoking asthmatics there is a need for other therapeutic modalities such as increasing the dosage of inhaled corticosteroids, usage
of combination therapy and/or adding low doses of aminophylline.
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Cottini M, Lombardi C, Micheletto C. Small airway dysfunction and bronchial asthma control : the state of the art. Asthma Res Pract 2015; 1:13. [PMID: 27965766 PMCID: PMC5142439 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-015-0013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
According to national and international guidelines, achieving and maintaining asthma control is a major goal of disease management. In closely controlled clinical trials, good asthma control can be achieved , with the medical treatments currently available, in the majority of patients , but large population-based studies suggest that a significant proportion of patients in real-life setting experience suboptimal levels of asthma control and report lifestyle limitations with a considerable burden on quality of life. Poor treatment adherence and persistence, failure to use inhalers correctly, heterogeneity of asthma phenotypes and associated co-morbidities are the main contributing factors to poor disease control. Now, it is widely accepted that peripheral airway dysfunction , already present in patients with mild asthma, is a key contributor of worse control. The aim of this paper is to investigate the association between small-airways dysfunction and asthma symptoms/control. We therefore performed a PubMed search using keywords : small airways; asthma (limits applied: Humans, English language) and selected papers with a study population of asthmatic patients, reporting measurement of small-airways parameters and clinical symptoms/control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Lombardi
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Immunology & Pulmonary Diseases, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Via Bissolati, 57, Brescia, 25124 Italy
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26
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Hayes CE, Nuss HJ, Tseng TS, Moody-Thomas S. Use of asthma control indicators in measuring inhaled corticosteroid effectiveness in asthmatic smokers: a systematic review. J Asthma 2015; 52:996-1005. [PMID: 26418843 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2015.1065422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to explore how current research measures the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in smokers with asthma. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched for combinations of terms relating to asthma, tobacco use and ICS effectiveness. STUDY SELECTIONS The search was limited to articles published between 2004 and 2015, in English language. Studies met inclusion criteria if reporting the use of guideline-based asthma control indicators to measure the therapeutic effects of ICS or ICS combination therapies. This review did not exclude articles based on study design. Data were extracted and summarized to describe how indicators were measured across studies in order to characterize and describe the effects of ICS in smokers. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included in this review. Six of these 13 studies used only one indicator to measure asthma control in smokers and ICS was found to improve asthma in only one of six of these studies. Of studies evaluating combination therapy, three of four studies reported a therapeutic benefit to smokers. In these studies of combination therapy multiple indicators of control were measured to assess drug effects. CONCLUSIONS To assess the therapeutic benefit of ICS drugs in smokers, multiple indicators should be measured to determine if current therapy is improving asthma control. Asthma therapy should then be adjusted based on the patient's current asthma status. The development of clinical treatment guidelines for asthmatic smokers may help clinicians make best-practice, evidence-based recommendations in order to optimize care for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Hayes
- a School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Henry J Nuss
- a School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Tung-Sung Tseng
- a School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Sarah Moody-Thomas
- a School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
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Melani AS, Paleari D. Maintaining Control of Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease: Adherence to Inhaled Therapy and Risks and Benefits of Switching Devices. COPD 2015; 13:241-50. [PMID: 26407924 DOI: 10.3109/15412555.2015.1045972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are major obstructive airway diseases that involve underlying airway inflammation. The most widely used pharmacotherapies for asthma and COPD are inhaled agents that have been shown to be effective and safe in these patients. However, despite the availability of effective pharmacologic treatment and comprehensive treatment guidelines, the prevalence of inadequately controlled asthma and COPD is high. A main reason for this is poor adherence. Adherence is a big problem for all chronic diseases, but in asthma and COPD patients there are some additional difficulties because of poor inhalation technique and inhaler choice. Easier-to-use devices and educational strategies on proper inhaler use from health caregivers can improve inhaler technique. The type of device used and the concordance between patient and physician in the choice of inhaler can also improve adherence and are as important as the drug. Adherence to inhaled therapy is absolutely necessary for optimizing patient control. If disease control is not adequate despite good adherence, switching to a more appropriate inhaled therapy is recommended. By contrast, uninformed switching or switching to less user-friendly inhaler may impact disease control negatively. This critical review of the available literature is aimed to provide a guidance protocol on when a switch may be recommended in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Melani
- a Fisiopatologia e Riabilitazione Respiratoria, Dipartimento Vasi, Cuore e Torace, Policlinico Le Scotte , Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese , Siena , Italy
| | - Davide Paleari
- b Medical Department, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA , Parma , Italy
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Barnes PJ, Casale TB, Dahl R, Pavord ID, Wechsler ME. The Asthma Control Questionnaire as a clinical trial endpoint: past experience and recommendations for future use. Allergy 2014; 69:1119-40. [PMID: 25039248 DOI: 10.1111/all.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease according to guidelines issued by bodies such as the Global Initiative for Asthma. Effective control is dependent upon evaluation of symptoms, initiation of appropriate treatment and minimization of the progressive adverse effects of the disease and its therapies. Although individual outcome measures have been shown to correlate with asthma control, composite endpoints are preferred to enable more accurate and robust monitoring of the health of the individual patient. A number of validated instruments are utilized to capture these component endpoints; however, there is no consensus on the optimal instrument for use in clinical trials. The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) has been shown to be a valid, reliable instrument that allows accurate and reproducible assessment of asthma control that compares favourably with other commonly used instruments. This analysis provides a summary of the use of ACQ in phase II, III and IV asthma trials. Comparisons between the ACQ and other instruments are also presented. Our analysis suggests that the ACQ is a valid and robust measure for use as a primary or secondary endpoint in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. J. Barnes
- Airway Disease Section; National Heart & Lung Institute; London UK
| | | | - R. Dahl
- Allergy Centre; Odense University Hospital; Odense Denmark
| | - I. D. Pavord
- Department of Respiratory Medicine; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - M. E. Wechsler
- Department of Medicine; National Jewish Health; Denver CO USA
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29
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Price D, Small I, Haughney J, Ryan D, Gruffydd-Jones K, Lavorini F, Harris T, Burden A, Brockman J, King C, Papi A. Clinical and cost effectiveness of switching asthma patients from fluticasone-salmeterol to extra-fine particle beclometasone-formoterol: a retrospective matched observational study of real-world patients. PRIMARY CARE RESPIRATORY JOURNAL : JOURNAL OF THE GENERAL PRACTICE AIRWAYS GROUP 2014; 22:439-48. [PMID: 24186700 PMCID: PMC6443103 DOI: 10.4104/pcrj.2013.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficacy trials suggest that extra-fine particle beclometasone dipropionate-formoterol (efBDP-FOR) is comparable to fluticasone propionate-salmeterol (FP-SAL) in preventing asthma exacerbations at a clinically equivalent dosage. However, switching from FP-SAL to efBDP-FOR has not been evaluated in real-world asthma patients. AIMS The REACH (Real-world Effectiveness in Asthma therapy of Combination inHalers) study investigated the clinical and cost effectiveness of switching typical asthma patients from FP-SAL to efBDP-FOR. METHODS A retrospective matched (1:3) observational study of 1,528 asthma patients aged 18-80 years from clinical practice databases was performed. Patients remaining on FP-SAL (n=1,146) were compared with those switched to efBDP-FOR at an equivalent or lower inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dosage (n=382). Clinical and economic outcomes were compared between groups for the year before and after the switch. Non-inferiority (at least equivalence) of efBDP-FOR was tested against FP-SAL by comparing exacerbation rates during the outcome year. RESULTS efBDP-FOR was non-inferior to FP-SAL (adjusted exacerbation rate ratio 1.01 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.37)). Switching to efBDP-FOR resulted in significantly better (p<0.05) odds of achieving overall asthma control (no asthma-related hospitalisations, bronchial infections, or acute oral steroids; salbutamol ≤200μg/day) and lower daily short-acting β2-agonist usage at a lower daily ICS dosage (mean -130μg/day FP equivalents; p<0.001). It also reduced mean asthma-related healthcare costs by £93.63/patient/year (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Asthma patients may be switched from FP-SAL to efBDP-FOR at an equivalent or lower ICS dosage with no reduction in clinical effectiveness but a significant reduction in cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Price
- Academic Centre of Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, UK • Research in Real Life Ltd, Cambridge, UK
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Usmani OS. Small airways dysfunction in asthma: evaluation and management to improve asthma control. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2014; 6:376-88. [PMID: 25228994 PMCID: PMC4161678 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2014.6.5.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The small airways have been neglected for many years, but interest in the topic has been rekindled with recent advances in measurement techniques to assess this region and also the ability to deliver therapeutics to the distal airways. Current levels of disease control in asthmatic patients remain poor and there are several contributory factors including; poor treatment compliance, heterogeneity of asthma phenotypes and associated comorbidities. However, the proposition that we may not be targeting all the inflammation that is present throughout the whole respiratory tree may also be an important factor. Indeed decades ago, pathologists and physiologists clearly identified the importance of small airways dysfunction in asthmatic patients. With improved inhaler technology to deliver drug to target the whole respiratory tree and more sensitive measures to assess the distal airways, we should certainly give greater consideration to treating the small airway region when seeing our asthmatic patients in clinic. The aim of this review is to address the relevance of small airways dysfunction in the daily clinical management of patients with asthma. In particular the role of small particle aerosols in the management of patients with asthma will be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar S Usmani
- Airway Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London & Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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31
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Price D, Bjermer L, Popov TA, Chisholm A. Integrating evidence for managing asthma in patients who smoke. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2014; 6:114-20. [PMID: 24587946 PMCID: PMC3936038 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2014.6.2.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking among asthma patients is associated with worsening symptoms and accelerated decline in lung function. Smoking asthma is also characterized by increased levels of neutrophils and macrophages, and greater small airway remodeling, resulting in increased airflow obstruction and impaired response to corticosteroid therapy. As a result, smokers are typically excluded from asthma randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The strict inclusion/exclusion criteria used by asthma RCTs limits the extent to which their findings can be extrapolated to the routine care asthma population and to reflect the likely effectiveness of therapies in subgroups of particular clinical interest, such as smoking asthmatics. The inclusion of smokers in observational asthma studies and pragmatic trials in asthma provides a way of assessing the relative effectiveness of different treatment options for the management of this interesting clinical subgroup. Exploratory studies of possible treatment options for smoking asthma suggest potential utility in: prescribing higher-dose ICS; targeting the small airways of the lungs with extra-fine particle ICS formulations; targeting leukotreines, and possibly also combinations of these options. However, further studies are required. With the paucity of RCT data available, complementary streams of evidence (those from RCTs, pragmatic trials and observational studies) need to be combined to help guide judicious prescribing decisions in smokers with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Price
- Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. ; Respiratory Effectiveness Group, Oakington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Respiratory Effectiveness Group, Oakington, Cambridge, United Kingdom. ; Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Todor A Popov
- Respiratory Effectiveness Group, Oakington, Cambridge, United Kingdom. ; Clinic of Allergy and Asthma, Alexander's University Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Alison Chisholm
- Respiratory Effectiveness Group, Oakington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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32
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Montalbano AM, Anzalone G, Albano GD, Sano CD, Gagliardo R, Bonanno A, Riccobono L, Nicolini G, Ingrassia E, Gjomarkaj M, Profita M. Beclomethasone dipropionate and formoterol reduce oxidative/nitrosative stress generated by cigarette smoke extracts and IL-17A in human bronchial epithelial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 718:418-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Telenga ED, Kerstjens HAM, Ten Hacken NHT, Postma DS, van den Berge M. Inflammation and corticosteroid responsiveness in ex-, current- and never-smoking asthmatics. BMC Pulm Med 2013; 13:58. [PMID: 24053453 PMCID: PMC3849864 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2466-13-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that smoking asthmatics benefit less from corticosteroid treatment than never-smoking asthmatics. We investigated differences in blood and sputum inflammatory profiles between ex-, current-, and never-smokers and assessed their ICS treatment response after 2-week and 1-year treatment. METHODS We analyzed FEV1, PC20 methacholine and PC20 AMP, (differential) cell counts in sputum and blood in ex-, current- and never-smokers at baseline (n=114), after 2-week treatment with fluticasone 500 or 2000 μg/day (n=76) and after 1-year treatment with fluticasone 500 μg/day or a variable dose of fluticasone based on a self-management plan (n=64). RESULTS A total of 114 patients were included (29 ex-, 30 current- and 55 never-smokers. At baseline, ex- and current-smokers had less eosinophils in sputum and blood than never-smokers. Blood neutrophil counts were higher in current- than in never-smokers. A higher number of cigarettes smoked daily was associated with lower blood and sputum eosinophils. After 2-week ICS treatment, FEV1 %predicted improved less in current-smokers than never-smokers (2.4% versus 8.1%, p=0.010) and ex-smokers tended to improve less than never-smokers (4.1%, p=0.067). In contrast, no differences in ICS treatment response in lung function or inflammatory cells were found between the three groups after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Ex- and current-smokers have less eosinophils and more neutrophils in their sputum and blood than never-smokers. Although ex- and current-smokers have a reduced short-term corticosteroid treatment response, we did not find a difference in their long-term treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eef D Telenga
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
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Ryan D, Murphy A, Stallberg B, Baxter N, Heaney LG. 'SIMPLES': a structured primary care approach to adults with difficult asthma. PRIMARY CARE RESPIRATORY JOURNAL : JOURNAL OF THE GENERAL PRACTICE AIRWAYS GROUP 2013; 22:365-73. [PMID: 23974674 PMCID: PMC6442837 DOI: 10.4104/pcrj.2013.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The substantial majority of patients with asthma can expect minimal breakthrough symptoms on standard doses of inhaled corticosteroids with or without additional add-on therapies. SIMPLES is a structured primary care approach to the review of a person with uncontrolled asthma which encompasses patient education monitoring, lifestyle and pharmacological management and addressing support needs which will achieve control in most patients. The small group of patients presenting with persistent asthma symptoms despite being prescribed high levels of treatment are often referred to as having 'difficult asthma'. Some will have difficult, 'therapy resistant' asthma, some will have psychosocial problems which make it difficult for them to achieve asthma control and some may prove to have an alternative diagnosis driving their symptoms. A few patients will benefit from referral to a 'difficult asthma' clinic. The SIMPLES approach, aligned with close co-operation between primary and specialist care, can identify this patient group, avoid inappropriate escalation of treatment, and streamline clinical assessment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dermot Ryan
- General Practitioner, Woodbrook Medical Centre, Loughborough, UK; Honorary Clinical Research Fellow, Allergy and Respiratory Research Group, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna Murphy
- Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Bjorn Stallberg
- General Practitioner, Department of Public Health and Caring Science, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Noel Baxter
- General Practitioner, Surrey Docks Health Centre, Downtown Road, Surrey Quays, London, UK
| | - Liam G Heaney
- Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Centre for Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, N Ireland
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Efficacy versus effectiveness trials: informing guidelines for asthma management. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 13:50-7. [PMID: 23242115 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e32835ad059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Randomized controlled trials, known as efficacy trials and long considered the gold standard for evidence-based asthma guidelines, are designed to test whether interventions have a benefit for selective patient populations under ideal conditions. The goal of pragmatic trials and observational studies instead is to understand real-life efficacy, known as effectiveness. This review summarizes the strengths and limitations of efficacy and effectiveness trials, results of recent effectiveness trials in asthma and initiatives promoting effectiveness research. RECENT FINDINGS Recent pragmatic trials and observational studies have examined outcomes of interventions for diverse real-life patient populations, including smokers and patients with variable adherence, inhaler technique and baseline asthma control. Study results challenge practice guidelines regarding relative effectiveness of leukotriene receptor antagonists and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS); supplement guidelines with regard to effectiveness of interventions in smokers; and begin to address gaps in guidelines regarding choice of ICS and inhaler device. Initiatives are ongoing to refine methods of observational research and to harmonize asthma outcomes for better integration of results from all types of trials. SUMMARY Results of pragmatic trials and observational studies are an important component of the evidence needed to inform guideline recommendations and decision-making by healthcare providers, patients and policymakers.
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Abstract
A significant number of older asthmatics, more often than in previous ages, have poorly controlled asthma, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, current guidelines suggest that most asthmatics can obtain achievement and maintenance of disease control and do not include sections specific to the management of asthma in the elderly so that it is more evident the contrast between poor control of asthma in the elderly and the lack of specific guidance from guidelines on asthma management in older asthmatics. Inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone for older asthmatics, eventually with add-on inhaled long-acting beta-agonists; inhaled short acting beta-agonists can be used as rescue medications. Triggers exacerbating asthma are similar for all ages, but inhaled viruses and drug interactions have greater clinical significance in the elderly. Older asthmatics have an increased likelihood of comorbidities and polypharmacy, with possible worsening of asthma control and reduced treatment adherence. Physicians and older asthmatics probably either do not perceive or accept a poor asthma control. We conclude that specific instruments addressed to evaluate asthma control in the elderly with concomitant comorbidities and measurements for improving self-management and adherence could assure better disease control in older asthmatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Melani
- Fisiopatologia e Riabilitazione Respiratoria, Dipartimento Vasi, Cuore e Torace, Policlinico Le Scotte, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Popov TA, Petrova D, Kralimarkova TZ, Ivanov Y, Popova T, Peneva M, Odzhakova T, Ilieva Y, Yakovliev P, Lazarova T, Georgiev O, Hodzhev V, Hodzheva E, Staevska MT, Dimitrov VD. Real life clinical study design supporting the effectiveness of extra-fine inhaled beclomethasone/formoterol at the level of small airways of asthmatics. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2013; 26:624-9. [PMID: 23769863 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an attempt to establish how treatment with inhaled extra-fine beclomethasone/formoterol (I-EF-BDP/F) formulation differs from other combinations of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long acting beta-agonist (LABA), we studied lung function and markers of airway inflammation upon switching to the extra-fine formulation and after 8 weeks of treatment with it. METHODS We carried out a real-life clinical observation of undercontrolled asthmatic patients switched over from dry powder inhalers of fluticasone/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol to I-EF-BDP/F (Foster(®), Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Italy). The effects of 8-weeks of treatment were documented by means of visual analog scale (VAS), quality of life by Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), spirometry and markers of airway or systemic inflammation: exhaled breath temperature (EBT), blood eosinophils (Eos), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). Before/after treatment differences between forced vital capacity percent of predicted (%FVC), a simple indicator of small airways involvement, were calculated and subjects were ranked accordingly to reflect the magnitude of the therapeutic response. Subjects above the 75th percentile (n = 15), "top responders", were then compared with those below the 25th percentile (n = 15) "poor responders". RESULTS On average, the 59 patients completing the study (mean age ± SD 51 ± 12 years, 38 women) had significant improvement in VAS and QLQ scores at the end of the treatment period (49.1 ± 2.4 vs. 73.1 ± 2.05 and 146.1 ± 2.7 vs. 176.7.1 ± 3.4 respectively, P < 0.001), but not in the inflammatory indicators (EBT, CRP and Eos). However, when comparing the "top responders" with the "poor responders", significant improvement in these inflammatory indicators was observed: EBT significantly decreased from 34.04/mean/± 0.30/s.e.m./[°C] to 33.57 ± 0.33, P = 0.003, Eos in blood fell from 381.7 ± 91.2 [cells/μL] to 244.2 ± 43.2, P = 0.02. Before/after treatment differences in hsCRP decreased significantly in the top responders compared with the poor responders (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Asthmatic subjects who had the most improvement in FVC after transition to I-EF-BDP/F from other combined ICS/LABA preparations also demonstrated a significant decrease in some indicators of airway/systemic inflammation. These results support the notion that I-EF-BDP/F exerts an effect also at the level of the small airways through a reduction of the level of air trapping. Patients in whom inflammation of the small airways plays an important clinical role are the ones to derive most benefit from this small airways tailored treatment. However, improved compliance due to the "promise of a new drug" effect should also be considered as contributing to the treatment results.
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Scichilone N, Spatafora M, Battaglia S, Arrigo R, Benfante A, Bellia V. Lung penetration and patient adherence considerations in the management of asthma: role of extra-fine formulations. J Asthma Allergy 2013; 6:11-21. [PMID: 23378776 PMCID: PMC3559081 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s14743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mainstay of management in asthma is inhalation therapy at the target site, with direct delivery of the aerosolized drug into the airways to treat inflammation and relieve obstruction. Abundant evidence is available to support the concept that inflammatory and functional changes at the level of the most peripheral airways strongly contribute to the complexity and heterogeneous manifestations of asthma. It is now largely accepted that there is a wide range of clinical phenotypes of the disease, characterized primarily by small airways involvement. Thus, an appropriate diagnostic algorithm cannot exclude biological and functional assessment of the peripheral airways. Similarly, achievement of optimal control of the disease and appropriate management of specific phenotypes of asthma should be based on drugs (and delivery options) able to distribute uniformly along the bronchial tree and to reach the most peripheral airways. Products developed with the Modulite® technology platform have been demonstrated to meet these aims. Recent real-life studies have shown clearly that extra-fine fixed-combination inhaled therapy provides better asthma control than non-extra-fine formulations, thus translating the activity of the drugs into greater effectiveness in clinical practice. We suggest that in patients with incomplete asthma control despite good lung function, involvement of the peripheral airways should always be suspected. When this is the case, treatments targeting both the large and small airways should be used to improve asthma control. Above all, it is emphasized that patient adherence with prescribed medications can contribute to clinical success, and clinicians should always be aware of the role played by patients themselves in determining the success or failure of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Scichilone
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Sezione di Pneumologia, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Terzano C, Cremonesi G, Girbino G, Ingrassia E, Marsico S, Nicolini G, Allegra L. 1-year prospective real life monitoring of asthma control and quality of life in Italy. Respir Res 2012; 13:112. [PMID: 23216798 PMCID: PMC3546892 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-13-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The study aimed at prospectively evaluating the evolution of asthma control in Italy, to evaluate the reasons for lack of asthma control, perceived quality of life (QoL) and association with level of asthma control, the impact of pharmacological treatment, the number of exacerbations and the healthcare resource consumption. Methods PRISMA (PRospectIve Study on asthMA control) was an observational study performed in asthmatic patients including a cross-sectional phase and a 12-month prospective phase. Asthma control was assessed with the Asthma Control Test™ (ACT) and QoL was evaluated with EuroQoL-5D questionnaire filled in and collected during 5 clinic visits together with all the other data. Results The prospective phase included 1017 patients with uncontrolled (55.7%) or partly controlled asthma (44.3%). Out of the 739 patients evaluable after 12 months, 22.2% achieved full asthma control (ACT score = 25) and 58.7% reached a good control (ACT score: 20–24). The improvement in asthma control was associated with improved QoL and reduced hospital visits. The main reasons for lack of asthma control were comorbidities, continued exposure to irritants/triggers and poor adherence to therapy. The frequency of exacerbations was lower in patients with controlled asthma. A fixed combination therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting β2 agonist was reported by 77.0% of patients. A better asthma control and improved QoL were achieved with extrafine beclomethasone/formoterol compared to either budesonide/formoterol or fluticasone/salmeterol. Conclusions An improvement in asthma control and QoL can be achieved during a 1-year monitoring in a real life setting. Extrafine beclomethasone/formoterol was associated with significant benefit in terms of asthma control and QoL compared to large-particles combinations. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01110460.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Terzano
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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