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Lee HY, Sim DW, Lee Y, Park SY, Lee SK, Lee H, Kim MH, Shim JS, Kang SY, Ban GY, Nam YH, Kim JH, Lee SY, Rhee CK, Song WJ, Kwon JW, Lee T, Kim SR, Park HW, Cho YS, Koh YI, Yoo KH, Lee BJ, Yoon HJ, Park HS, Kim SH. Characteristics of Severe Asthma in the Elderly: Observations From the Korean Severe Asthma Registry (KoSAR). ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2024; 16:267-278. [PMID: 38910284 PMCID: PMC11199154 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2024.16.3.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Few studies have compared the clinical characteristics of severe asthma (SA) in elderly patients compared to that in nonelderly patients. METHODS We analyzed data from the Korean SA Registry, a nationwide, real-world observational study of SA in Korea. The baseline clinical characteristics, disease control status, and medication use of the patients were compared between elderly (≥ 65 years) and nonelderly groups. RESULTS Of the 864 patients with SA, 260 (30.1%) were in the elderly group. The elderly group had lower atopy rate, but had higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, and osteoporosis than did the nonelderly group. The elderly group had a lower rate of type 2 inflammation and lower levels of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (% predicted) and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio than did the nonelderly group (P < 0.05 for all). However, asthma symptom scores and the frequency of asthma exacerbation were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Of controller medications, biologics were less frequently used in the elderly group (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS SA in the elderly is characterized by lower lung function, less type 2-low airway inflammation, and comorbidity with COPD. These findings are being taken into consideration in the management of elderly patients with SA in real-world clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Young Lee
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Da Woon Sim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Youngsoo Lee
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Gwangmyeong, Korea
| | - Sun-Kyung Lee
- Department of Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Hye Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Woman's University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Su Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Woman's University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Yoon Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ga-Young Ban
- Department of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Hee Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Joo-Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea
| | - Sook Young Lee
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chin Kook Rhee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo-Jung Song
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Taehoon Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - So Ri Kim
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Heung-Woo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - You Sook Cho
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Il Koh
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kwang-Ha Yoo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Jae Lee
- Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Joo Yoon
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Sim Park
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sang-Heon Kim
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Chuang YC, Tsai HH, Lin MC, Wu CC, Lin YC, Wang TN. Cluster analysis of phenotypes, job exposure, and inflammatory patterns in elderly and nonelderly asthma patients. Allergol Int 2024; 73:214-223. [PMID: 38290901 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma has been identified as different phenotypes due to various risk factors. Age differences may have potential effects on asthma phenotypes. Our study aimed to identify potential asthma phenotypes among adults divided by age as either younger or older than 65 years. We also compared differences in blood granulocyte patterns, occupational asthmagens, and asthma control-related outcomes among patient phenotype clusters. METHODS We recruited nonelderly (<65 years old) (n = 726) and elderly adults (≥65 years old) (n = 201) with mild-to-severe asthma. We conducted a factor analysis to select 17 variables. A two-step cluster analysis was used to classify subjects with asthma phenotypes, and a discriminant analysis was used to verify the classification of cluster results. RESULTS There were three clusters with different characteristics identified in both the nonelderly and elderly asthmatic adults. In the nonelderly patient group, cluster 2 (obese, neutrophilic phenotypes) had a 1.85-fold significantly increased risk of asthma exacerbations. Cluster 3 (early-onset, atopy, and smoker with an eosinophil-predominant pattern) had a 2.37-fold risk of asthma exacerbations and higher oral corticosteroid (OCS) use than cluster 1 (late-onset and LMW exposure with paucigranulocytic blood pattern). Among elderly patients, cluster 2 had poor lung function and more ex-smokers. Cluster 3 (early-onset, long asthma duration) had the lowest paucigranulocytic blood pattern percentages in the elderly group. CONCLUSIONS The novelty of the clusters was found in age-dependent clusters. We identified three distinct phenotypes with heterogeneous characteristics, asthma exacerbations and medicine use in nonelderly and elderly asthmatic patients, respectively. Classification of age-stratified asthma phenotypes may lead to precise identification of patients, which provides personalized disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chi Chuang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Tsai
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chih Lin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Chien Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chung Lin
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Nai Wang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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3
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Suzukawa M, Ohta K, Hashimoto H, Oyamada Y, Miki M, Ogawara M, Inoue Y, Saito AM, Fukutomi Y, Kobayashi N, Taniguchi M. Characterization and cluster analyses of elderly asthma in comparison with nonelderly patients with asthma in Japan. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 130:607-616.e3. [PMID: 36657562 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with multiple phenotypes that are useful in precision medicine. As the population ages, the elderly asthma (EA, aged ≥ 65 years) population is growing, and EA is now a major health problem worldwide. OBJECTIVE To characterize EA and identify its phenotypes. METHODS In adult patients with asthma (aged ≥ 18 years) who had been diagnosed with having asthma at least 1 year before study enrollment, 1925 were included in the NHOM-Asthma (registered in UMIN-CTR; UMIN000027776), and the data were used for this study, JFGE-Asthma (registered in UMIN-CTR; UMIN000036912). Data from EA and non-EA (NEA) groups were compared, and Ward's minimum-variance hierarchical clustering method and principal component analysis were performed. RESULTS EA was characterized by older asthma onset, longer asthma duration and smoking history, more comorbidities, lower pulmonary function, less atopic, lower adherence, and more hospital admissions because of asthma. In contrast, the number of eosinophils, total immunoglobulin E level, oral corticosteroid use, and asthma control questionnaire scores were equivalent between EA and NEA. There were 3 distinct phenotypes in EA, which are as follows: EA1: youngest, late onset, short duration, mild; EA2: early onset, long duration, atopic, low lung function, moderate; and EA3: oldest, eosinophilic, overweight, low lung function, most severe. The classification factors of the EA phenotypes included the age of onset and asthma control questionnaire-6. Similarities were observed between EA and NEA phenotypes after principal component analysis. CONCLUSION The EA in Japan may be unique because of the population's high longevity. Characterization of EA phenotypes from the present cohort indicated the need for distinct precision medicine for EA. TRIAL REGISTRATION JFGE-Asthma registered in UMIN-CTR (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/); UMIN000036912.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Suzukawa
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ken Ohta
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, JATA Fukujuji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroya Hashimoto
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan; Core Laboratory, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Mari Miki
- Tokushima Prefecture Naruto Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Ogawara
- National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Inoue
- National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akiko M Saito
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuma Fukutomi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Masami Taniguchi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan; Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
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Park HW, Cho SH. Management of Elderly Asthma: Key Questions and Tentative Answers. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 15:8-18. [PMID: 36693354 PMCID: PMC9880298 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The aging lung undergoes structural changes, immunosenescence, and inflammation, rendering the elderly more susceptible to developing obstructive airway disease. Thus, asthma in those of chronological age ≥ 65 years is not rare. Elderly asthma (EA) imposes considerable burdens in terms of mortality and morbidity, and expenditure. However, clinicians lack knowledge of EA and thus often prescribe inappropriate management. In this review, we ask 3 key questions frequently encountered during EA diagnosis and treatment: 1) Is EA different?; 2) How can we appropriately diagnose EA?; 3) Are there management strategies specific to EA? Based on recent studies, we provide tentative answers as follows: 1) late-onset EA differs in clinical features and pathogenetic mechanisms from non-EA, and thus further phenotypic and endotypic characterization of EA is needed; 2) both over- and under-diagnosis of asthma in the elderly can be reduced if the objective diagnostic tests are appropriately performed; 3) cautious prescription of ICS to selected EA patients should be encouraged, and a multifaceted approach which involves increasing medical awareness and inhaler use proficiency and adherence, seeking the assistance of caregivers, and correcting micronutrient deficiencies is required to reduce acute exacerbations in EA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heung-Woo Park
- Divison of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Heon Cho
- Divison of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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5
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Perpiñá M, Gómez-Bastero A, Trisán A, Martínez-Moragón E, Álvarez-Gutiérrez FJ, Urrutia I, Blanco-Aparicio M. Expert consensus recommendations for the management of asthma in older adults. Med Clin (Barc) 2022; 159:53.e1-53.e14. [PMID: 34226059 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a public health problem in patients of any age, although there is still a tendency to erroneously assume that it is almost always confined to children and young people. Epidemiological studies indicate that, from the sixth decade of life, the prevalence of this disease in countries such as Spain reaches 6-10%, with a higher prevalence among women aged 64 to 75 years. In addition, two-thirds of asthma deaths occur at this stage of life, resulting in a substantial number of hospital admissions, longer hospital stays and, from a finance point of view, significant direct economic costs. Asthma in older adults (65 years or older) is now a matter of great concern, the reality of which is underestimated and undertreated. It is therefore essential to establish appropriate recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in the aging population. This consensus, which brings together the latest evidence available, was conceived with this objective. The proposed recommendations/conclusions are the result of a nominal consensus developed throughout 2019 and validated by panellists in successive rounds of voting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Perpiñá
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, España
| | | | - Andrea Trisán
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | | | | | - Isabel Urrutia
- Unidad de Asma y Enfermedades Ocupacionales-Medioambientales, Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Galdakao-Usansolo, Bizkaia, España
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6
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Benson VS, Hartl S, Barnes N, Galwey N, Van Dyke MK, Kwon N. Blood eosinophil counts in the general population and airways disease: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir J 2022; 59:2004590. [PMID: 34172466 PMCID: PMC8756293 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04590-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical context for using blood eosinophil (EOS) counts as treatment-response biomarkers in asthma and COPD requires better understanding of EOS distributions and ranges. We describe EOS distributions and ranges published in asthma, COPD, control (non-asthma/COPD) and general populations. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis of observational studies (January 2008 to November 2018) that included EOS counts in asthma, severe asthma, COPD, control and general populations. Excluded studies had total sample sizes <200, EOS as inclusion criterion, hospitalised population only and exclusively paediatric participants. RESULTS Overall, 91 eligible studies were identified, most had total-population-level data available: asthma (39 studies), severe asthma (12 studies), COPD (23 studies), control (seven studies) and general populations (14 studies); some articles reported data for multiple populations. Reported EOS distributions were right-skewed (seven studies). Reported median EOS counts ranged from 157-280 cells·µL-1 (asthma, 22 studies); 200-400 cells·µL-1 (severe asthma, eight studies); 150-183 cells·µL-1 (COPD, six studies); and 100-160 cells·µL-1 (controls, three studies); and 100-200 cells·µL-1 (general populations, six studies). The meta-analysis showed that observed variability was mostly between studies rather than within studies. Factors reportedly associated with higher blood EOS counts included current smoking, positive skin-prick test, elevated total IgE, comorbid allergic rhinitis, age ≤18 years, male sex, spirometric asthma/COPD diagnosis, metabolic syndrome and adiposity. CONCLUSION EOS distribution and range varied by study population, and were affected by clinical factors including age, smoking history and comorbidities, which, regardless of severity, should be considered during treatment decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S Benson
- Epidemiology, Value Evidence and Outcomes (VEO), Global Medical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK
| | - Sylvia Hartl
- Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Clinic Penzing, WiGev and Sigmund Freud University, Medical School, Vienna, Austria
| | - Neil Barnes
- Respiratory Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK
- William Harvey Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | | | - Melissa K Van Dyke
- Epidemiology, Value Evidence and Outcomes (VEO), Global Medical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Upper Providence, PA, USA
| | - Namhee Kwon
- Respiratory Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK
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7
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Zhang Y, Huang L. Characteristics of older adult hospitalized patients with bronchial asthma: a retrospective study. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2021; 17:122. [PMID: 34861886 PMCID: PMC8641253 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-021-00628-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways. Older adult patients with bronchial asthma are defined as patients older than 65 and with a previous or current clear diagnosis of asthma. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of older adult hospitalized patients with bronchial asthma. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients with bronchial asthma admitted to the General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command from September 2018 to January 2020. We divided them into the older adult (≥ 65 years) and the younger (< 65 years) groups. We compared the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the two groups. Results There were 181 inpatients with bronchial asthma, including 41 older adult patients, accounting for 22.7%. There were significant differences in age, sex, smoking, duration of disease, age at diagnosis of asthma, hospital stays, hospitalization costs, number of acute attacks 1 year before admission, number of hospitalizations in our hospital one year before admission, asthma control test score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, the severity of acute attacks, comorbidities, and inhaled corticosteroid dose between the two groups. There were many older adult patients with asthma (mostly late-onset asthma). The hospitalization costs were high. Most patients had many comorbidities, poor asthma control, severe attack, and heavy economic burdens. Conclusion Attention should be focused on achieving asthma control in older adult patients to improve their quality of life and reduce their economic burdens.
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Ali AHK. Prevalence and Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Bronchial Asthma: A Cross Sectional Study. Open Respir Med J 2021; 15:14-18. [PMID: 34249177 PMCID: PMC8227431 DOI: 10.2174/1874306402115010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have reported the epidemiological link between Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and asthma, but it has rarely been studied in Egypt. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MS and its predictors among asthma patients in Egypt. Methods In total, 320 patients with bronchial asthma were included. The following were assessed: spirometric evaluation, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and serum lipid profile. We analyzed the correlation between metabolic scores and patient characteristics. Predictors of MS were identified using logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of MS was 57.5% in asthma patients. For asthma patients, low High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and abdominal obesity were the commonest metabolic abnormality. Waist circumference, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and triglyceride correlated significantly with asthma (P ‹ 0.05). FBS and DBP were the best predictors of MS. Conclusion MS is frequent in asthma patients in Egypt. Obesity and lipid abnormalities were the commonest metabolic abnormality. Screening of these patients for components of metabolic syndrome should be a part of routine workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah H K Ali
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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9
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Sohn KH, Song WJ, Park JS, Park HW, Kim TB, Park CS, Cho SH. Risk Factors for Acute Exacerbations in Elderly Asthma: What Makes Asthma in Older Adults Distinctive? ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2020; 12:443-453. [PMID: 32141258 PMCID: PMC7061162 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2020.12.3.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Asthma in the elderly (EA; ≥ 65 years of age) is increasing, adding a heavy socioeconomic burden to the healthcare system. However, little is known about risk factors associated with acute exacerbations in EA patients. The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors for acute exacerbation in EA compared to non-elderly asthma (NEA). Methods We combined data from 3 adult asthma cohorts under a unified protocol and database. Asthmatic patients with regular follow-up during a 1-year period were selected from the cohorts to identify the risk factors predicting acute exacerbations in EA compared to NEA. Results We selected a total of 1,086 patients from the merged cohort. During the observation period, 503 and 583 patients were assigned to the EA and NEA groups, respectively. The exacerbation rate was 31.0% in the EA and 33.2% in the NEA group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed fixed airway obstruction, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and male sex as independent risk factors for exacerbation in the EA group. In the NEA group, exacerbation increased along with an increase in eosinophil count. Bayesian analysis of the interactions among clinical factors revealed that forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity was directly related to exacerbation in the EA group, and eosinophil count was related to exacerbation in the NEA group. Conclusions We suggest that fixed airway obstruction and CRS as the important clinical factors predicting acute exacerbations in EA, whereas in NEA, eosinophil count was the strong predictor of exacerbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Hee Sohn
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Jung Song
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Sook Park
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Heung Woo Park
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Bum Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Choon Sik Park
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Sang Heon Cho
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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10
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Polivka BJ, Folz R, Myers J, Barnett R, Antimisiaris D, Jorayeva A, Beatty B. Identifying phenotypes and factors impacting outcomes in older adults with asthma: A research protocol and recruitment results. Res Nurs Health 2019; 41:336-345. [PMID: 30357896 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Success in testing research outcomes requires identification of effective recruitment strategies in the targeted population. In this paper, we present the protocol for our NIH-funded study as well as success rates for the various recruitment strategies employed. This longitudinal observational study is: developing a phenotyping algorithm for asthma in older adults, exploring the effects of the asthma phenotype and of volatile organic compounds on asthma control, and developing a predictive model of asthma quality of life. A sub-aim is to characterize barriers to successful medication management in older adults with asthma. Individuals are eligible if they are ≥60 years, have a positive response to at least 1 of 6 asthma screening questions, are non-smokers, and demonstrate bronchodilator reversibility or a positive bronchial challenge test with methacholine. Exclusion criteria are smokers who quit <5 years ago or with a >20 pack year smoking history, and those having other chronic pulmonary diseases. Participants (N = 190) complete baseline pulmonary function testing, questionnaires, sputum induction, skin prick testing, and have blood drawn for Vitamin D and Immunoglobulin E. Home environmental assessments are completed including 24-hr particulate and volatile organic compound measurements. At 9-months post-baseline, home spirometry, medication assessment, and assessment of asthma quality of life and asthma control are assessed. At 18-months post-baseline, home spirometry, completion of baseline questionnaires, and a home environmental assessment are completed. We have employed multiple recruitment efforts including referrals from clinical offices, no-cost media events, flyers, and ads. The most successful efforts have been referrals from clinical offices and media events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodney Folz
- Case Western Reserve University and University Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Demetra Antimisiaris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Anna Jorayeva
- School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Bryan Beatty
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Disorders, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Kim BK, Lee HS, Sohn KH, Lee SY, Cho SH, Park HW. Different Biological Pathways Are Up-regulated in the Elderly With Asthma: Sputum Transcriptomic Analysis. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2019; 11:104-115. [PMID: 30479081 PMCID: PMC6267191 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2019.11.1.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elderly asthma (EA) is increasing, but the pathogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to identify EA-related biological pathways by analyzing genome-wide gene expression profiles in sputum cells. METHODS A total of 3,156 gene probes with significantly differential expressions between EA and healthy elderly controls were used for a hierarchical clustering of genes to identify gene clusters. Gene set enrichment analysis provided biological information, with replication from Gene Expression Omnibus expression profiles. RESULTS Fifty-five EA patients and 10 elderly control subjects were enrolled. Two distinct gene clusters were found. Cluster 1 (n = 35) showed a lower eosinophil proportion in sputum and less severe airway obstruction compared to cluster 2 (n = 20). The replication data set also identified 2 gene clusters (clusters 1' and 2'). Among 5 gene sets significantly enriched in cluster 1 and 3 gene sets significantly enriched in cluster 2, we confirmed that 2 were significantly enriched in the replication data set (OXIDATIVE_PHOSPHORYLATION gene set in cluster 1 and EPITHELIAL MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION gene set in cluster 2'). CONCLUSIONS The findings of 2 distinct gene clusters in EA and different biological pathways in each gene cluster suggest 2 different pathogenesis mechanisms underlying EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Keun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Seung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Hee Sohn
- Department of Internal Medicine, KyungHee University Medical center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suh Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Heon Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heung Woo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.
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12
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Park S, Choi NK, Kim S, Lee CH. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and asthma in the elderly. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9378. [PMID: 29925841 PMCID: PMC6010438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26621-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of asthma in the elderly is increasing, but the etiology of asthma in the elderly is not clearly understood. Recent studies have reported the epidemiological link between metabolic syndrome (MS) and asthma, but it has rarely been studied in the elderly. This study investigated the association between MS and asthma and the contribution of insulin resistance (IR) and systemic inflammation to this MS-asthma association in the elderly. Our study analyzed 4,060 elderly participants (≥65 years old) from a cross-sectional survey, the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2007–2012. Mediation analyses were performed to examine whether IR and systemic inflammation mediates the MS-asthma association. Participants with MS had significantly higher prevalence of asthma (adjusted odds ratio = 1.34; 95% confidence interval = 1.09–1.64), and those who had greater waist circumference and lower HDL-C were especially likely to have asthma. Participants with IR and systemic inflammation were associated with higher prevalence of asthma. Prevalence of IR and systemic inflammation were higher in participants with MS or with each MS component. The MS-asthma association was substantially mediated by IR and systemic inflammation. Our study showed a significant association between MS and asthma in the elderly. MS might affect asthma through both IR and systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangshin Park
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Nam-Kyong Choi
- Department of Health Convergence, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungsoo Kim
- Division of Allergy and Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Yáñez A, Soria M, De Barayazarra S, Recuero N, Rovira F, Jares E, Stok AM, Nemirovsky S, Bueno C. Clinical characteristics and comorbidities of elderly asthmatics who attend allergy clinics. Asthma Res Pract 2018; 4:5. [PMID: 29713490 PMCID: PMC5911961 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-018-0041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, few studies have focused on the clinical and allergic characteristics of asthma in the elderly, defined as asthma in people aged 60 or over. Thus, we propose to identify and study the clinical and allergic characteristics and comorbidities of patients with asthma among the elderly. Methods A retrospective, observational, descriptive study was developed in five clinics and hospitals in Argentina. Allergy Physicians analyzed their patients' medical records in 2014 and included those adults over the age of 60, who had been diagnosed with asthma according to the GINA guidelines. Clinical and allergic characteristics were analyzed. Results A total of 152 patients diagnosed with asthma, of whom 73% were women and 11% ex-smokers, were included in this study, with a mean age of 66 years. Only 10.5% of the participants had onset asthma past the age of 60. Regarding asthma severity, 74.3% were diagnosed with moderate persistent asthma, and 7.2% with severe persistent asthma. Eighty-four percent of the patients were treated with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) along with a long-acting β 2-adrenergic agent (LABA). More than half of the patients had two or more comorbidities simultaneously. Allergic comorbidities were the most frequent comorbidities, followed by arterial hypertension. Among allergic comorbidities, most patients presented allergies at the nasal level. There were no significant differences between the subpopulations of patients with late-onset asthma (LOA) and asthma with onset before the age of 60, i.e. early onset asthma (EOA) in most of their clinical characteristics. However, it was observed that EOA accounted for a higher percentage of patients with nasal allergies as compared to LOA (71% vs 46%, p < 0.05).It is worth mentioning that almost half of the patients with LOA had allergies at the nasal level. Conclusion These results may provide a better understanding of the clinical characteristics of asthma in the elderly in Argentina, thus, enabling the development of future therapeutic strategies and a better quality of life for our elderly asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahí Yáñez
- Investigaciones en Alergia y Enfermedades Respiratorias (INAER), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Soria
- Hospital Zona General de Agudos Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Nancy Recuero
- Allergy and Immunology Service, Hospital San Roque, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Francisco Rovira
- Argentine Respiratory Medicine Association, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edgardo Jares
- Private Medical Centers SA, Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Ana María Stok
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Patologías Respiratorias, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán Argentina
| | - Sergio Nemirovsky
- 7CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Bueno
- 7CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,8Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Virología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Boulet LP, Robitaille C, Deschesnes F, Villeneuve H, Boulay MÈ. Comparative Clinical, Physiological, and Inflammatory Characteristics of Elderly Subjects With or Without Asthma and Young Subjects With Asthma. Chest 2017; 152:1203-1213. [PMID: 28941741 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma seems to present in the elderly as a specific phenotype that remains to be further described. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to assess the multidimensional aspects of asthma in the elderly. METHODS In young (18 to 35 years old) subjects with mild to moderate asthma and elderly subjects (aged ≥60 years) either with or without mild to moderate asthma, we compared asthma control, health care and medication use, lung function, markers of airway and systemic inflammation, and adherence to therapy. RESULTS Fifty subjects were recruited in each group. Elderly people with asthma showed more marked airway obstruction compared with young people with asthma and elderly people without asthma. They also had poorer asthma control, mainly associated with a lower FEV1, compared with young people with asthma, although airway responsiveness, health care use, prescribed doses of inhaled corticosteroids, and adherence to treatment were similar in both groups. Elderly subjects had an increase in some markers of systemic inflammation and bronchial epithelial dysfunction compared with young people with asthma. Blood eosinophils were higher in both asthma groups, particularly in elderly people with asthma. Sputum neutrophils were increased in both groups of elderly subjects and sputum eosinophils were increased in elderly people with asthma compared with the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS Asthma in the elderly presents as a specific phenotype associated with increased airway obstruction and mixed airway inflammation in addition to signs of systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Boulet
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada.
| | - Catherine Robitaille
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
| | - Francine Deschesnes
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
| | - Hélène Villeneuve
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Boulay
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
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15
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Guilleminault L, Ouksel H, Belleguic C, Le Guen Y, Germaud P, Desfleurs E, Leroyer C, Magnan A. Personalised medicine in asthma: from curative to preventive medicine. Eur Respir Rev 2017; 26:26/143/160010. [PMID: 28049124 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0010-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of asthma has changed substantially in recent years. Asthma is now recognised as a heterogeneous entity that is complex to treat. The subdivision of asthma, provided by "cluster" analyses, has revealed various groups of asthma patients who share phenotypic features. These phenotypes underlie the need for personalised asthma therapy because, in contrast to the previous approach, treatment must be tailored to the individual patient. Determination of the patient's asthma phenotype is therefore essential but sometimes challenging, particularly in elderly patients with a multitude of comorbidities and a complex exposure history. This review first describes the various asthma phenotypes, some of which were defined empirically and others through cluster analysis, and then discusses personalisation of the patient's diagnosis and therapy, addressing in particular biological therapies and patient education. This personalised approach to curative medicine should make way in the coming years for personalised preventive and predictive medicine, focused on subjects at risk who are not yet ill, with the aim of preventing asthma before it occurs. The concept of personalised preventive medicine may seem a long way off, but is it really?
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Guilleminault
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Reunion Island University Hospital/South Reunion Island Hospital Group, Saint-Pierre, France .,INSERM, UMR 1188 Diabetes-Atherothrombosis Therapies Reunion Island Indian Ocean (DéTROI), Reunion Island Indian Ocean Cyclotron (CYROI) Platform, Sainte-Clotilde, France.,University of Reunion Island, UMR 1188, Sainte-Clotilde, France
| | - Hakima Ouksel
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Chantal Belleguic
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Yannick Le Guen
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France.,Pulmonary Medicine Practice, St Grégoire Private Hospital, Saint-Grégoire, France
| | - Patrick Germaud
- Nantes University Hospital, Nantes-Roscoff National Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre, Nantes, France
| | | | - Christophe Leroyer
- European University of Brittany, University of Brest, EA3878, IFR148, Dept of Internal and Respiratory Medicine, La Cavale Blanche Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Antoine Magnan
- Nantes University Hospital, Nantes-Roscoff National Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre, Nantes, France.,UMR_S 1087 CNRS UMR_6291, L'Institut du Thorax, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
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16
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Deliu M, Sperrin M, Belgrave D, Custovic A. Identification of Asthma Subtypes Using Clustering Methodologies. Pulm Ther 2016; 2:19-41. [PMID: 27512723 PMCID: PMC4959136 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-016-0017-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease comprising a number of subtypes which may be caused by different pathophysiologic mechanisms (sometimes referred to as endotypes) but may share similar observed characteristics (phenotypes). The use of unsupervised clustering in adult and paediatric populations has identified subtypes of asthma based on observable characteristics such as symptoms, lung function, atopy, eosinophilia, obesity, and age of onset. Here we describe different clustering methods and demonstrate their contributions to our understanding of the spectrum of asthma syndrome. Precise identification of asthma subtypes and their pathophysiological mechanisms may lead to stratification of patients, thus enabling more precise therapeutic and prevention approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Deliu
- />Centre for Health Informatics, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Sperrin
- />Centre for Health Informatics, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Adnan Custovic
- />Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
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17
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Ozturk AB, Iliaz S. Challenges in the management of severe allergic asthma in the elderly. J Asthma Allergy 2016; 9:55-63. [PMID: 27051308 PMCID: PMC4803249 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s85420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the features of asthma and allergy in the elderly. A significant number of elderly patients with asthma have uncontrolled and severe asthma. This review aims to provide an analysis of the literature on the assessment and phenotype of severe allergic asthma in the elderly. Gaps and pitfalls in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as management of severe allergic asthma in the elderly, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Bilge Ozturk
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Iliaz
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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18
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Song WJ, Cho SH. Challenges in the Management of Asthma in the Elderly. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2015; 7:431-9. [PMID: 26122503 PMCID: PMC4509655 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2015.7.5.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent literature has emphasized the clinical and socio-epidemiological significance of asthma in the elderly. However, why the disease burden remains high in this group is unclear. Elderly subjects usually have multiple chronic illnesses, and the role played by comorbidities in the context of asthma has been underappreciated. This review aims to summarize the literature associations between comorbidities and asthma in elderly patients. In addition, we discuss patient management issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Jung Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Heon Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.
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