Managing asthma in the real world

Drug combinations for inhalation: Current products and future development addressing disease control and patient compliance

Pulmonary delivery is an alternative route of administration with numerous advantages over conventional routes of administration. It provides low enzymatic exposure, fewer systemic side effects, no first-pass metabolism, and concentrated drug amounts at the site of the disease, making it an ideal route for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. Owing to the thin alveolar-capillary barrier, and large surface area that facilitates rapid absorption to the bloodstream in the lung, systemic delivery can be achieved as well. Administration of multiple drugs at one time became urgent to control chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma and COPD, thus, development of drug combinations was proposed. Administration of medications with variable dosages from different inhalers leads to overburdening the patient and may cause low therapeutic intervention. Therefore, products that contain combined drugs to be delivered via a single inhaler have been developed to improve patient compliance, reduce different dose regimens, achieve higher disease control, and boost therapeutic effectiveness in some cases. This comprehensive review aimed to highlight the growth of drug combinations by inhalation over time, obstacles and challenges, and the possible progress to broaden the current options or to cover new indications in the future. Moreover, various pharmaceutical technologies in terms of formulation and device in correlation with inhaled combinations were discussed in this review. Hence, inhaled combination therapy is driven by the need to maintain and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic respiratory diseases; promoting drug combinations by inhalation to a higher level is a necessity.

Assessment of levels of asthma control among adult patients with asthma at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Zimbabwe

Background

The management of the reversible airways obstruction forms the cornerstone of quality asthma management. The aim of this study was to assess the level of control for asthma in adult patients, using a cross sectional study design. The assessment of control for asthma was based on the ACQ.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to measure the level of control for asthma among patients with asthma who volunteered and were reporting to Chitungwiza Central Hospital. We interviewed and conducted spirometry (lung function testing) on 400 adult patients with asthma. We used the ACQ questions to interview patients. A trained health care provider performed spirometry using the Koko Legend spirometer after meeting all the ambient conditions as outlined in the American Thoracic Society guidelines.

Results

Our study assessed levels of asthma control among 400 adult patients with physician-diagnosed asthma. The results showed that 248 (62%) participants had uncontrolled asthma. The median age of the adult patients who had uncontrolled asthma was 35 years (IQR: 27–44). Using the clinical practice cut-point of 0.75 for controlled asthma, only 152 (38%) were controlled, while 72 (18.8%), 50 (12.5%) and 123 (30.7%) were mildly uncontrolled, moderately uncontrolled and very uncontrolled respectively. Among participants who were widowed had uncontrolled asthma (p = 0.003) while most of the married 103 (67.8%) had controlled asthma (p = 0.018). The findings of the study showed that all the items on the ACQ were significantly different in asthma mean scores (p ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusion

We concluded that most asthma patients that participated in the study were uncontrolled. We therefore, recommend an evaluation of factors associated with poor asthma control in order to improve asthma care and achieve good asthma control outcomes.

Effects of short- and long-acting beta-agonists on asthma exacerbations: a prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

In asthma, short- and long-acting β-agonists (SABAs and LABAs) should be used together with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and regular use is inappropriate.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between patterns of use of therapy and asthma exacerbations (AEx).

METHODS

Patients with asthma (6-40 years) were enrolled in France and the United Kingdom. Prescribing data, computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs), and text messages assessed medication use and AEx over a maximum period of 24 months. Generalized linear mixed models provided AEx risks associated with therapy.

RESULTS

Among the 908 patients (median age: 20.0 years, 46.6% women, 24.5% children) answering a total of 4248 CATIs over 486 (±235) days, regular (ie, daily) use was more frequent for single LABAs and fixed dose combinations (FDCs) than for single ICS (75.6%, 70.1%, and 65.4% of investigated periods of use, respectively). Regular (ie, daily or almost daily) SABA use was observed for 21.1% of periods of use. Altogether, 265 patients (29.2%) experienced 1 or more AEx. The ORs for AEx risk related to regular vs no use of FDCs, single ICS, and single LABAs were 0.98 (95% CI = [0.73-1.33]), 0.90 (95% CI = [0.61-1.33]), and 1.29 (95% CI = [0.76-2.17]), respectively, after adjustment for cotherapy, sociodemographic, and disease characteristics. The OR was 2.09 (95% CI = [1.36-3.21]) in regular SABA users.

CONCLUSION

Inhaled corticosteroids and FDCs were often used intermittently, whereas SABAs and LABAs could be used regularly, and exacerbations were frequent. Compared with non-users, the risk of exacerbation increased moderately under regular use of single LABAs, whereas it doubled, significantly, in regular SABA users, likely in relationship with poor overall asthma control.

Experimental and investigational phosphodiesterase inhibitors in development for asthma

INTRODUCTION

Severe, inadequately-controlled asthma remains a clinical challenge. For this reason, clinical trials and preclinical experimental studies on novel agents as an add-on therapies continue emerge. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that regulate the function of immune cells by hydrolyzing cyclic guanosine monophosphate/cGMP and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cAMP. PDEs are divided into subfamilies [PDE3, PDE4, PDE5 and PDE7] which are mainly found in the respiratory tract. Inhibitors of PDEs have already been approved for COPD and pulmonary hypertension.

AREAS COVERED

The role of PDE inhibitors in asthma treatment and the possible mechanism of action via their anti-inflammatory and/or bronchodilating effect are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Novel PDE inhibitors exhibiting fewer adverse events may have a role as add-on therapies in asthma treatment in the future. More clinical trials are necessary to prove their efficacy and evaluate their safety profile before approval by regulatory bodies is granted.

Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes with Budesonide plus Formoterol Spiromax for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Real-World, Observational Trial

BACKGROUND

The fixed-dose combination of budesonide/formoterol (B/F) has been available in the Spiromax® dry powder inhaler since 2014.

OBJECTIVES

To assess patient satisfaction, inhaler use errors, and disease control in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with B/F Spiromax.

METHODS

This non-interventional, prospective, 12-week study enrolled consecutive asthma or COPD patients who had recently begun treatment with B/F Spiromax or were switched from another inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist combination to B/F Spiromax in routine clinical practice. Patients recruited from 243 specialist respiratory clinics or general practices in Germany were assessed for patient satisfaction (Satisfaction with Inhalers and Preference questionnaire), inhaler application errors (modified Easy Low Instruction over Time checklist), disease control, and safety.

RESULTS

The population included 3,943 patients: asthma n = 2,707 (68.7%); COPD n = 1,236 (31.3%). At baseline, 60.1% of patients were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their previous inhaler, and this increased to 88.8% at week 12 of B/F Spiromax use. Overall, 62.1% of pre-treated patients preferred B/F Spiromax to their old inhaler. The frequency of any handling error observed with B/F Spiromax at week 12 was lower than at baseline (11.9 vs. 25.5% of patients, respectively). After 12 weeks, 77.4% were assessed as having improved (minimally, much, or very much) overall health status versus baseline. Guideline-defined disease severity (as rated by physicians) and patient-reported symptom severity improved during the study in both asthma and COPD patients. B/F Spiromax was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

B/F Spiromax was associated with high patient satisfaction, low device handling error rate, and improvements in clinical outcomes in real-world clinical practice.

Long-Term Inhaled Corticosteroid Adherence in Asthma Patients with Short-Term Adherence

BACKGROUND

Although the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma is known to be overall erratic, the long-term use of ICS by patients selected during an episode of regular use is poorly documented.

OBJECTIVE

In a cohort of patients with asthma regularly acquiring ICS therapy over several months, we verified whether these patients remained treated in the following 12 months. The correlates of regular ICS use over this period were investigated.

METHODS

A historical cohort of patients with asthma was identified from the Echantillon généraliste de bénéficiaires national French health care reimbursement data (2007-2012). Patients (6-40 years) were selected during a regular ICS use episode, with 3 or more ICS refills within 120 days. Continuous multiple-interval measures of medication availability (CMA) were computed for the 12 months after the third dispensation, and the factors associated with a CMA value of 80% or more (adherent patients) were identified.

RESULTS

Among 5096 patients (42.1% children/teenagers, 48.8% females), only 24.0% had a CMA value of 80% or more (mean CMA = 54.4%) over the 12 months following the ICS selection period. Achieving a CMA value of 80% or more was primarily associated with being a child/teenager (P = .002), having more severe or less controlled asthma (P = .007), more previous dispensing of short-acting beta agonists (P < .0001), and receiving devices with 200 unit doses (P < .0001). Adherent patients had more frequent general practitioner visits (P < .0001), more distinct prescribers of respiratory therapy (P = .0002), and more frequent switches of ICS (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with asthma selected during an episode of regular ICS use did not maintain therapy over the following months. Adherence should be repeatedly monitored, and the reasons for discontinuation should be investigated, at prescriber and patient levels.

[Therapeutic adherence in asthma in France: A general review]

INTRODUCTION

Adherence in asthma is a paramount issue of disease management. A general review of the French publications on this topic has been conducted.

METHODS

Research equations used for bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Science Direct, Banque de données en santé publique, Cochrane and Cairn.info) comprised the following keywords: "asthma", "therapeutic adherence" and "France". These publications unrelated to asthma, focused on asthma management without exploring adherence, or those conducted in populations without French patients were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 82 articles have been selected (36 surveys, 4 randomized trials and 42 reviews/syntheses). Whatever the methodology used and publication year, the inadequate therapeutic adherence in asthma was steadily reported, notably for controllers and the quality of use of inhaled devices.

CONCLUSION

The present review highlights the sustainability of adherence-related issues in asthma and the need to improve patients' knowledge on asthma and the finality of therapy. It also highlights the need of an improved communication between patients and physicians is also advocated. Further studies with more recent data are desirable to assess changes in disease management of asthma and the impact of potential future corrective interventions.

Evaluation of dry powder inhalers with a focus on ease of use and user preference in inhaler-naïve individuals

Inhaler errors are common amongst inhaler users. Therefore, in the development work of new inhalation devices, it is important to characterize the ease of use of the inhalers. In this study four dry powder inhalers, Diskus, Easyhaler, Ellipta and Turbuhaler, were evaluated, focusing on ease of use and patient preference. The study used a triangular methodology. The sample consisted of 31 inhaler naïve individuals. Educational videos for all inhalers were watched, and afterwards, the use of all four inhalers was demonstrated in a random order. The demonstrations were videotaped. Thereafter they were checked against a predefined checklist and all mistakes were recorded. Only 33% of inhaler demonstrations were completed without the participants making any mistakes. The proportions of subjects who used the devices correctly were as follows: Diskus 48%, Easyhaler 19%, Ellipta 55% and Turbuhaler 16%. When comparing correct and incorrect inhaler technique for each inhaler pair the following differences were statistically significant: Diskus vs. Easyhaler (p<0.05), Ellipta vs. Easyhaler (p<0.01), Diskus vs. Turbuhaler (p<0.01), Ellipta vs. Turbuhaler (p<0.01). In the participants' ranking, the inhalers Ellipta, followed by Turbuhaler, were most often ranked as most preferred. Participants' preference of Ellipta over Easyhaler (p<0.01) and over Diskus (p<0.001) were statistically significant.

Divorce and Childhood Chronic Illness: A Grounded Theory of Trust, Gender, and Third-Party Care Providers

Divorced parents face distinct challenges in providing care for chronically ill children. Children's residence in two households necessitates the development of family-specific strategies to ensure coparents' supervision of regimen adherence and the management of children's health care. Utilizing a risk and resilience perspective, a grounded theory study was conducted with 14 divorced parents of children with chronic illnesses. The importance of trust, gender, and relationships with third-party care providers emerged as key themes related to the development of effective coparenting relationships for maintaining children's health. Divorced parents were best able to support the management of their children's chronic conditions when care providers operated as neutral third parties and intermediaries. Collaborative family care may require health care practitioners to avoid being drawn into contentious inter-parental conflicts.

Standardized patient-based simulation training as a tool to improve the management of chronic disease

INTRODUCTION

Patient education is a critical factor in the treatment of chronic disease because it reduces gaps in health care and disease management. We implemented different methods of physician training for patient education of asthma and compared the effects on patients' health.

METHOD

Four interventions were administered to groups of primary care physicians in one health care maintenance organization. All physicians received a list of their patients who were classified with uncontrolled asthma. Additional educational methods were implemented as follows: no additional intervention (group 1); lectures on patient education (group 2); standardized patient-based simulation training (group 3); and lectures and standardized patient-based simulations (group 4). We compared among the intervention groups and to a control group changes in rates of patients with uncontrolled asthma at 1 and 2 years after the intervention.

RESULTS

During 1 year of follow-up, rates of uncontrolled asthma decreased from 7.2% to 6.2% (by 15%), from 7.5% to 6.5% (by 13%), from 6.4% to 5.1% (by 19%), and from 6.3% to 4.6% (by 27%) in intervention groups 1 to 4, respectively (P<0.01). Rates decreased by approximately 7% more in all intervention groups at 2 years of follow-up. No decrease in rates was observed in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

An intervention for primary care physicians on educating patients with asthma to manage their disease resulted in improved patient health. The most effective intervention was the combination of lectures and standardized patient-based simulation.

Perceived triggers of asthma: key to symptom perception and management

Adequate asthma management depends on an accurate identification of asthma triggers. A review of the literature on trigger perception in asthma shows that individuals vary in their perception of asthma triggers and that the correlation between self-reported asthma triggers and allergy tests is only modest. In this article, we provide an overview of psychological mechanisms involved in the process of asthma triggers identification. We identify sources of errors in trigger identification and targets for behavioural interventions that aim to improve the accuracy of asthma trigger identification and thereby enhance asthma control.

Barriers to asthma treatment in the United States: results from the global asthma physician and patient survey

Background

The Global Asthma Physician and Patient (GAPP) survey evaluated the perceptions of both physicians and patients on the management of asthma. Here we present the results from the United States (US) subpopulation of the GAPP survey.

Methods

The GAPP Survey was a large, global study (physicians, n = 1733; patients, n = 1726; interviews, n = 3459). In the US, 208 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with asthma and 224 physicians were recruited. Respondents were questioned using self-administered online interviews with close-ended questionnaires.

Results

Physician and patient responses were found to differ in regard to perception of time spent on asthma education, awareness of disease symptoms and their severity, asthma medication side effects, and adherence to treatment and the consequence of nonadherence. Comparison of the US findings with the global GAPP survey results suggest the US physician-patient partnership compared reasonably well with the other countries in the survey. Both patients and physicians cited a need for new asthma medication.

Conclusions

Similar to the global GAPP survey, the US-specific findings indicate that in general there is a lack of asthma control, poor adherence to therapy, and room for improvement in patient-physician communication and partnership in treating asthma.

Predicting asthma treatment outcome at diagnosis: the role of symptom perception during a histamine challenge test

OBJECTIVE

In asthma, many treatment decisions are dependent upon patient perception/patient report of asthma symptoms. Discrepancies between patient perception of asthma symptoms and objective indicators of pathophysiology are widespread and can hinder asthma treatment. Early detection of problems in asthma symptom perception may be a first step to help these patients. We investigated the predictive value of symptom perception during a histamine challenge test (HCT) at asthma diagnosis for patient-rated outcome of asthma treatment 3 months later.

METHODS

In a prospective observational study, persons with asthma (N = 60) showing bronchial hyperresponsiveness in a HCT completed questions on asthma symptoms and negative affectivity (NA). The HCT was extended with an ambiguous situation suggesting asthma symptoms despite physiological recovery. Lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1))) and symptom ratings were measured during the test (after each histamine dosage), and we constructed several measures of asthma symptom perception based on FEV(1) and symptom ratings. Three months later, 30 participants completed questionnaires on asthma control and asthma-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Symptoms reported during HCT predicted worse asthma control and quality of life 3 months later. The prospective association between symptoms during HCT and asthma control remained significant when controlling for NA and baseline lung function. These effects were strongest for symptoms during ambiguous situations.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher symptom levels at the start of the HCT and during recovery may reflect a tendency to inaccurately perceive asthma symptoms in ambiguous situations. Assessing symptoms during diagnostic challenge tests can help predict problems with asthma treatment.

Randomized, placebo-controlled study of a selective PDE4 inhibitor in the treatment of asthma

BACKGROUND

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors have potential utility as a new therapeutic approach to improving symptoms and pulmonary function in asthma and COPD. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of MK-0359, a selective and potent oral PDE4 inhibitor, in chronic asthma.

METHODS

Adults (N=88) with > or =1 year asthma history and an FEV(1) 50-80% predicted were randomized to double-blind treatment with MK-0359 (15mg/day) or placebo for 14 days, then crossed-over to the other treatment for 14 days. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in FEV(1) at the end of each 2-week treatment period. Secondary and other endpoints included the changes from baseline in Daytime asthma symptom score, Nighttime asthma symptom score, Total daily beta-agonist use (puffs/day), AM and PM peak expiratory flow (PEF) and overall asthma-specific quality-of-life. Safety and tolerability were assessed by clinical adverse experiences.

RESULTS

MK-0359 significantly improved the primary endpoint (versus placebo): the least-squares mean difference in change from baseline in FEV(1) (L) was 0.09L (95% CI 0.01, 0.18). Endpoints of Daytime asthma symptom score, Nighttime asthma symptom score, Total daily beta-agonist use, AM PEF, PM PEF, and quality-of-life were also significantly improved. Nineteen patients (24.1%) on MK-0359 and 8 patients (10.4%) on placebo reported gastrointestinal clinical adverse experiences. Serious gastrointestinal clinical adverse experiences were reported in 3 patients while receiving MK-0359.

CONCLUSION

Over a 14-day treatment period, the oral PDE4 inhibitor MK-0359 improved lower airway function, symptoms and rescue medication use in chronic asthma, although at the expense of gastrointestinal adverse experiences. (Clinical trial registry number: NCT00482898.).

A new focus on assessing and treating asthma control in the African-American community: a call to action

Asthma continues to be a highly prevalent disease characterized by significant morbidity, unnecessary mortality, and substantial cost to the health care system. After decades of increasing prevalence, the number of current asthmatics in recent years has plateaued at approximately 22 million people in the United States. An additional 10 million Americans have a past history of asthma that is not active. The burden of asthma is higher among African Americans than in any other racial or ethnic group in America. The African-American community continues to experience a disproportional increase in asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. The educational initiatives stemming from the newly revised National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines provide the opportunity to address the increased burden of asthma in the African American community. These new guidelines, released in August 2007, focus on asthma control as the primary goal of therapy, routine monitoring of asthma control, and use of asthma control assessments to direct treatment. The present review discusses the following: I. The impact of health disparities on outcomes of African Americans with asthma, II. The barriers that prevent asthmatic patients from achieving optimal control, III. The unique factors that challenge practitioners and patients in achieving optimal asthma control in the African American Community, IV. The impact of good asthma control and the need for patients and clinicians to assess asthma control in with a standardized assessment tool, and V. Strategic initiatives and the role of the End The Attacks NOW program in improving outcomes for African American patients with asthma.

Control of persistent asthma in Spain: associated factors

INTRODUCTION

The main objective of asthma treatment is tailored control for each patient. However, despite the excellent therapeutic arsenal currently available, many patients remain unable to achieve adequate control of this disease.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective this study was to evaluate the degree of control and the determinants of asthma in patients with persistent asthma in Spain in usual clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study. The patients enrolled were 18 years of age or over, with a 6-month history of diagnosed persistent asthma, who were followed up by primary care physicians in Spain between the months of June and December 2006. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected, as were anthropometric data and different clinical variables. The control of asthma was evaluated using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ).

RESULTS

The study included 6,824 patients, of whom 306 were excluded; therefore the final number of patients analyzed was 6,518 (95.5%). According to severity, 41.4% of patients had mild persistent asthma, 51.2% had moderate persistent asthma, and the remainder severe persistent asthma. The mean score in the ACQ was 1.4 +/- 1.0, distributed as follows: in 28.4% of cases, the score was below 0.75; in 31.6%, it was between 0.75 and 1.5; and in 39.7% it was above 1.5. Multiple regression analysis showed that the factor that most affected the degree of control of the disease was classification by severity. Other associated factors were sex, race, body mass index, smoking, level of education, habitual activity, years since diagnosis of asthma, number of exacerbations and admissions to hospital during the last year, and basic treatment of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of patients with poorly controlled persistent asthma in Spain is high (71.6%). There are demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, and clinical variables that affect the level of control of this disease.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide 160 microg once daily vs. budesonide 400 microg once daily in children with asthma

Ciclesonide is an onsite-activated inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for the treatment of asthma. This study compared the efficacy, safety and effect on quality of life (QOL) of ciclesonide 160 microg (ex-actuator; nominal dose 200 microg) vs. budesonide 400 microg (nominal dose) in children with asthma. Six hundred and twenty-one children (aged 6-11 yr) with asthma were randomized to receive ciclesonide 160 microg (ex-actuator) once daily (via hydrofluoroalkane metered-dose inhaler and AeroChamber Plus spacer) or budesonide 400 microg once daily (via Turbohaler) both given in the evening for 12 wk. The primary efficacy end-point was change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Additional measurements included change in daily peak expiratory flow (PEF), change in asthma symptom score sum, change in use of rescue medication, paediatric and caregiver asthma QOL questionnaire [PAQLQ(S) and PACQLQ, respectively] scores, change in body height assessed by stadiometry, change in 24-h urinary cortisol adjusted for creatinine and adverse events. Both ciclesonide and budesonide increased FEV1, morning PEF and PAQLQ(S) and PACQLQ scores, and improved asthma symptom score sums and the need for rescue medication after 12 wk vs. baseline. The non-inferiority of ciclesonide vs. budesonide was demonstrated for the change in FEV1 (95% confidence interval: -75, 10 ml, p = 0.0009, one-sided non-inferiority, per-protocol). In addition, ciclesonide and budesonide showed similar efficacy in improving asthma symptoms, morning PEF, use of rescue medication and QOL. Ciclesonide was superior to budesonide with regard to increases in body height (p = 0.003, two-sided). The effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was significantly different in favor of ciclesonide treatment (p < 0.001, one-sided). Both ciclesonide and budesonide were well tolerated. Ciclesonide 160 microg once daily and budesonide 400 microg once daily were effective in children with asthma. In addition, in children treated with ciclesonide there was significantly less reduction in body height and suppression of 24-h urinary cortisol excretion compared with children treated with budesonide after 12 wk.

The challenge of asthma in adolescence

The adolescents with asthma are a distinct group of patients with different problems and needs compared to children and adults. Specific issues of asthma in adolescence are the variability of the clinical spectrum, the presence of particular risk factors for the persistence of symptoms, underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the disease. Refusal of the sick role, denial of symptoms, carelessness about dangerous inhalation exposure, erratic self-medication, overexertion without taking precautions against exercise-induced asthma, and a poor relationship between patients, their families, and often doctors are the main obstacles to successful management of asthma in this critical age. There are also major problems of compliance for these patients. The goal of optimal quality of life will be achieved only if the physician thoroughly understands the adolescent's needs and provides optimal care.

Evaluation of a treatment manual for risperidone long-acting injectable

We evaluated the usefulness of a treatment manual to facilitate the use of long-acting injectable risperidone in community mental health centers (CMHCs) during an open-label observational study. Perceived clinical utility and clinician adherence to the manual were evaluated. Patient adherence to treatment satisfaction, Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) and the Schizophrenia Quality-of-Life Scale (SQLS) were assessed. Mean score for overall utility of the guidebook was 4.2 +/- .6 (scale ratings ranged from 1 = not at all to 5 = extremely). Most clinicians (89-100%) found the guidebook useful, and were adherent to key aspects of appropriate treatment use including concomitant oral risperidone use and injection and dosing parameters for long-acting risperidone. Most patients were adherent to treatment (86.7%), preferred long-acting risperidone over oral risperidone (72.6%) or other oral antipsychotics (78.4%) and were satisfied with long-acting risperidone (90.1%). The open-label observational design limits interpretation of these data. However, in this study manual-supported use of long-acting risperidone was associated with successful implementation of this pharmacologic treatment in the CMHC setting.

Patient-reported adverse events under asthma therapy: a community pharmacy-based survey

The characteristics of patients who report adverse events (AEs) attributed to asthma therapy have been little investigated. Asthma patients aged 18-50 years were surveyed in pharmacies. Patients completed a questionnaire linked to computerized records of dispensed medications. Patients reported all AEs that they attributed to asthma therapy. The correlates of reporting 2+ AEs were identified. Almost 59% of the 1,351 patients (mean age: 37, 56% females) attributed AEs to asthma therapy, and 35% at least two. Most common AEs included tiredness (21.8%) and palpitations (21.1%). Poor asthma control and perception of asthma as a handicap were the major correlates of reporting 2+ AEs (odds ratio (OR)=2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI)=[1.7-3.7] and OR=1.9, 95% CI=[1.4-2.5]). Other significant correlates included age >30 years, female gender, and receiving psychotropic therapy. Inadequate control may partly account for AEs attributed by patients to asthma therapy. Improving patients' education may help to improve acceptability of asthma therapy.

Validation of a single survey that can be used for case identification and assessment of asthma control: the Breathmobile Program

BACKGROUND

Underdiagnosis of asthma and underrecognition of disease severity in lower socioeconomic populations continue to be significant health care concerns despite national efforts to better educate health care providers.

OBJECTIVE

To validate a 1-page survey as a point-in-time tool identifying uncontrolled vs controlled asthma and moderate-to-severe disease activity in an urban, lower-socioeconomic pediatric population.

METHODS

A previously validated survey (the Breathmobile Case Identification Survey) was evaluated as a point-in-time tool for identifying children with poorly controlled disease. Clinical validation was achieved in children (n = 1,826) presenting to a school-based asthma program for either an initial (n = 666) or a follow-up (n = 1,170) visit. Responses were compared with a comprehensive evaluation by a physician specialist as the gold standard. Response patterns were used to construct multimodel tiered scoring algorithms for baseline and follow-up visits that identify children with uncontrolled asthma, and children are likely to have moderate-to-severe disease activity at that time.

RESULTS

Surveys scored using the developed algorithms identified children with uncontrolled asthma (sensitivity: baseline, 77.0%; follow-up, 71.6%; specificity: baseline, 72.7%; follow-up, 71.5%) and detected moderate-to-severe disease activity (sensitivity: baseline, 69.2%; follow-up, 77.4%; specificity: baseline, 70.2%; follow-up, 70.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The Breathmobile Case Identification Survey can be used in lower-socioeconomic, urban populations as a point-in-time tool for identifying children with uncontrolled vs controlled asthma and moderate-to-severe disease activity.

Inhaled mometasone furoate: A review of its use in persistent asthma in adults and adolescents

Inhaled mometasone furoate (Asmanex) is a synthetic corticosteroid indicated for the first-line maintenance prophylactic therapy of persistent asthma in adults and adolescents. It is formulated for delivery via a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler (DPI) [Twisthaler].Inhaled mometasone furoate delivered by DPI is effective in treating patients with persistent asthma. It improves pulmonary function and health-related quality of life, reduces symptoms and decreases oral corticosteroid requirements in severe disease. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is at least as clinically effective as other inhaled corticosteroids. Inhaled mometasone furoate is equally effective in controlling asthma when administered in two divided doses or as a single daily dose. Once-daily administration of mometasone furoate 200 microg in the evening was more effective than administration of the same dosage in the morning. The drug is well tolerated, with low systemic bioavailability and minimal systemic activity. Therefore, it is an effective and convenient option for controller therapy of persistent asthma in adults and adolescents.

Patterns of asthma-related health care resource use in children treated with montelukast or fluticasone

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of controller monotherapy with montelukast or fluticasone on asthma-related health care resource use among children aged 2-14 years old.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective claims-based analysis of asthmatic children, 2-14 years old, receiving a prescription (index) for montelukast or fluticasone between January 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000 was conducted. Children were matched by age and propensity score to obtain comparable treatment groups. The propensity score was derived using patient demographics, pre-existing respiratory conditions, and asthma-related pharmacy and health service utilization (i.e. ambulatory visits, emergency department visits and hospitalizations). Claims for asthma-related emergent care and medication use were examined for the 12-month periods before and after the index prescription. Treatment group comparisons of asthma-related resource use were conducted for the total pediatric population and separately for children 2-5 years and 6-14 years. Persistent controller medication use was assessed at 6 and 12 months post-index.

RESULTS

A total of 2034 children were matched (1017 in each treatment group). Post-index rates of asthma-related resource use were similar among children treated with montelukast or fluticasone. Among children 2-5 years old, fewer emergency department visits were observed with montelukast versus fluticasone (relative risk = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-0.96); no significant difference was observed among children 6-14 years old. No significant differences between montelukast and fluticasone cohorts in hospitalizations or rescue medication fills were noted in either age group. Evidence of at least one medication refill was significantly greater with montelukast at both 6 and 12 months post-index.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar levels of resource use were achieved by children 2-14 years initiating montelukast or fluticasone, as indicated by use of asthma-related emergent care and rescue/acute medications. Subgroup analyses suggest a differential effect of age on the relationship between treatment and asthma-related resource use, with children 2-5 years observed to have less resource use while on montelukast.

Implementing practice guidelines: a workshop on guidelines dissemination and implementation with a focus on asthma and COPD

The present supplement summarizes the proceedings of the symposium "Implementing practice guidelines: A workshop on guidelines dissemination and implementation with a focus on asthma and COPD", which took place in Quebec City, Quebec, from April 14 to 16, 2005. This international symposium was a joint initiative of the Laval University Office of Continuing Medical Education (Bureau de la Formation Médicale Continue), the Canadian Thoracic Society and the Canadian Network for Asthma Care, and was supported by many other organizations and by industrial partners. The objectives of this meeting were to examine the optimal implementation of practice guidelines, review current initiatives for the implementation of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines in Canada and in the rest of the world, and develop an optimal strategy for future guideline implementation. An impressive group of scientists, physicians and other health care providers, as well as policy makers and representatives of patients' associations, the pharmaceutical industry, research and health networks, and communications specialists, conveyed their perspectives on how to achieve these goals. This important event provided a unique opportunity for all participants to discuss key issues in improving the care of patients with asthma and COPD. These two diseases are responsible for an enormous human and socioeconomic burden around the world. Many reports have indicated that current evidence-based guidelines are underused by physicians and others, and that there are many barriers to an effective translation of recommendations into day-to-day care. There is therefore a need to develop more effective ways to communicate key information to both caregivers and patients, and to promote appropriate health behaviours. This symposium contributed to the initiation of what could become the "Canadian Asthma and COPD Campaign", aimed at improving care and, hence, the quality of life of those suffering from these diseases. It is hoped that this event will be followed by other meetings that focus on how to improve the transfer of key recommendations from evidence-based guidelines into current care, and how to stimulate research to accomplish this.

Asthma control following initial inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy in mild to moderate asthma: a 4- to 8-week observational study

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing trend for the use of combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta(2)-agonists as initial treatment for asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of initial monotherapy with ICS for achieving asthma control in steroid-naive mild to moderate asthmatics.

METHOD

During an observational survey, steroid-naive patients received ICS in a dosage of 400-2,000 mug/day. After 4-8 weeks' treatment, achievement of asthma control, defined according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, was assessed and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) was completed.

RESULTS

Among 537 selected patients, 21 were excluded because of severe asthma and 96 because of inadequate ICS daily dosage. Four hundred and twenty patients were analyzed, 396 (94%) of whom completed the survey. Mean ICS dosage, in equivalent beclomethasone, was 479 +/- 62 mug/day for mild asthma (group A) and 1,115 +/- 306 mug/day for moderate asthma (group B). Asthma control was achieved for 71 and 65% of the patients, mean ACQ score improved from 1.1 +/- 0.6 to 0.5 +/- 0.5 (p < 0.001) and from 2.0 +/- 0.8 to 0.8 +/- 0.7 (p < 0,001), and FEV(1) (% predicted) improved from 93 +/- 9 to 96 +/- 13 (p < 0.05) and from 85 +/- 15 to 91 +/- 15 (p < 0.001) for groups A and B, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Asthma control can be achieved by ICS monotherapy for two thirds of steroid-naive patients with mild to moderate asthma. For these patients, we suggest that ICS alone could be started as initial therapy and that additional therapy should be considered after 4-8 weeks for patients who do not achieve control.