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Pham DL, Le KM, Truong DDK, Le HTT, Trinh THK. Environmental allergen reduction in asthma management: an overview. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1229238. [PMID: 37868650 PMCID: PMC10587592 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1229238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a prevalent non-communicable disease that affects both children and adults. Many patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma could not achieve total control despite using anti-asthmatic drugs. There is increasing evidence that allergy to environmental allergens, including both indoor and outdoor allergens, is associated with asthma symptoms and severe asthma. Frequently reported sensitized allergens were dust mites, cockroaches, grass pollens, molds, pets, and rodents in allergic asthma patients, although the patterns of widespread allergens differed from each country. Allergen avoidance is the cornerstone of asthma management, especially in sensitized subjects. This review summarizes environmental allergen avoidance and clarifies their effects on asthma control. Despite contrasting results about the impact of allergen exposure reduction on asthma control, several studies supported the beneficial effects of reducing asthma-related symptoms or risk of exacerbations as a nondrug therapy. Identifying environmental allergens is helpful for asthma patients, and further studies on clinically effective avoidance methods are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy Le Pham
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Kieu-Minh Le
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Diem D. K. Truong
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Huyen T. T. Le
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tu H. K. Trinh
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Cloutier MM, Baptist AP, Blake KV, Brooks EG, Bryant-Stephens T, DiMango E, Dixon AE, Elward KS, Hartert T, Krishnan JA, Lemanske RF, Ouellette DR, Pace WD, Schatz M, Skolnik NS, Stout JW, Teach SJ, Umscheid CA, Walsh CG. 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines: A Report from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 146:1217-1270. [PMID: 33280709 PMCID: PMC7924476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines: A Report from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group was coordinated and supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. It is designed to improve patient care and support informed decision making about asthma management in the clinical setting. This update addresses six priority topic areas as determined by the state of the science at the time of a needs assessment, and input from multiple stakeholders:A rigorous process was undertaken to develop these evidence-based guidelines. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Evidence-Based Practice Centers conducted systematic reviews on these topics, which were used by the Expert Panel Working Group as a basis for developing recommendations and guidance. The Expert Panel used GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation), an internationally accepted framework, in consultation with an experienced methodology team for determining the certainty of evidence and the direction and strength of recommendations based on the evidence. Practical implementation guidance for each recommendation incorporates findings from NHLBI-led patient, caregiver, and clinician focus groups. To assist clincians in implementing these recommendations into patient care, the new recommendations have been integrated into the existing Expert Panel Report-3 (EPR-3) asthma management step diagram format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Cloutier
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Alan P Baptist
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Kathryn V Blake
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Edward G Brooks
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Tyra Bryant-Stephens
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Emily DiMango
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Anne E Dixon
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Kurtis S Elward
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Tina Hartert
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Jerry A Krishnan
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Robert F Lemanske
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Daniel R Ouellette
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Wilson D Pace
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Michael Schatz
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Neil S Skolnik
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - James W Stout
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Stephen J Teach
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Craig A Umscheid
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Colin G Walsh
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
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van Boven FE, de Jong NW, Braunstahl GJ, Gerth van Wijk R, Arends LR. A meta-analysis of baseline characteristics in trials on mite allergen avoidance in asthmatics: room for improvement. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:2. [PMID: 31921410 PMCID: PMC6943957 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-019-0306-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of mite allergen avoidance for the treatment of asthma is lacking. In previous meta-analyses on mite allergen control, the baseline data were not discussed in detail. This study updates and extends the existing Cochrane review by Gøtzsche and Johansen (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008, Art. No: CD001187), with a focus on baseline asthma outcomes and allergen exposures. METHODS We used the existing trials in the original Cochrane review and included newly published studies. The baseline data for the mite allergen load from the mattress, the standardized asthma symptom score (ASS), the forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage of predicted (FEV1 %pred.), and the histamine provocative concentration causing a 20% drop in FEV1 (PC20) were extracted. First, the mean values of the outcomes were calculated. The influence of the mite allergen load was examined with a random-effect meta-regression using the Metafor package in R. RESULTS Forty-five trials were included; 39 trials reported strategies for concurrent bedroom interventions, and 6 trails reported strategies for air purification. The mite allergen load ranged from 0.44 to 24.83 μg/g dust, with a mean of 9.86 μg/g dust (95% CI 5.66 to 14.05 μg/g dust, I2 = 99.8%). All health outcomes showed considerable heterogeneity (standardized ASS mean: 0.13, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.18, I2 = 99.9%; FEV1 %pred. mean: 85.3%, 95% CI 80.5 to 90.1%, I2 = 95.8%; PC20 mean: 1.69 mg/mL, 95% CI 0.86 to 2.52 mg/mL, I2 = 95.6%). The covariate mite allergen load did not significantly influence health outcomes. DISCUSSION This meta-analysis shows that mite avoidance studies are characterized by the inclusion of patients with rather mild to moderate asthma and with varying and sometimes negligible levels of allergen exposure. Future studies should focus on patients with severe asthma and increased levels of allergen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank E. van Boven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Allergology & Clinical Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolette W. de Jong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Allergology & Clinical Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan Braunstahl
- Department of Pulmonology, Sint Franciscus Vlietland Groep, P.O. Box 10900, 3004 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Gerth van Wijk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Allergology & Clinical Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lidia R. Arends
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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van Boven FE, Arends LR, Braunstahl G, van Wijk RG. A reintroduction of environmental mite allergen control strategies for asthma treatment and the debate on their effectiveness. Clin Exp Allergy 2019; 49:400-409. [PMID: 30659677 PMCID: PMC6850033 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Asthma affects three hundred million people worldwide. The effectiveness of house dust mite allergen control for asthma treatment is debatable. One aspect that has been little discussed in existing meta-analyses is the possible role of environmental strategies. Here, we reintroduce the previously defined strategies for mite allergen control and discuss their importance to the debate on clinical effectiveness. The strategy of concurrent bedroom interventions is related to the combined use of a priori defined interventions, while the strategy of exposure-based control relates to the treatment of relevant textiles after assessing exposure. The air purification strategy aims to purify the human breathing zone of airborne allergens. In Western European patient practice, the use of these strategies differs. A post hoc study of the dominant Cochrane review by Gøtzsche and Johansen (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008, Art. No: CD001187) appears to indicate that a majority of the underlying trials reported on the strategy of concurrent bedroom interventions, which were mainly executed in a minimal manner. Some trials have reported on the air purification strategy and may potentially alter the debate on effectiveness. No trial has reported on the strategy of exposure-based control. We therefore hypothesize that the absence of evidence for the effectiveness of mite allergen control for asthma treatment applies to the strategy of concurrent bedroom interventions. The evidence-based effectiveness of the exposure-based control strategy appears to be undetermined. The results of our post hoc reanalysis urge that future meta-analyses of mite allergen control should a priori define the environmental strategy under study. Future trials of mite allergen control are warranted to test the exposure-based strategy as well as the sparsely tested strategy of air purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank E. van Boven
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of AllergologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherland
| | - Lidia R. Arends
- Department of BiostatisticsErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child StudiesErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Gert‐Jan Braunstahl
- Department of PulmonologySint Franciscus Vlietland GroepRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of PulmonologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Roy Gerth van Wijk
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of AllergologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherland
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Leas BF, D'Anci KE, Apter AJ, Bryant-Stephens T, Lynch MP, Kaczmarek JL, Umscheid CA. Effectiveness of indoor allergen reduction in asthma management: A systematic review. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 141:1854-1869. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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van Boven FE. Effectiveness of mite-impermeable covers: a hypothesis-generating meta-analysis. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 44:1473-83. [PMID: 25048696 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease. The subject of mite allergen control has evolved into a debate dominated by a Cochrane review by Gøtzsche and Johansen (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008, Art. No: CD001187). A not well-discussed aspect of that study is the selection by those authors of a univariate meta-analysis including various interventions. This study extends the meta-analysis by Gøtzsche and Johansen and aims to generate hypotheses on the effectiveness of various bedding interventions, including the coverage of all bedding elements. Trials were selected based on environmental criteria. The interventions were classified according to the number of barriers used. Standardized mean differences yielded the mite load, three physiological outcomes and asthma symptom scores. The influence of covariates was examined with a mixed-effect model using the metafor package for meta-analysis in R. Twelve trials included 1187 observations. The interventions included one barrier or product (six trials), two barriers or partial control (four trials) and three barriers or integral control (two trials). The exposure data showed considerable heterogeneity (I(2) = 93%). The risk of bias significantly (P = 0.04) influenced the final load, the square root of the interaction between the baseline load and the type of intervention as well (95% CI: -0.66 to -0.07 μg/g; P = 0.02). Changes in load showed similar tendencies. Health outcomes showed moderate to considerable heterogeneity (physiological outcomes I(2) = 44-94%; symptom score I(2) = 93%). A meta-regression of bedding interventions indicates that integral control most significantly reduced mite load when the load was high at baseline. The number of trials was too small to allow an appropriate examination of health outcomes. Future studies are suggested to test the hypothesis that allergic patients benefit from integral control when the baseline mite load is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- F E van Boven
- Working Group on Allergen Avoidance, V&VN Lung Care Nurses, V&VN Dutch Nurses' Association, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kanchongkittiphon W, Mendell MJ, Gaffin JM, Wang G, Phipatanakul W. Indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma: an update to the 2000 review by the Institute of Medicine. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:6-20. [PMID: 25303775 PMCID: PMC4286274 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1307922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has found relationships between specific indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma. OBJECTIVES In this review we provide an updated summary of knowledge from the scientific literature on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma. METHODS Peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2013 on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma were identified through PubMed, from reference lists, and from authors' files. Articles that focused on modifiable indoor exposures in relation to frequency or severity of exacerbation of asthma were selected for review. Research findings were reviewed and summarized with consideration of the strength of the evidence. RESULTS Sixty-nine eligible articles were included. Major changed conclusions include a causal relationship with exacerbation for indoor dampness or dampness-related agents (in children); associations with exacerbation for dampness or dampness-related agents (in adults), endotoxin, and environmental tobacco smoke (in preschool children); and limited or suggestive evidence for association with exacerbation for indoor culturable Penicillium or total fungi, nitrogen dioxide, rodents (nonoccupational), feather/down pillows (protective relative to synthetic bedding), and (regardless of specific sensitization) dust mite, cockroach, dog, and dampness-related agents. DISCUSSION This review, incorporating evidence reported since 2000, increases the strength of evidence linking many indoor factors to the exacerbation of asthma. Conclusions should be considered provisional until all available evidence is examined more thoroughly. CONCLUSION Multiple indoor exposures, especially dampness-related agents, merit increased attention to prevent exacerbation of asthma, possibly even in nonsensitized individuals. Additional research to establish causality and evaluate interventions is needed for these and other indoor exposures.
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Arroyave WD, Rabito FA, Carlson JC, Friedman EE, Stinebaugh SJ. Impermeable dust mite covers in the primary and tertiary prevention of allergic disease: a meta-analysis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 112:237-48. [PMID: 24484971 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 40% of the world's population has been diagnosed with an allergic disease. The most prevalent allergy is to house dust mites. Impermeable mattress covers are often the first treatment in the prevention and decrease of symptoms of allergic disease. OBJECTIVE To perform a meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of impermeable mattress covers in the primary prevention of allergic disease and as a single intervention in the tertiary prevention of allergic disease symptoms. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL were systematically searched for relevant publications. Seven primary prevention trials (n = 3,461) and 17 tertiary prevention trials (n = 1,671) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All article reviews and abstractions were performed in duplicate. RESULTS No significant pooled relative risks were found for the prevention of allergic disease. The pooled relative risks were 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-1.51) for house dust mite sensitization, 0.92 (95% CI 0.81-1.05) for wheeze, 0.85 (95% CI 0.70-1.02) for asthma, 1.03 (95% CI 0.90-1.19) for allergic rhinitis, and 1.05 (95% CI 0.84-1.32) for allergic dermatitis. Likewise, no significant pooled standardized mean differences were found in the tertiary prevention of symptoms. The pooled standardized mean differences were -0.03 (95% CI -0.15 to 0.09) for peak flow, -0.06 (95% CI -0.32 to 0.20) for asthma symptom score, and -0.39 (95% CI -0.88 to 0.11) for nasal symptom score. A significant effect was seen in the decrease of house mite dust level in the mattress (-0.79, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.60). CONCLUSION No evidence was found to support the use of impermeable mattress covers in the primary prevention of allergic disease or in the tertiary prevention of allergic disease symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney D Arroyave
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | - Felicia A Rabito
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - John C Carlson
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Eleanor E Friedman
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Sarah J Stinebaugh
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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El-Ghitany EM, Abd El-Salam MM. Environmental intervention for house dust mite control in childhood bronchial asthma. Environ Health Prev Med 2012; 17:377-84. [PMID: 22302565 PMCID: PMC3437361 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-011-0263-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of physical and chemical environmental control measures for house dust mites (HDM) in controlling bronchial asthma in children. METHODS A total of 160 asthmatic children who were sensitized to HDM underwent clinical and environmental assessment. The children were randomly allocated into one of four groups according to the intervention (chemical, physical, both chemical and physical, none) and the effectiveness of the intervention was assessed at 8 and 16 weeks. RESULTS The group for which physical control measures were used showed significant improvement in all outcome measures, including mean differences of forced expiratory volume after 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which were 2.05% and 4.65 l/min, respectively, at the 8-week follow-up evaluation. The percentage of severe asthma decreased from 45 to 22%. Similar results were obtained for the group with both chemical (tannic acid) and physical interventions (p < 0.05 for all measures). In the group where tannic acid was used as a chemical measure, the number of children with moderate and severe asthma decreased from 15 in each category to 11 and 7, respectively. In the control group, only the mean difference of PEFR (1.62 l/min) was significant after 16 weeks. Despite these promising findings, only the FEV1 was significantly different (p = 0.014) when the four groups were compared. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, we conclude that simple physical control measures have the potential to contribute to the control of asthma symptoms in asthmatic children sensitized to HDM allergen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engy M El-Ghitany
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt.
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Sandström T. Effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2010; 4 Suppl 1:41-8. [PMID: 20500609 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-699x.2010.00196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is recognised as a condition with variable airway obstruction with pathophysiological features that include activation of a wide range of inflammatory and structural cells. Additionally, structural changes in the airways have been demonstrated. This includes increased thickening of components in the basement membrane region, increased smooth muscle mass, increased vascularisation and many other events that is often referred to as remodelling of the airways. These processes and the underlying mechanisms have attracted considerable attention. METHODS AND RESULTS This review describes the different interventive approaches that have been tried in order to improve asthma control and affect the underlying pathophysiological pathways. These include elimination of harmful environmental and occupational exposures, a wide range of pharmacological agents as well as bronchial thermoplasty. The existing evidence for effects on airway inflammation and airway remodelling is discussed in relationship to mechanistic aspects and short- and long-term outcome. CONCLUSION It is expected that modulation of the asthmatic airway remodelling will become an even more important endpoint in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sandström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Division of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Baiardini I, Braido F, Brandi S, Tarantini F, Bonini S, Bousquet PJ, Zuberbier T, Demoly P, Canonica GW. The impact of GINA suggested drugs for the treatment of asthma on Health-Related Quality of Life: a GA(2)LEN review. Allergy 2008; 63:1015-30. [PMID: 18691305 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01823.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Asthma represents a serious global health problem. People of all ages in countries throughout the world are affected by this chronic airway disorder that, when uncontrolled, can place severe limits on daily life and can even be fatal. Asthma cannot be removed, but asthmatic symptoms can be cured; as for many other chronic diseases, pharmacotherapy is important to reduce the risk of asthma-related mortality, decrease disability and improve symptoms and quality of life. The action of antiasthmatic drugs directly contributes to decrease symptoms severity, improve spirometric results, reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and prevent irreversible airway remodelling. Antiasthmatic therapy is necessary for long-term control of asthma symptoms. Asthma and antiasthmatic drugs can influence patient's quality of life: this is why healthcare systems have recently focused on research studies about Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) in asthmatic patients. Numerous validated questionnaires are available and many studies have been performed evaluating HRQL in people affected by asthma, thus testifying a great interest in this topic. The aims of the present review are to examine the scientific literature of the last 4 years (January 2004-December 2007) dealing with the impact of asthma treatments suggested by Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines on patients' quality of life, and to identify the unexplored or not fully investigated areas concerning this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Baiardini
- Allergy & Respiratory Diseases, DIMI - University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
The major allergen in house dust comes from mites. We performed a systematic review of the randomized trials that had assessed the effects of reducing exposure to house dust mite antigens in the homes of people with mite-sensitive asthma, and had compared active interventions with placebo or no treatment. Fifty-four trials (3002 patients) were included. Thirty-six trials assessed physical methods (26 mattress covers), 10 chemical methods and eight a combination of chemical and physical methods. Despite the fact that many trials were of poor quality and would be expected to exaggerate the reported effect, we did not find an effect of the interventions. For the most frequently reported outcome, peak flow in the morning (1565 patients), the standardized mean difference was 0.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.10 to 0.10). There were no statistically significant differences in number of patients improved (relative risk 1.01, 95% CI 0.80-1.27), asthma symptom scores (standardized mean difference -0.04, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.07) or in medication usage (standardized mean difference -0.06, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.07). Chemical and physical methods aimed at reducing exposure to house dust mite allergens cannot be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Gøtzsche
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
EDITORIAL NOTE This 2011 review predates current reporting standards and methodological expectations for Cochrane Reviews. It should not be used for clinical decision‐making. BACKGROUND The major allergen in house dust comes from mites. Chemical, physical and combined methods of reducing mite allergen levels are intended to reduce asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to house dust mites. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of reducing exposure to house dust mite antigens in the homes of people with mite-sensitive asthma. SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed and The Cochrane Library (last searches Nov 2007), reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials of mite control measures vs placebo or no treatment in people with asthma known to be sensitive to house dust mites. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors applied the trial inclusion criteria and evaluated the data. Trial authors were contacted to clarify information. MAIN RESULTS Fifty-four trials (3002 patients) were included. Thirty-six trials assessed physical methods (26 mattress encasings), 10 chemical methods, and 8 a combination of chemical and physical methods. Despite the fact that many trials were of poor quality and would be expected to exaggerate the reported effect, we did not find an effect of the interventions. For the most frequently reported outcome, peak flow in the morning (1565 patients), the standardised mean difference was 0.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.10 to 0.10). There were no statistically significant differences either in number of patients improved (relative risk 1.01, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.27), asthma symptom scores (standardised mean difference -0.04, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.07), or in medication usage (standardised mean difference -0.06, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.07). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Chemical and physical methods aimed at reducing exposure to house dust mite allergens cannot be recommended. It is doubtful whether further studies, similar to the ones in our review, are worthwhile. If other types of studies are considered, they should be methodologically rigorous and use other methods than those used so far, with careful monitoring of mite exposure and relevant clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Gøtzsche
- Rigshospitalet, Dept. 3343, Nordic Cochrane Centre. Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark, 2100.
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