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Swarnakar R, Dhar R. Call to action: Addressing asthma diagnosis and treatment gaps in India. Lung India 2024; 41:209-216. [PMID: 38687232 DOI: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_518_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In comparison to the worldwide burden of asthma, although India contributes to 13% of the total asthma prevalence, it has a threefold higher mortality rate and more than twofold higher DALYs, indicating a substantial gap in asthma diagnosis and treatment. Asthma causes significant suffering, affecting people's quality of life and draining the country's resources; therefore, we must devise ways and means to fill these gaps. The most successful and cost-efficient strategy to battle asthma is to form strong partnerships between patients, the general public, the government, the pharmaceutical industry and non-governmental organisations. This necessitates a comprehensive approach that involves raising awareness, developing universally applicable recommendations, increasing access to high-quality asthma care, and other measures. The purpose of this article was to review the existing scenario of asthma management in India and the factors that contribute to it and devise unique and all-encompassing strategies to fill these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Swarnakar
- Department of Pulmonology, Getwell Hospital and Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Raja Dhar
- Department of Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Calcutta Medical Research Institute and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Price D, Jenkins C, Hancock K, Vella R, Heraud F, Le Cheng P, Murray R, Beekman M, Bosnic-Anticevich S, Botini F, Carter V, Catanzariti A, Doan J, Fletton K, Kichkin A, Le T, Le Lievre C, Lau CM, Novic D, Pakos J, Ranasinghe K, Roussos A, Samuel-King J, Sharma A, Stewart D, Willet B, Bateman E. The Association Between Short-Acting β 2-Agonist Over-Prescription, and Patient-Reported Acquisition and Use on Asthma Control and Exacerbations: Data from Australia. Adv Ther 2024; 41:1262-1283. [PMID: 38310584 PMCID: PMC10879376 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02746-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Australia, short-acting β2-agonists (SABA) are available both over the counter (OTC) and on prescription. This ease of access may impact SABA use in the Australian population. Our aim was to assess patterns and outcome associations of prescribed, acquired OTC and reported use of SABA by Australians with asthma. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study, using data derived from primary care electronic medical records (EMRs) and patient completed questionnaires within Optimum Patient Care Research Database Australia (OPCRDA). A total of 720 individuals aged ≥ 12 years with an asthma diagnosis in their EMRs and receiving asthma therapy were included. The annual number of SABA inhalers authorised on prescription, acquired OTC and reported, and the association with self-reported exacerbations and asthma control were investigated. RESULTS 92.9% (n = 380/409) of individuals issued with SABA prescription were authorised ≥ 3 inhalers annually, although this differed from self-reported usage. Of individuals reporting SABA use (n = 546) in the last 12 months, 37.0% reported using ≥ 3 inhalers. These patients who reported SABA overuse experienced 2.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73-3.70) times more severe exacerbations and were 4.51 times (95% CI 3.13-6.55) more likely to have poor asthma control than those who reported using 1-2 SABA inhalers. Patients who did not receive SABA on prescription (43.2%; n = 311/720) also experienced 2.71 (95% CI 1.07-7.26) times more severe exacerbations than those prescribed 1-2 inhalers. Of these patients, 38.9% reported using OTC SABA and other prescription medications, 26.4% reported using SABA OTC as their only asthma medication, 13.2% were prescribed other therapies but not SABA OTC and 14.5% were not using any medication. CONCLUSION Both self-reported SABA overuse and zero SABA prescriptions were associated with poor asthma outcomes. The disconnect between prescribing authorisation, OTC availability and actual use, make it difficult for clinicians to quantify SABA use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Price
- Optimum Patient Care, 5 Coles Lane, Oakington, CB24 3BA, Cambridgeshire, UK.
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, 22 Sin Ming Lane, #06-76, Midview City, 573969, Singapore.
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, Centre of Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
- Optimum Patient Care Australia, 27 Creek St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
| | - Christine Jenkins
- Thoracic Physician Concord Hospital, Head Respiratory Trials, George Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kerry Hancock
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Level 3, 207 Bouverie Street, VIC, 3010, Australia
- RACGP Resp Medicine SIG, 100 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Rebecca Vella
- Optimum Patient Care Australia, 27 Creek St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | | | - Porsche Le Cheng
- Optimum Patient Care Australia, 27 Creek St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Ruth Murray
- Optimum Patient Care, 5 Coles Lane, Oakington, CB24 3BA, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Maarten Beekman
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical and Regional Medical Director for International, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Sinthia Bosnic-Anticevich
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, 431 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, MSW, 2037, Australia
| | - Fabio Botini
- Optimum Patient Care Australia, 27 Creek St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Victoria Carter
- Optimum Patient Care, 5 Coles Lane, Oakington, CB24 3BA, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Angelina Catanzariti
- AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals Medical, Medical Affairs, 66 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Joe Doan
- HealthPlus Medical Centre, 28/26 Belgrave St, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Kirsty Fletton
- Optimum Patient Care, 5 Coles Lane, Oakington, CB24 3BA, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Ata Kichkin
- Blue Shield Family General Practice, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Thao Le
- Medical Education, and Events Management Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chantal Le Lievre
- Optimum Patient Care Australia, 27 Creek St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Chi Ming Lau
- Toukley Family Practice, 37-41 Canton Beach Road, Toukley, NSW, 2263, Australia
| | - Dominique Novic
- Redlands Medical Centre, 189 Vienna Rd, Alexandra Hills, 4161, Australia
| | - John Pakos
- Woodcroft Medical Centre, Woodcroft, SA, 5162, Australia
| | - Kanchanamala Ranasinghe
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- Cannon Hill Family Doctors, 17/1177 Wynnum Rd, Cannon Hill, QLD, 4170, Australia
| | - Alexander Roussos
- Optimum Patient Care Australia, 27 Creek St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | | | - Anita Sharma
- Platinum Medical Centre, 18 Banfield St, Chermside, QLD, 4032, Australia
| | - Deb Stewart
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Bruce Willet
- Victoria Point Surgery, Brisbane, QLD, 4165, Australia
| | - Eric Bateman
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, and University Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
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Amirav I, Garcia G, Le BK, Barria P, Levy G, Aggarwal B, Fahrbach K, Martin A, Phansalkar A, Sriprasart T. SABAs as Reliever Medications in Asthma Management: Evidence-Based Science. Adv Ther 2023; 40:2927-2943. [PMID: 37280414 PMCID: PMC10244083 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02543-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of as-needed inhaled short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) in the management of asthma has become a subject of debate due to differing opinions in the professional community relating to the use of SABAs. In this article, we summarize the current position of SABAs when used as reliever medications and examine the challenges to appropriate use including a critique of the data that have led to the condemnation of SABA used as a reliever. We consider the evidence for the appropriate use of SABA as a reliever together with practical solutions to ensure such use, including identifying patients at risk of misusing their SABA relievers and managing issues of inhaler technique and treatment adherence. We conclude that inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-based maintenance treatment with SABA used as-needed as a reliever is an effective and safe treatment for patients with asthma, with no scientific evidence of a causal link between SABA use as a reliever and mortality or serious adverse events (including exacerbations). Increased SABA use warns of a deterioration in asthma control, and patients at risk of misusing their ICS and SABA medication should be rapidly identified to ensure they are receiving adequate ICS-based controller therapy. Appropriate use of ICS-based controller therapy and as-needed SABA should be encouraged and promoted with educational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Amirav
- Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Gabriel Garcia
- Servicio de Neumonología, Hospital Rossi La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bao Khac Le
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Paulina Barria
- Unidad de Respiratorio, Hospital Clínico de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gur Levy
- Respiratory Medical Emerging Markets, GSK, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | | | | | | | | | - Thitiwat Sriprasart
- Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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de Las Vecillas L, Quirce S. Landscape of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) overuse in Europe. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:132-144. [PMID: 36468654 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14250] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review article provides an overview of short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) use and prescribing trends in Europe, summarizing updated data on the results from the industry-funded SABINA program (SABA use IN asthma) and other studies on this matter. SABA use continues to increase worldwide. Overuse has been defined as ≥3 canisters/year. Almost a third of European patients with asthma, at all severity levels, overuse SABA. Guidelines recommend close monitoring of patients who overuse SABA and avoiding over-reliance on SABA monotherapy. SABA overuse is associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbations and mortality, increased use of health services and negative physical and mental health outcomes. Reliance on SABA monotherapy can be unsafe and therefore it is necessary to change asthma treatment approaches and policies. Changes in physician and patient behaviours towards SABA use are required to ensure that patients with asthma are not over-reliant on SABA monotherapy. Notwithstanding, the limitations of the studies on the use of SABA should be considered, taking into account that the prescription/purchase of medication canisters does not always represent the actual use of the medication and that associations between SABA overuse and poor asthma outcomes may not be directly causal. National health systems and asthma guidelines must align asthma management with global recommendations and adjust them to local needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santiago Quirce
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
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van den Berg LN, Hallensleben C, Chavannes NH, Versluis A. Developing a Smartphone Application That Promotes Responsible Short-Acting Beta2-Agonist Use in People with Asthma: A Participatory Design. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148496. [PMID: 35886348 PMCID: PMC9318130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Around 339 million people worldwide have asthma, and 50% have uncontrolled asthma. One trait of uncontrolled asthma, often seen in primary care, is short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) overuse, defined as using SABA more than twice a week. SABA overuse can cause adverse health effects. An application could help patients gain more insight into their SABA use. Engaging stakeholders during the development is important to maximize the usability of and adherence to an application. This study describes the development process of an application that promotes responsible SABA use in people with asthma, using a participatory design. Different stakeholder groups were involved in two iterative development cycles. In the first cycle, four end-users evaluated the app’s prototype. During the second cycle, five end-users were interviewed about the usability of the new version. Resulting in an app that allows patients to register SABA use, asthma symptoms, and symptom triggers. A graph shows how these factors are related, and end-users can show the graph to their physician to facilitate communication. Medication use is compared to the medical guidelines or, when applicable, to the advice given by the users’ healthcare professionals. End-users found the app helpful. Research into the usability and effectiveness of the app in a bigger sample will follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselot N. van den Berg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.H.); (N.H.C.); (A.V.)
- National eHealth Living Lab (NeLL), 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)71-526-57-61
| | - Cynthia Hallensleben
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.H.); (N.H.C.); (A.V.)
- National eHealth Living Lab (NeLL), 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Niels H. Chavannes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.H.); (N.H.C.); (A.V.)
- National eHealth Living Lab (NeLL), 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Versluis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.H.); (N.H.C.); (A.V.)
- National eHealth Living Lab (NeLL), 2333 ZD Leiden, The Netherlands
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