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Alghamdi NA, Alshammari EA, Alsahli AA, Abuhaimed AA, Alyousef BY, Othman F, Abusido TA, Alkhalaf HA. The adherence to asthma medication for hospitalized children with asthma: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ann Thorac Med 2024; 19:228-235. [PMID: 39144537 PMCID: PMC11321533 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_24_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to assess adherence to asthma controller therapy and factors that influence asthma control and to determine the association between asthma knowledge of the caregiver and asthma control among admitted children with asthma. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023 in a tertiary care hospital. Children with a diagnosis of asthma aged 2-14 years, who were admitted to the hospital with an exacerbation of asthma were identified. METHODS Caregivers of the admitted children were interviewed using the Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire and Pediatric Inhaler Adherence Questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Demographic and clinical data were described using descriptive analyses, where mean and standard deviation were used for normally distributed continuous variables, median and interquartile range (IQR), if otherwise. A P < 0.05 was set as a cutoff for statistical significance. RESULTS A total of 144 caregivers completed the survey. Median score for parents' knowledge of asthma was 64%, with an IQR of 59-67. Both mother's and father's educational levels were associated with a good level of knowledge: odds ratio (OR) = 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-5.6, and OR = 5.33, 95% CI = 2.23-12.7, respectively. Median adherence to metered dose inhaler (MDI) was 4 (IQR = 2-6). Children who had been admitted to the general ward in the last 6 months were three times more likely to be nonadherent to MDI (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.18-7.82). Forty-three percent of children who were nonadherent to MDI were less likely to have their asthma controlled (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.17-1.06). CONCLUSION This study revealed that a low level of knowledge among caregivers of asthma patients is linked to inadequate adherence to asthma controller therapy. As medication adherence is crucial for achieving desirable asthma control and improving the quality of life for this population, efforts need to be made to enhance the knowledge level of parents of children with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawaf Abdullah Alghamdi
- Department of Pediatric, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Intern, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elaf A. Alshammari
- Department of Pediatric, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Intern, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan A. Alsahli
- Department of Pediatric, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Intern, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alanoud A. Abuhaimed
- Department of Pediatric, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Intern, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Y. Alyousef
- Medical Intern, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatmah Othman
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamer A. Abusido
- Department of Pediatric, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Intern, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Abdullah Alkhalaf
- Department of Pediatric, King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Intern, College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Haji T, Lyzwinski L, Dhaliwal C, Leung G, Giangioppo S, Radhakrishnan D. A real-world evaluation of the effectiveness and Sufficiency of Current Emergency Department Preventative Strategies for Reducing Emergency Department revisits in a Canadian children's hospital: a retrospective cohort study. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 20:37. [PMID: 38918807 PMCID: PMC11197375 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-024-00900-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite asthma guidelines' recommended emergency department preventative strategies (EDPS), repeat asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits remain frequent. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of children aged 1-17 years presenting with asthma to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) ED between September 1, 2014 - August 31, 2015. EDPS was defined as provision of education on trigger avoidance and medication technique plus documentation of an asthma action plan, a prescription for an inhaled controller medication or referral to a specialist. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with receipt of EDPS. We further compared the odds of repeat presentation to the ED within the following year among children who had received EDPS versus those who had not. RESULTS 1301 patients were included, and the mean age of those who received EDPS was 5.0 years (SD = 3.7). Those with a moderate (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.49, 5.52) to severe (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 2.50, 5.45) asthma presentation were most likely to receive EDPS. Receiving EDPS did not significantly reduce the adjusted odds of repeat ED visits, (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.18, p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS Patients with higher severity asthma presentations to the ED were more likely to receive EDPS, but this did not appear to significantly decrease the proportion with a repeat asthma ED visit. These findings suggest that receipt of EDPS in the ED may not be sufficient to prevent repeat asthma ED visits in all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Haji
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Cara Dhaliwal
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Garvin Leung
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ontario, Canada
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Sarikloglou E, Fouzas S, Paraskakis E. Prediction of Asthma Exacerbations in Children. J Pers Med 2023; 14:20. [PMID: 38248721 PMCID: PMC10820562 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010020] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma exacerbations are common in asthmatic children, even among those with good disease control. Asthma attacks result in the children and their parents missing school and work days; limit the patient's social and physical activities; and lead to emergency department visits, hospital admissions, or even fatal events. Thus, the prompt identification of asthmatic children at risk for exacerbation is crucial, as it may allow for proactive measures that could prevent these episodes. Children prone to asthma exacerbation are a heterogeneous group; various demographic factors such as younger age, ethnic group, low family income, clinical parameters (history of an exacerbation in the past 12 months, poor asthma control, poor adherence to treatment, comorbidities), Th2 inflammation, and environmental exposures (pollutants, stress, viral and bacterial pathogens) determine the risk of a future exacerbation and should be carefully considered. This paper aims to review the existing evidence regarding the predictors of asthma exacerbations in children and offer practical monitoring guidance for promptly recognizing patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sotirios Fouzas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras Medical School, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Emmanouil Paraskakis
- Paediatric Respiratory Unit, Paediatric Department, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
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Ardura-Garcia C, Mallet MC, Berger DO, Hoyler K, Jochmann A, Kuhn A, Moeller A, Regamey N, Singer F, Pedersen ESL, Kuehni CE. Predictors of asthma control differ from predictors of asthma attacks in children: The Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:1177-1186. [PMID: 37658735 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14390] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear if predictors of asthma attacks are the same as those of asthma symptom control in children. OBJECTIVE We evaluated predictors for these two outcomes in a clinical cohort study. METHODS The Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort (SPAC) is a multicentre prospective clinical cohort of children referred to paediatric pulmonologists. This analysis included 516 children (5-16 years old) diagnosed with asthma. At baseline, we collected sociodemographic information, symptoms, personal and family history and environmental exposures from a parental baseline questionnaire, and treatment and test results from hospital records. Outcomes were assessed 1 year later by parental questionnaire: asthma control in the last 4 weeks as defined by GINA guidelines, and asthma attacks defined as any unscheduled visit for asthma in the past year. We used logistic regression to identify and compare predictors for suboptimal asthma control and asthma attacks. RESULTS At follow-up, 114/516 children (22%), reported suboptimal asthma control, and 114 (22%) an incident asthma attack. Only 37 (7%) reported both. Suboptimal asthma control was associated with poor symptom control at baseline (e.g. ≥1 night wheeze/week OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7-6), wheeze triggered by allergens (2.2; 1.4-3.3), colds (2.3; 1.4-3.6) and exercise (3.2; 2-5), a more intense treatment at baseline (2.4; 1.3-4.4 for Step 3 vs. 1), history of preschool (2.6; 1.5-4.4) and persistent wheeze (2; 1.4-3.2), and exposure to tobacco smoke (1.7; 1-2.6). Incident asthma attacks were associated with previous episodes of severe wheeze (2; 1.2-3.3) and asthma attacks (2.8; 1.6-5 for emergency care visits), younger age (0.8; 0.8-0.9 per 1 year) and non-Swiss origin (0.3; 0.2-0.5 for Swiss origin). Lung function, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and allergic sensitization at baseline were not associated with control or attacks. CONCLUSION Children at risk of long-term suboptimal asthma control differ from those at risk of attacks. Prediction tools and preventive efforts should differentiate these two asthma outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Christina Mallet
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daria Olena Berger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karin Hoyler
- Kinderpneumologie Horgen, Private Practice for Pediatric Pneumology, Horgen, Switzerland
| | - Anja Jochmann
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alena Kuhn
- Department of Paediatrics, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Moeller
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Children's Hospital Zurich and Children's Research Centre, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Regamey
- Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Singer
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Claudia Elisabeth Kuehni
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Barne M. Gaps in asthma diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1240259. [PMID: 37937199 PMCID: PMC10627233 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1240259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute to a major proportion of asthma morbidity and mortality globally, even though the prevalence is higher in high income countries. Mortality due to asthma is avoidable and patients should be able to live a near normal life. There are factors that influence overall disease prevalence and poor health outcomes due to asthma in LMICs. This article summarizes the gaps in asthma diagnosis and management in LMICs. The gaps are diverse. Each challenge needs to be addressed through policy decisions, upgrade of infrastructure, knowledge and skills for early diagnosis and correct management among health care providers, both clinicians and paramedics. Healthcare accessibility and affordability are genuine challenges, and the public healthcare system needs to be geared up to address these at primary and tertiary levels. Mass education of the population through national level government initiatives is needed to help bridge the sociocultural gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Barne
- Department of Training, Pulmocare Research and Education Foundation, Pune, India
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Niu F, Zheng C, Liu L. Exploring causal mechanisms and quantifying direct and indirect effects using a joint modeling approach for recurrent and terminal events. Stat Med 2023; 42:4028-4042. [PMID: 37461207 PMCID: PMC11075700 DOI: 10.1002/sim.9846] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent events are commonly encountered in biomedical studies. In many situations, there exist terminal events, such as death, which are potentially related to the recurrent events. Joint models of recurrent and terminal events have been proposed to address the correlation between recurrent events and terminal events. However, there is a dearth of suitable methods to rigorously investigate the causal mechanisms between specific exposures, recurrent events, and terminal events. For example, it is of interest to know how much of the total effect of the primary exposure of interest on the terminal event is through the recurrent events, and whether preventing recurrent event occurrences could lead to better overall survival. In this work, we propose a formal causal mediation analysis method to compute the natural direct and indirect effects. A novel joint modeling approach is used to take the recurrent event process as the mediator and the survival endpoint as the outcome. This new joint modeling approach allows us to relax the commonly used "sequential ignorability" assumption. Simulation studies show that our new model has good finite sample performance in estimating both model parameters and mediation effects. We apply our method to an AIDS study to evaluate how much of the comparative effectiveness of the two treatments and the effect of CD4 counts on the overall survival are mediated by recurrent opportunistic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Niu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska, U.S.A
| | - Cheng Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska, U.S.A
| | - Lei Liu
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
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Morillo D, Mena-Bucheli S, Ochoa A, Chico ME, Rodas C, Maldonado A, Arteaga K, Alchundia J, Solorzano K, Rodriguez A, Figueiredo C, Ardura-Garcia C, Bachmann M, Perkin MR, Chis Ster I, Cruz A, Romero NC, Cooper P. Prospective study of factors associated with asthma attack recurrence (ATTACK) in children from three Ecuadorian cities during COVID-19: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056295. [PMID: 35710244 PMCID: PMC9207574 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is a growing health problem in children in marginalised urban settings in low-income and middle-income countries. Asthma attacks are an important cause of emergency care attendance and long-term morbidity. We designed a prospective study, the Asthma Attacks study, to identify factors associated with recurrence of asthma attacks (or exacerbations) among children and adolescents attending emergency care in three Ecuadorian cities. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Prospective cohort study designed to identify risk factors associated with recurrence of asthma attacks in 450 children and adolescents aged 5-17 years attending emergency care in public hospitals in three Ecuadorian cities (Quito, Cuenca and Portoviejo). The primary outcome will be rate of asthma attack recurrence during up to 12 months of follow-up. Data are being collected at baseline and during follow-up by questionnaire: sociodemographic data, asthma history and management (baseline only); recurrence of asthma symptoms and attacks (monthly); economic costs of asthma to family; Asthma Control Test; Pediatric Asthma Quality of life Questionnaire; and Newcastle Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (baseline only). In addition, the following are being measured at baseline and during follow-up: lung function and reversibility by spirometry before and after salbutamol; fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO); and presence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in blood. Recruitment started in 2019 but because of severe disruption to emergency services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, eligibility criteria were modified to include asthmatic children with uncontrolled symptoms and registered with collaborating hospitals. Data will be analysed using logistic regression and survival analyses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained from the Hospital General Docente de Calderon (CEISH-HGDC 2019-001) and Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health (MSP-CGDES-2021-0041-O N° 096-2021). The study results will be disseminated through presentations at conferences and to key stakeholder groups including policy-makers, postgraduate theses, peer-review publications and a study website. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Morillo
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Angélica Ochoa
- Department of Biosciences, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Martha E Chico
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Claudia Rodas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Augusto Maldonado
- School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- Emergency Department, Hospital General Docente Calderón, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Karen Arteaga
- Emergency Department, Hospital Verdi Cevallos Balda, Portoviejo, Ecuador
| | - Jessica Alchundia
- Pediatric Pneumology, Hospital de Especialidades Portoviejo, Portoviejo, Ecuador
| | - Karla Solorzano
- Pediatric Pneumology, Hospital de Especialidades Portoviejo, Portoviejo, Ecuador
| | | | - Camila Figueiredo
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Max Bachmann
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Irina Chis Ster
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Alvaro Cruz
- Núcleo de Excelência em Asma, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Natalia Cristina Romero
- School of Medicine, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- GRAAL, Grups de Recerca d'America i Africa Llatines, Cerdanyola del Valles, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philip Cooper
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
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Chaya S, Zar HJ, Gray DM. Lung Function in Preschool Children in Low and Middle Income Countries: An Under-Represented Potential Tool to Strengthen Child Health. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:908607. [PMID: 35769219 PMCID: PMC9234953 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.908607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of respiratory disease is high in low-middle income countries (LMIC). Pulmonary function tests are useful as an objective measure of lung health and to track progression. Spirometry is the commonest test, but its use is limited in preschool children. Other lung function methods have been developed but their use in LMIC has not been well described. AIM To review the use of preschool lung function testing in children in LMIC, with particular reference to feasibility and clinical applications. METHODS Electronic databases "PubMed", "Scopus"," Web of Science", and "EBSCO host" were searched for publications in low and middle income countries on preschool lung function testing, including spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), oscillometry, interrupter technique, tidal breathing and multiple breath washout (MBW), from 1 January 2011 to 31 January 2022. Papers in English were included and those including only children ≥6 years were excluded. RESULT A total of 61 papers from LMIC in Asia, South America, Africa, Eurasia or the Middle East were included. Of these, 40 included spirometry, 7 FeNO, 15 oscillometry, 2 interrupter technique, and 2 tidal breathing. The papers covered test feasibility (19/61), clinical application (46/61) or epidemiological studies (13/61). Lung function testing was successful in preschool children from LMIC. Spirometry was the most technically demanding and success gradually increased with age. CONCLUSION Preschool lung function testing is under-represented in LMIC for the burden of respiratory disease. These tests have the potential to strengthen respiratory care in LMIC, however access needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaakira Chaya
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and SA-MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and SA-MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diane M Gray
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and SA-MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Hauerslev M, Garpvall K, Marckmann M, Hermansen MN, Hansen KS, Chawes BL. Long-term predictors of loss of asthma control in school-aged well-controlled children with mild to moderate asthma: A 5-year follow-up. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:81-89. [PMID: 34590793 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term follow-up studies establishing risk factors for loss of asthma control in well-controlled children with mild to moderate disease are lacking and are of importance for improving patient quality of life and utilization of health-care resources. METHODS Loss of asthma control was assessed in 146 school-aged children with well-controlled mild to moderate asthma from a Danish pediatric asthma outpatient clinic based on hospital admissions, emergency department (ED), or outpatient management of exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, or step-up of regular asthma treatment according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines through a 5-year follow-up period. Risk factors included sex, ethnicity, age, body mass index (BMI), atopic comorbidity and predisposition, lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level, exercise challenge test results, regular physical activity, GINA treatment step at baseline, and adherence to controller therapy. RESULTS A total of 27 (18%) children experienced 56 acute events defined by hospital admission, ED, or outpatient management. Risk of experiencing any acute event was increased with female sex (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 2.4 (1.0-5.9), p = 0.047) and higher baseline GINA treatment step (aOR = 1.6 (1.1-2.5), p = 0.03). Furthermore, female sex (aOR = 6.1 (1.4-42.2), p = 0.01) and higher FeNO (aOR = 1.8 (1.0-3.2), p = 0.04) were associated with OCS prescriptions, whereas no risk factors were identified for GINA treatment step-up during the 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Female sex, higher FeNO, and higher baseline GINA treatment step increase the risk of long-term loss of control including acute events and OCS use in well-controlled children with mild to moderate asthma. These findings are important for primary physicians and clinicians in asthma outpatient clinics to identify seemingly well-controlled children at risk to plan more frequent follow-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Hauerslev
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kalle Garpvall
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Marckmann
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette N Hermansen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten S Hansen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Allergy Clinic, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo L Chawes
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Ardura-Garcia C, Blakey JD, Cooper PJ, Romero-Sandoval N. Caregivers' and healthcare professionals' perspective of barriers and facilitators to health service access for asthmatic children: a qualitative study. BMJ Open Respir Res 2021; 8:8/1/e001066. [PMID: 34949576 PMCID: PMC8705230 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2021-001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high burden of asthma morbidity and mortality in Latin America. It has been proposed that this relates to limited access to diagnostic tests, asthma medications and specialised doctors. However, little is known of what caregivers of asthmatic children and healthcare professionals (HCPs) perceive as barriers and facilitators to adequate care. We aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to asthma care access from caregivers' and HCP's perspective in an Ecuadorian low-resource setting. METHODS In 2017, we conducted 5 focus group discussions (FGD) with 20 caregivers of asthmatic children and 12 in-depth interviews with 3 paediatricians, 6 general doctors and 3 respiratory therapists in Esmeraldas city, Ecuador. FGDs and interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, open-coded in QDA Miner, categorised using an interpretative phenomenological approach and analysed thematically. Barriers and facilitators were classified into availability, accessibility, acceptability and contact of healthcare services, based on Tanahashi model of health service access. RESULTS Limited resources, use of alternative medicines, fear of medication side-effects and lack of specific training for doctors and knowledge in families were common barriers for both caregivers and HCPs. Caregivers and HCPs proposed the implementation of public health asthma-focused programmes that would include close community-based follow-up of people with asthma, educational sessions for their families and public engagement activities. HCPs also suggested implementing training programmes on asthma management for general doctors. CONCLUSION Multiple barriers identified by caregivers and HCPs referred to economic and health service organisational issues, fear of side effects of medication or ineffective self-management. Increasing caregivers and HCPs' asthma knowledge, as well as HCPs' communication skills to establish a patient-centred approach with a shared decision-making process could improve asthma care in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D Blakey
- Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Philip J Cooper
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Natalia Romero-Sandoval
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Grups de Recerca d'Amèrica i Àfrica Llatines GRAAL Nodo Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
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11
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Garpvall K, Hauerslev M, Marckmann M, Hermansen MN, Hansen KS, Chawes BL. Allergic Comorbidity Is a Risk Factor for Not Attending Scheduled Outpatient Visits in Children with Asthma. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8121193. [PMID: 34943389 PMCID: PMC8700566 DOI: 10.3390/children8121193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children globally. Previous studies have shown that not attending asthma primary care consultations is associated with poorer treatment adherence and increased risk of loss of asthma control on a short-term basis. Here, we investigated long-term patterns and predictors of not attending scheduled asthma outpatient visits during 5-years of follow-up in 146 children with asthma. Of the 146 children, 67 (46%) did not attend at least one scheduled appointment, amounting to a total of 122 (10.8%) missed of 1133 scheduled appointments. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for total scheduled visits in the 5-year period any allergic sensitization was a significant risk factor for not attending ≥1 scheduled appointment (aOR = 6.6 (95% CI, 1.3–39.7), p = 0.03), which was not the case for asthma treatment step or lung function. Furthermore, atopic predisposition decreased the risk of non-attendance (aOR = 0.36 (0.13–0.92), p = 0.04). We found no association between non-attendance, treatment adherence or loss of asthma control. This study highlights that allergic comorbidity, but not degree of asthma severity, identifies a group of children with asthma who are prone to not attend scheduled outpatient appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalle Garpvall
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.G.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.H.); (K.S.H.)
| | - Marie Hauerslev
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.G.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.H.); (K.S.H.)
| | - Mads Marckmann
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.G.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.H.); (K.S.H.)
| | - Mette N. Hermansen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.G.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.H.); (K.S.H.)
| | - Kirsten S. Hansen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.G.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.H.); (K.S.H.)
- Allergy Clinic, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, 2820 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo L. Chawes
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.G.); (M.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.H.); (K.S.H.)
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, 2820 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-39-77-7360
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12
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Blakey J, Chung LP, McDonald VM, Ruane L, Gornall J, Barton C, Bosnic-Anticevich S, Harrington J, Hew M, Holland AE, Hopkins T, Jayaram L, Reddel H, Upham JW, Gibson PG, Bardin P. Oral corticosteroids stewardship for asthma in adults and adolescents: A position paper from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Respirology 2021; 26:1112-1130. [PMID: 34587348 PMCID: PMC9291960 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used for asthma treatment. This medication is highly effective for both acute and chronic diseases, but evidence indicates that indiscriminate OCS use is common, posing a risk of serious side effects and irreversible harm. There is now an urgent need to introduce OCS stewardship approaches, akin to successful initiatives that optimized appropriate antibiotic usage. The aim of this TSANZ (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand) position paper is to review current knowledge pertaining to OCS use in asthma and then delineate principles of OCS stewardship. Recent evidence indicates overuse and over-reliance on OCS for asthma and that doses >1000 mg prednisolone-equivalent cumulatively are likely to have serious side effects and adverse outcomes. Patient perspectives emphasize the detrimental impacts of OCS-related side effects such as weight gain, insomnia, mood disturbances and skin changes. Improvements in asthma control and prevention of exacerbations can be achieved by improved inhaler technique, adherence to therapy, asthma education, smoking cessation, multidisciplinary review, optimized medications and other strategies. Recently, add-on therapies including novel biological agents and macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated reductions in OCS requirements. Harm reduction may also be achieved through identification and mitigation of predictable adverse effects. OCS stewardship should entail greater awareness of appropriate indications for OCS prescription, risk-benefits of OCS medications, side effects, effective add-on therapies and multidisciplinary review. If implemented, OCS stewardship can ensure that clinicians and patients with asthma are aware that OCS should not be used lightly, while providing reassurance that asthma can be controlled in most people without frequent use of OCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Blakey
- Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Li Ping Chung
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vanessa M McDonald
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laurence Ruane
- Monash Lung and Sleep, Monash University and Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Gornall
- Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Barton
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sinthia Bosnic-Anticevich
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney AND Quality Use of Respiratory Medicines Group, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Harrington
- John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Hew
- Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anne E Holland
- Physiotherapy Department, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trudy Hopkins
- South Eastern Sydney Health Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lata Jayaram
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Western Health and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Reddel
- The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John W Upham
- The University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute AND Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter G Gibson
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Bardin
- Monash Lung Sleep Allergy & Immunology, Monash University and Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Cooper PJ, Chis Ster I, Chico ME, Vaca M, Oviedo Y, Maldonado A, Barreto ML, Platts‐Mills TAE, Strachan DP. Impact of early life geohelminths on wheeze, asthma and atopy in Ecuadorian children at 8 years. Allergy 2021; 76:2765-2775. [PMID: 33745189 PMCID: PMC8496980 DOI: 10.1111/all.14821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life exposures to geohelminths may protect against development of wheeze/asthma and atopy. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of maternal geohelminths and infections in children during the first 5 years on atopy, wheeze/asthma and airways reactivity/inflammation at 8 years. METHODS Birth cohort of 2404 neonates followed to 8 years in rural Ecuador. Data on wheeze/asthma were collected by questionnaire and atopy by skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to 9 allergens. We measured airways reactivity to bronchodilator, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and nasal eosinophilia. Stool samples were examined for geohelminths by microscopy. RESULTS 1933 (80.4%) children were evaluated at 8 years. Geohelminths were detected in 45.8% of mothers and 45.5% of children to 5 years. Frequencies of outcomes at 8 years were as follows: wheeze (6.6%), asthma between 5 and 8 years (7.9%), SPT (14.7%), airways reactivity (10%) and elevated FeNO (10.3%) and nasal eosinophilia (9.2%). Any maternal geohelminth was associated with reduced SPT prevalence (OR 0.72). Childhood Trichuris trichiura infections during the first 5 years were associated with reduced wheeze (OR 0.57) but greater parasite burdens with Ascaris lumbricoides at 5 years were associated with increased wheeze (OR 2.83) and asthma (OR 2.60). Associations between maternal geohelminths and wheeze/asthma were modified by atopy. Parasite-specific effects on wheeze/asthma and airways reactivity and inflammation were observed in non-atopic children. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel evidence for persistent effects of in utero geohelminth exposures on childhood atopy but highlight the complex nature of the relationship between geohelminths and the airways. Registered as an observational study (ISRCTN41239086).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity St George's University of London London UK
- School of Medicine Universidad Internacional del Ecuador Quito Ecuador
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Irina Chis Ster
- Institute of Infection and Immunity St George's University of London London UK
| | - Martha E. Chico
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Maritza Vaca
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Yisela Oviedo
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
| | - Augusto Maldonado
- Fundacion Ecuatoriana Para La Investigacion en Salud Quito Ecuador
- Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Universidad San Francisco de Quito Quito Ecuador
| | | | | | - David P. Strachan
- Population Health Research Institute St George's University of London London UK
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14
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Precision medicine could help to improve diagnosis and treatment of asthma; however, in the tropics there are special conditions to be considered for applying this strategy. In this review, we analyze recent advances of precision allergology in tropical regions, highlighting its limitations and needs in high-admixed populations living under environments with high exposure to house dust mites and helminth infections. RECENT FINDINGS Advances have been made regarding the genetic characterization of the great diversity of populations living in the tropics. Genes involved in shared biological pathways between immune responses to nematodes and the allergic responses suggested new mechanisms of predisposition. Genome wide association studies of asthma are progressively focusing on some highly replicated genes such as those in chromosome 17q31-13, which have been also replicated in African ancestry populations. Some diagnostic difficulties, because of the endemicity of helminth infections, are now more evident in the context of phenotype definition. SUMMARY The clinical impact of the advances in precision medicine for asthma in the tropics is still limited and mainly related to component resolved diagnosis. More basic and clinical research is needed to identify genetic, epigenetic, or other biologic markers that allow and accurate definition of phenotypes and endotypes of this heterogeneous disease. This will substantially improve the selection of personalized treatments.
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15
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Bridge J, Blakey JD, Bonnett LJ. A systematic review of methodology used in the development of prediction models for future asthma exacerbation. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:22. [PMID: 32024484 PMCID: PMC7003428 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-0913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical prediction models are widely used to guide medical advice and therapeutic interventions. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases globally and is characterised by acute deteriorations. These exacerbations are largely preventable, so there is interest in using clinical prediction models in this area. The objective of this review was to identify studies which have developed such models, determine whether consistent and appropriate methodology was used and whether statistically reliable prognostic models exist. Methods We searched online databases MEDLINE (1948 onwards), CINAHL Plus (1937 onwards), The Cochrane Library, Web of Science (1898 onwards) and ClinicalTrials.gov, using index terms relating to asthma and prognosis. Data was extracted and assessment of quality was based on GRADE and an early version of PROBAST (Prediction study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool). A meta-analysis of the discrimination and calibration measures was carried out to determine overall performance across models. Results Ten unique prognostic models were identified. GRADE identified moderate risk of bias in two of the studies, but more detailed quality assessment via PROBAST highlighted that most models were developed using highly selected and small datasets, incompletely recorded predictors and outcomes, and incomplete methodology. None of the identified models modelled recurrent exacerbations, instead favouring either presence/absence of an event, or time to first or specified event. Preferred methodologies were logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. The overall pooled c-statistic was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.73 to 0.80), though individually some models performed no better than chance. The meta-analysis had an I2 value of 99.75% indicating a high amount of heterogeneity between studies. The majority of studies were small and did not include internal or external validation, therefore the individual performance measures are likely to be optimistic. Conclusions Current prognostic models for asthma exacerbations are heterogeneous in methodology, but reported c-statistics suggest a clinically useful model could be created. Studies were consistent in lacking robust validation and in not modelling serial events. Further research is required with respect to incorporating recurrent events, and to externally validate tools in large representative populations to demonstrate the generalizability of published results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Bridge
- Department of Eye and Vision, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - John D Blakey
- Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia.,Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Laura J Bonnett
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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