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Aggarwal B, Al-Moamary M, Allehebi R, Alzaabi A, Al-Ahmad M, Amin M, Damayanti T, Van Tho N, Quyen PTL, Sriprasart T, Poachanukoon O, Yu-Lin AB, Ismail AI, Limpin MEB, Koenig S, Levy G, Phansalkar A, Rafih F, Silvey M, Miriams L, Milligan G. APPaRENT 3: Asthma Patients' and Physicians' Perspectives on the Burden and Management of Asthma in Seven Countries. Adv Ther 2024:10.1007/s12325-024-02900-2. [PMID: 38874879 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02900-2] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma management is strongly dependent on physician and patient beliefs and perceptions about the disease and its long-term treatment. The APPaRENT 3 study was conducted to explore factors influencing treatment choice and to understand patients' and physicians' attitudes and perspectives on the use of controller inhalers in regular versus flexible dosing for asthma management. METHODS This cross-sectional survey of patients with asthma and treating physicians was conducted in seven countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam (patient survey only), Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Assessment was carried out through an online/face-to-face questionnaire, where patients' viewpoints were focused on their attitudes and beliefs about asthma and treatment adherence, whereas physicians' viewpoints were gathered on their attitudes and beliefs about asthma management, knowledge of and adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, and asthma treatment regimens. RESULTS Overall, 1400 patients (mean age, 34 years) and 599 physicians (mean age, 43 years) were included in the survey. Physicians similarly prioritised symptom control (39%) and exacerbation reduction (40%) in moderate asthma, whereas patients prioritised symptom control (41%) over exacerbation reduction (22%). Although both groups (physicians, 86%; patients, 84%) perceived asthma as well-controlled, poor management was evident based on Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores (mean, 15.7; standard deviation, 4.14; 82% had an ACT score < 20) and high symptom burden (39% reported nighttime awakenings or early mornings ≥ 2 nights/week). Most patients (76%) with moderate asthma were prescribed regular dosing, with the most common treatment being inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) with as-needed inhaled short-acting β2-agonist (SABA; 20%). Among patients on maintenance and reliever therapy, 93% of patients received a separate inhaled reliever. CONCLUSIONS Despite high symptom burden, patients overestimated their level of asthma control. Physicians prioritised controlling symptoms and reducing exacerbations as treatment goals for moderate asthma, often prescribing regular dosing with ICS/LABA with as-needed inhaled SABA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhumika Aggarwal
- General Medicines, GSK, 23 Rochester Park, #06-01, GSK Asia House, Singapore, 139234, Singapore.
| | - Mohamed Al-Moamary
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saudi Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Riyad Allehebi
- Department of Pulmonology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Alzaabi
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Respirology Division, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Al-Ahmad
- Microbiology Department, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Muhammad Amin
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Triya Damayanti
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan Hospital National Respiratory Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nguyen Van Tho
- Department of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Thitiwat Sriprasart
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Orapan Poachanukoon
- Center of Excellence for Allergy, Asthma and Pulmonary Diseases and Department of Pediatrics, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Andrea Ban Yu-Lin
- Respiratory Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Maria Encarnita B Limpin
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City, Philippines
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Maneechotesuwan K, Aggarwal B, Garcia G, Tan D, Neffen H, Javier RJM, Al-Ahmad M, Khadada M, Quan VTT, Teerapuncharoen K, Ramos MS, Levy G, Plank M, Phansalkar A, Gibson PG. Exploring Clinical Remission in Moderate Asthma - Perspectives from Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Pulm Ther 2024:10.1007/s41030-024-00262-2. [PMID: 38833146 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-024-00262-2] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical remission is a relatively new concept in asthma but recent research initiatives suggest it could be an ambitious and achievable therapeutic target for patients with asthma. METHODS In this modified Delphi study (comprising two online surveys, completed either side of a virtual scientific workshop), the opinions of a panel of respiratory physicians were evaluated to summarize perspective statements on key therapeutic outcomes and criteria for on-treatment clinical remission in patients with moderate asthma. An agreement threshold was pre-defined as agreement by ≥ 75% of participants. RESULTS Surveys 1 and 2 were completed by 20 and 18 participants, respectively. Most participants (95%) agreed with the concept of clinical remission in moderate asthma and that this should be a desirable treatment goal (90%). Based on a composite measure of 4-6 desirable therapeutic outcomes, current understanding of clinical remission was considered as 12 months with no exacerbations, no oral corticosteroids, no daytime or night-time asthma symptoms (Asthma Control Test score ≥ 20 or Asthma Control Questionnaire score ≤ 0.75), stable lung function, and no treatment-related adverse events. No agreement was reached on the role of relievers in defining therapeutic outcomes or on the wider use of biomarkers and airway hyperresponsiveness for defining asthma remission in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS In line with recent consensus statements from the United States and Europe, there was a high level of agreement on the elements of clinical remission among a panel of respiratory physicians from Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Extension of the concept of clinical remission to patients with moderate asthma was considered aligned with the potential of clinical remission as a goal of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittipong Maneechotesuwan
- Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | | | | | - Daniel Tan
- College of Medicine, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Hugo Neffen
- Centro de Alergia, Inmunología y Enfermedades Respiratorias - Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ramon Jason M Javier
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, UERM Memorial Hospital, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Mona Al-Ahmad
- Microbiology Department, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Mousa Khadada
- Pulmonology Department, Mubarak Hospital, Jabriya, Kuwait
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Vu Tran Thien Quan
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Pulmonary Function Testing, University Medical Center, HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Krittika Teerapuncharoen
- Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mario Soto Ramos
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua, Mexico
- Hospital Ángeles Chihuahua and Children's Hospital of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Gur Levy
- Respiratory Medical Emerging Markets, GSK, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | | | | | - Peter G Gibson
- Dept of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
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Theerakittikul T, Nakwan N, Niyompattama A, Siriphan P, Beekman MJHI. Short-acting β 2-agonist prescription patterns in patients with asthma treated by specialists in Thailand: results from SABINA III. J Asthma 2023; 60:2177-2188. [PMID: 37405933 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2228895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) overuse is associated with poor asthma outcomes; however, the extent of SABA use in Thailand is largely unknown. As part of the SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III study, we describe asthma treatment patterns, including SABA prescriptions, in patients treated by specialists in Thailand. METHODS In this observational, cross-sectional study, patients (aged ≥12 years) with an asthma diagnosis were recruited by specialists from three Thai tertiary care centers using purposive sampling. Patients were classified by investigator-defined asthma severity (per 2017 Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] recommendations). Data on sociodemographics, disease characteristics, and asthma treatment prescriptions were collected from existing medical records by healthcare providers and transcribed onto electronic case report forms. Analyses were descriptive. RESULTS All 385 analyzed patients (mean age: 57.6 years; 69.6% female) were treated by specialists. Almost all (91.2%) patients were classified with moderate-to-severe asthma (GINA treatment steps 3-5), 69.1% were overweight/obese, and 99.7% reported partially/fully reimbursed healthcare. Asthma was partly controlled/uncontrolled in 24.2% of patients; 23.1% experienced ≥1 severe asthma exacerbation in the preceding 12 months. Overall, SABAs were over-prescribed (≥3 canisters/year) in 28.3% of patients. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), ICS/long-acting β2-agonists, oral corticosteroid (OCS) burst treatment, and long-term OCS were prescribed to 7.0, 93.2, 19.2, and 6.2% of patients, respectively. Additionally, 4.2% of patients reported purchasing SABA over the counter. CONCLUSIONS Despite receiving specialist treatment, 28.3% of patients were over-prescribed to SABA in the previous 12 months, highlighting a public health concern and the need to align clinical practices with current evidence-based recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerakorn Theerakittikul
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Narongwit Nakwan
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Hat Yai Medical Education Center Hatyai Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Anuchit Niyompattama
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
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Albanna AS, Alhajji M, Alsowayan W, Soliman MH. The impact of unsupervised and unconsented switch of inhalers in patients with controlled asthma - A targeted literature review. Ann Thorac Med 2023; 18:103-115. [PMID: 37663876 PMCID: PMC10473061 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_438_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhaler combination formulations consisting of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (fluticasone propionate) and a long-acting β2 agonist (salmeterol xinafoate) are indicated as maintenance treatments for patients with asthma and/or for selected patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The emergence of generic equivalents to branded inhalers is expected to offer economic edge/savings; however, some may argue that cost advantages offered by generic inhalers may be offset by worsening outcomes due to improper inhaler use, reduced adherence, and consequently worse disease control. To understand how unsupervised and unconsented switch of dry-powder inhalers and/or metered-dose inhalers affects clinical and humanistic outcomes in asthma, comprehensive searches of Embase and MEDLINE were conducted to identify research articles published in the English language since 2011. Patients with asthma of any age who underwent an unsupervised and unconsented switch from an ICS/long-acting β2 agonist to another (brand-to-generic or brand-to-brand) for non-medical reasons were the target of this research. Relevant outcomes included asthma control, medication adherence, and healthcare resource utilization. In total, 11 studies were identified for review (ten non-interventional and one post hoc); cohorts ranged from 19 to 42,553 patients. Six studies indicated that unsupervised and unconsented inhaler switch had a negative impact on asthma control; six studies indicated reduced medication adherence post-switching; and five studies reporting healthcare resource utilization showed it was unchanged or increased post-switching. Findings from this targeted review support concerns that unsupervised and unconsented inhaler switch has a largely negative impact on asthma-associated outcomes. Additional studies are warranted to further explore unsupervised and unconsented switch in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr S. Albanna
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Division, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alhajji
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Alsowayan
- Pulmonary Division, Internal Medicine Department, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Domingo C, Singh D. The Changing Asthma Management Landscape and Need for Appropriate SABA Prescription. Adv Ther 2023; 40:1301-1316. [PMID: 36715896 PMCID: PMC10070225 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Short-acting β2 agonists (SABAs) have been a mainstay of asthma treatment since the 1950s, and have been mainly recommended as-needed for symptom relief alongside daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-based maintenance treatment for the past 30 years. However, patient adherence to regular ICS-based anti-inflammatory maintenance therapy is frequently poor, leading to SABA overuse for symptom relief and associated poor outcomes. At present, there is a lack of consensus between treatment guidelines on how SABA should be used, and as-needed ICS-formoterol is suggested by some as an alternative reliever therapy. Here, we examine the pharmacology and current use of inhaled SABAs, identify that regular dosing of ICS can encourage appropriate SABA use, and appraise the evidence used to support the changing reliever treatment recommendations. We conclude that SABA continues to play an important role in the asthma management landscape, and give our views on how it should be used in patients with mild-moderate asthma, to complement regular ICS-based maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Domingo
- Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Sabadell, Barcelona Spain
- S. Pneumologia, Planta Primera, Edifici Tauli Nou, Corporació Sanitària Parc Tauli, Parc Tauli 1, 08208 Sabadell, Barcelona Spain
| | - Dave Singh
- University of Manchester, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Sriprasart T, Siasoco MB, Aggarwal B, Levy G, Phansalkar A, Van GV, Cohen M, Seemungal T, Pizzichini MMM, Mokhtar M, Daley-Yates P. The role of modeling studies in asthma management and clinical decision-making: a Delphi survey of physician knowledge and perceptions. J Asthma 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36825839 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2180748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the knowledge and perceptions of physicians on the role of modeling studies in asthma, using a modified Delphi procedure. METHODS Group opinions among a panel of respiratory experts were obtained using two online questionnaires and a virtual scientific workshop. A consensus was pre-defined as agreement by >75% of participants. RESULTS From 26 experts who agreed to participate, 22 completed both surveys. At the end of the process, the panel rated their own understanding of modeling as good (77%) but that among physicians in general as poor (77%). Participants agreed that data from modeling studies should be used, at least sometimes, to inform treatment guidelines (91%) and could be useful for guiding clinical decisions (100%). Perceived barriers to using modeling studies were 'A lack of understanding' (81%) and 'A lack of standardized methodology' (82%). Based on data from two modeling studies, no consensus was reached on physicians recommending regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus as-needed therapy for patients with mild asthma, whereas 77% agreed that they would recommend regular ICS over maintenance and reliever therapy for ≥80% of their patients with moderate asthma. No consensus was reached on the value of modeling data in relation to empirical data. CONCLUSION There is overall support among respiratory experts for the usefulness of modeling data to guide asthma treatment guidelines and clinical decision making. More publications on modeling data using robust models and accessible terminology will aid the understanding of physicians in general and help clarify the evidence-based value of modeling studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thitiwat Sriprasart
- Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ma Bella Siasoco
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Medicine - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Gur Levy
- Respiratory Medical Emerging Markets, GSK, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama
| | | | - Giap Vu Van
- Respiratory Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Internal Medicine Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mark Cohen
- Edificio Clinicas Centro Médico 2, Guatemala city, Guatemala
| | - Terence Seemungal
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago
| | - Marcia M M Pizzichini
- Internal Medicine Division, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mahmoud Mokhtar
- Respiratory Unit, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Jabriya, Kuwait
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7
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Domingo C, Garcia G, Gemicioglu B, Van GV, Larenas-Linnemann D, Neffen H, Poachanukoon O, Sagara H, Berend N, Pizzichini E, Irusen E, Aggarwal B, Eken V, Levy G. Consensus on mild asthma management: results of a modified Delphi study. J Asthma 2023; 60:145-157. [PMID: 35099342 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2022.2034850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In order to understand the role of regular controller inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus as-needed ICS-formoterol in managing mild asthma, we performed a modified Delphi procedure. METHODS Opinions from 16 respiratory experts to three surveys and during a virtual scientific workshop helped to develop final consensus statements (pre-defined as 70% agreement). RESULTS Thirteen participants completed all rounds (response rate 81%). At the end of the procedure, there was final consensus on: regular daily ICS being the recommended treatment approach in mild persistent asthma, with better symptom control and robust long-term clinical data compared with as-needed ICS-formoterol (85%); to avoid noncompliance, frequently seen in mild asthma patients, regular ICS dosing should be accompanied by ongoing education on treatment adherence (100%); treatment aims should be targeting asthma control (92%) and reduction of exacerbation risk (85%). No consensus was reached on whether GINA or national guidelines most influence prescribing decisions. CONCLUSIONS It is important to encourage patients to be adherent and to target both asthma control and exacerbation risk reduction. There is robust clinical evidence to support proactive regular dosing with ICS controller therapy plus as-needed short-acting beta-agonists for the management of patients with mild asthma. ABBREVIATIONS. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2022.2034850 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Garcia
- Servicio de Neumonología, Hospital Rossi La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Bilun Gemicioglu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Giap Vu Van
- Respiratory Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Hugo Neffen
- Centro de Alergia e Inmunología-Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Orapan Poachanukoon
- Center of Excellence for Allergy, Asthma and Pulmonary Diseases, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Hironori Sagara
- Division of Allergology and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norbert Berend
- Respiratory Franchise, GlaxoSmithKline, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emilio Pizzichini
- Respiratory Franchise, GlaxoSmithKline, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bhumika Aggarwal
- Respiratory, Global Classic & Established Products, GlaxoSmithKline, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Volkan Eken
- Respiratory Franchise, GlaxoSmithKline, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom.,Medical Department, GlaxoSmithKline, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gur Levy
- Respiratory Medical Emerging Markets, GlaxoSmithKline, Panama City, Panama
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8
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Günaydın FE, Ay P, Karakaya G, Ediger D. How do we manage asthma? Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns among pulmonologists and allergists. J Asthma 2023; 60:130-138. [PMID: 35068296 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2022.2033261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns between pulmonologists and allergists for adult asthma in Turkey.Methods: Questionnaire-based data were gathered from 236 pulmonologists and 62 allergists, who had been members of the Turkish Thoracic Society and Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in January-March 2021. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine the factors associated with primary reliever preferences.Results: Of the 298 physicians, 39% encountered at least five asthma patients daily. Spirometer was used frequently by both the allergists (82.3%) and pulmonologists (77.5%) for asthma diagnosis. Budesonide was the most preferred inhaler corticosteroid. Formoterol/budesonide was the most preferred ICS/LABA combination, followed by beclomethasone/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol for asthma treatment. For mild asthmatics, formoterol/ICS was the most preferred (72.6%) reliever among allergists, whereas salbutamol was the most preferred (66.1%) among pulmonologists (p < 0.001). Age and workplace were associated with salbutamol preference of doctors for mild asthmatics. Age, specialty, and patient examination time were significantly associated with salbutamol preference for severe asthmatics.Conclusions: The use of diagnostic tools, such as a spirometer, for asthma diagnosis was compatible with the guidelines. While recent updates of the guidelines indicate that salbutamol should not be used solely in mild asthmatics due to its harmful effects in long-term use, it still was the most preferred drug by pulmonologists. Postgraduate education programs are needed to improve compliance with the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Esra Günaydın
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Immunology and Allergy Diseases, Uludağ University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Pınar Ay
- Department of Public Health, Medical Faculty, Marmara University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gül Karakaya
- Section of Immunology and Allergy Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dane Ediger
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Immunology and Allergy Diseases, Uludağ University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
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Medication Adherence to Intranasal Corticosteroids in Allergic Rhinitis Patients with Comorbid Medical Conditions. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112459. [PMID: 36432649 PMCID: PMC9698755 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To determine medication adherence to intranasal corticosteroid spray (INCS) among allergic rhinitis (AR) patients with comorbid medical conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Adults above 18 years old with persistent symptoms of AR and comorbid physician-diagnosed asthma, eczema, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HPT) were included. The severity of symptoms was assessed by the total nasal symptom score (TNSS), medication adherence was based on the patients’ diaries and barriers to adherence were analyzed by the Brief Medication Questionnaire. Results: 185 participants were enrolled. The medication adherence was 58.9%. Medication adherence was significantly superior in participants with elevated total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) (χ2 = 8.371, p < 0.05), house dust mite (HDM) allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) type (χ2 = 5.149, p < 0.05) and severe TNSS at the first visit (χ2 = 37.016, p < 0.05). Adherence was twice more likely in DP allergy, 2.7 times more likely in elevated total IgE and 15 times more likely in severe TNSS at the first visit. Among the barriers to adherence was lack of symptoms, taking medication only when necessary, fear of adverse effects, running out of medication, experiencing bothersome effects, ineffective response, forgetfulness and taking too many medications. Only lack of symptoms, taking medication when symptomatic, fear of adverse effects and running out of medication were significant. No significant association was found between asthma/eczema (χ2 = 0.418, p > 0.05), HPT/DM (χ2 = 0.759, p > 0.05) and multi-medicine use (χ2 = 1.027, p > 0.05) with medication adherence. Conclusions: Patients having AR with severe nasal symptoms at first presentation, who are sensitized to DP HDM and who have elevated total serum IgE levels have a higher adherence to INCS use. The use of multiple medicines had no impact on the adherence to INCS. As a lack of symptoms was a barrier towards adherence, the benefits of using INCS according to the prescribed dose and frequency must be emphasized to patients with mild and moderate AR at each medical visit. A good rapport between patients and their health care providers is needed to build trust and overcome the barriers, particularly to allay the fears of adverse effects of INCS. The other barriers, such as running out of supply, can be overcome by posting medications directly to patients by the healthcare providers.
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10
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Maneechotesuwan K, Singh D, Fritscher LG, Dursunoglu N, Pg A, Phansalkar A, Aggarwal B, Pizzichini E, Chorazy J, Burnett H. Impact of inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol on health-related quality of life in asthma: A network meta-analysis. Respir Med 2022; 203:106993. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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11
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Chapman KR, Canonica G, Lavoie K, Nenasheva N, Garcia G, Bosnic-Anticevich S, Bourdin A, Cano M, Abhijith P, Aggarwal B. Patients' and physicians’ perspectives on the burden and management of asthma: Results from the APPaRENT 2 study. Respir Med 2022; 201:106948. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Fletcher M, van der Molen T, Lenney W, Boucot I, Aggarwal B, Pizzichini E. Primary Care Management of Asthma Exacerbations or Attacks: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1457-1473. [PMID: 35157217 PMCID: PMC8853035 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a renewed focus on appropriate management of chronic respiratory conditions with a heightened awareness of respiratory symptoms and the requirement for differential diagnosis between an asthma attack and COVID-19 infection. Despite early concerns in the pandemic, most studies suggest that well-managed asthma is not a risk factor for more severe COVID-related outcomes, and that asthma may even have a protective effect. Advice on the treatment of asthma and asthma attacks has remained unchanged. This article describes some challenges faced in primary care asthma management in adults and in teenagers, particularly their relevance during a pandemic, and provides practical advice on asthma attack recognition, classification, treatment and continuity of care. Acute attacks, characterised by increased symptoms and reduced lung function, are often referred to as exacerbations of asthma by doctors and nurses but are usually described by patients as asthma attacks. They carry a significant and underestimated morbidity and mortality burden. Many patients experiencing an asthma attack are assessed in primary care for treatment and continuing management. This may require remote assessment by telephone and home monitoring devices, where available, during a pandemic. Differentiation between an asthma attack and a COVID-19 infection requires a structured clinical assessment, taking account of previous medical and family history. Early separation into mild, moderate, severe or life-threatening attacks is helpful for continuing good management. Most attacks can be managed in primary care but when severe or unresponsive to initial treatment, the patient should be appropriately managed until transfer to an acute care facility can be arranged. Good quality care is important to prevent further attacks and must include a follow-up appointment in primary care, proactive regular dosing with daily controller therapy and an understanding of a patient's beliefs and perceptions about asthma to maximise future self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Fletcher
- The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Thys van der Molen
- Department of General Practice and GRIAG Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Warren Lenney
- Department of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, University of Keele, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | - Bhumika Aggarwal
- Respiratory, General Medicines Emerging Markets, GlaxoSmithKline, Singapore, 139234, Singapore
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Kavya R, Christopher J, Panda S, Lazarus YB. Machine Learning and XAI approaches for Allergy Diagnosis. Biomed Signal Process Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2021.102681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Aggarwal B, Jones PW, Yunus F, Lan LTT, Boonsawat W, Ismaila A, Ascioglu S. Direct healthcare costs associated with management of asthma: comparison of two treatment regimens in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. J Asthma 2021; 59:1213-1220. [PMID: 33764239 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1903915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta-2-agonist (LABA) combinations comprising either regular maintenance therapy with ICS/LABA plus as-needed short-acting beta-2-agonist (SABA) or ICS-formoterol combinations used as maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) are recommended for moderate asthma. This analysis compares the direct costs of twice-daily fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/salm) and budesonide/formoterol MART in three Southeast Asian countries. METHODS A literature review identified three randomized trials in patients with asthma (≥ 12 years) comparing regular twice-daily FP/salm with as-needed SABA versus MART in moderate asthma: AHEAD (NCT00242775/17 countries/2309 patients), COMPASS (AstraZeneca study SD-039-0735/16 countries/3335 patients), and COSMOS (AstraZeneca study SD-039-0691/16 countries/2143 patients). Economic analyses, conducted from a healthcare sector perspective (medication costs + healthcare utilization costs), applied unit costs from countries where healthcare costs are publicly available: Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Results are expressed in British pound sterling (GBP/patient/year). RESULTS Annual exacerbation rates were low and differences between treatment strategies were small (range, FP/salm: 0.31-0.38, MART: 0.24-0.25) although statistically significant in favor of MART. Total average (minimum-maximum) direct costs (in GBP/patient/year) across the three studies were £187 (£137-£284), £158 (£125-£190), and £151 (£141-£164) for those who used FP/salm, and £242 (£217-£267), £284 (£237-£340) and £266 (£224-£315) for MART in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, respectively. On average, total direct costs/patient/year with FP/salm were 22.8%, 44.6% and 43.0% lower than with MART for Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In the three countries evaluated, total treatment costs with regular twice-daily FP/salm were consistently lower than with budesonide/formoterol MART due to lower direct healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul W Jones
- Global Specialty & Primary Care, GSK, Brentford, Middlesex, UK.,Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Faisal Yunus
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia-Persahabatan National Respiratory Center Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Le Thi Tuyet Lan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Watchara Boonsawat
- Division of Respiratory System, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Afisi Ismaila
- Value Evidence and Outcomes, GSK, Collegeville, PA, USA.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Tiotiu A, Novakova P, Baiardini I, Bikov A, Chong-Neto H, de-Sousa JC, Emelyanov A, Heffler E, Fogelbach GG, Kowal K, Labor M, Mihaicuta S, Nedeva D, Novakova S, Steiropoulos P, Ansotegui IJ, Bernstein JA, Boulet LP, Canonica GW, Dubuske L, Nunes C, Ivancevich JC, Santus P, Rosario N, Perazzo T, Braido F. Manifesto on united airways diseases (UAD): an Interasma (global asthma association - GAA) document. J Asthma 2021; 59:639-654. [PMID: 33492196 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1879130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The large amount of evidence and the renewed interest in upper and lower airways involvement in infectious and inflammatory diseases has led Interasma (Global Asthma Association) to take a position on United Airways Diseases (UAD). METHODS Starting from an extensive literature review, Interasma executive committee discussed and approved this Manifesto developed by Interasma scientific network (INES) members. RESULTS The manifesto describes the evidence gathered to date and defines, states, advocates, and proposes issues on UAD (rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis), and concomitant/comorbid lower airways disorders (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, obstructive sleep apnoea) with the aim of challenging assumptions, fostering commitment, and bringing about change. UAD refers to clinical pictures characterized by the coexistence of upper and lower airways involvement, driven by a common pathophysiological mechanism, leading to a greater burden on patient's health status and requiring an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic plan. The high prevalence of UAD must be taken into account. Upper and lower airways diseases influence disease control and patient's quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Patients with UAD need to have a timely and adequate diagnosis, treatment, and, when recommended, referral for management in a specialized center. Diagnostic testing including skin prick or serum specific IgE, lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), polysomnography, allergen-specific immunotherapies, biological therapies and home based continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) whenever these are recommended, should be part of the management plan for UAD. Education of medical students, physicians, health professionals, patients and caregivers on the UAD is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Tiotiu
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France.,EA 3450 DevAH - Development, Adaptation and Disadvantage, Cardiorespiratory Regulations and Motor Control, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Plamena Novakova
- Clinic of Clinical Allergy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ilaria Baiardini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andras Bikov
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Herberto Chong-Neto
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jaime Correia- de-Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Alexander Emelyanov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, North-Western Medical University named after I.I.Mechnikov, St-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma & Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Guillermo Guidos Fogelbach
- Clinic of Clinical Allergy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria.,Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Laboratorio de Bioquímica Estructural, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Krzysztof Kowal
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Stefan Mihaicuta
- Pulmonology Department, Cardio Prevent Foundation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Dr Victor Babes", Timisoara, Romania
| | - Denislava Nedeva
- Clinic of Clinical Allergy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sylvia Novakova
- Allergy Unit of Internal Consulting Department, University Hospital "St. George", Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Paschalis Steiropoulos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Immunology, Allergy Section University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma & Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Lawrence Dubuske
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Carlos Nunes
- Centro de ImmunoAlergologia de Algarve, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juan Carlos Ivancevich
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, del Salvador University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pierachille Santus
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Division of Respiratory Diseases "L. Sacco" Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Perazzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Fulvio Braido
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Respiratory Unit for Continuity of Care IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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16
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Chokhani R, Razak A, Waked M, Naing W, Bakhatar A, Khorani U, Gaur V, Gogtay J. Knowledge, practice pattern and attitude toward asthma management amongst physicians from Nepal, Malaysia, Lebanon, Myanmar and Morocco. J Asthma 2020; 58:979-989. [PMID: 32174204 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1742351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This survey aimed to understand the physicians' practice pattern and challenges faced while treating their patients with asthma in five countries-Malaysia, Nepal, Myanmar, Morocco and Lebanon. METHODS Questionnaire-based data was gathered from internal medicine doctors (209), general practitioners (206), chest physicians (152) and pediatricians (58) from 232 locations from across the five countries. RESULTS Of the 816 physicians, 374 physicians encountered at least 5 asthma patients daily. Approximately, 38% physicians always used spirometry for diagnosis and only 12% physicians always recommended Peak flow meter (PFM) for home-monitoring. Salmeterol/fluticasone (71%) followed by formoterol/budesonide (38%) were the most preferred ICS/long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA); Salbutamol (78%) was the most preferred reliever medication. 60% physicians said >40% of their patients were apprehensive to use inhalers. 72% physicians preferred a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) to a dry powder inhaler (DPI) with only a third of them using a spacer with the pMDI. 71% physicians believed that using similar device for controller and reliever can be beneficial to patients. Skipping medicines in absence of symptoms (64%), incorrect inhaler technique (48%) and high cost of medication (49%) were considered as major reasons for non-adherence by most physicians. Incorrect inhaler technique (66%) and nonadherence (59%) were considered the most common causes of poor asthma control. CONCLUSIONS There are opportunities to improve the use of diagnostic and monitoring tools for asthma. Non-adherence, incorrect inhaler technique and cost remain a challenge to achieve good asthma control. Asthma education, including correct demonstration of inhaler, can potentially help to improve inhaler adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Chokhani
- Respiratory Medicine, Norvic International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Abdul Razak
- Medicine, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mirna Waked
- Clinical Medicine, St. George Hospital University Medical Center, Balamand University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Win Naing
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yangon specialty hospital/University of Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Urvi Khorani
- Global Medical Affairs, Cipla Ltd, Mumbai, India
| | - Vaibhav Gaur
- Global Medical Affairs, Cipla Ltd, Mumbai, India
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Asia Pacific survey of physicians on asthma and allergic rhinitis (ASPAIR): data from China. Chin Med J (Engl) 2019; 132:1264-1271. [PMID: 30925548 PMCID: PMC6629359 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma has increased in the past decade. As these two diseases frequently coexist, the Asia-Pacific Survey of Physicians on Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis (ASPAIR) study aimed to assess physicians' beliefs and treatment patterns of coexistent asthma-AR across six Asian countries. This analysis presents the results from China. METHODS The 200 hospital-based general physicians and pediatricians were interviewed from five cities in China. Physicians were questioned in-person about their knowledge, beliefs and management practices for patients with coexistent asthma-AR. RESULTS Approximately 70% of the physicians interviewed routinely evaluated their patients with asthma or AR for signs of coexistent disease. While the majority of physicians (>90% of physicians) recognized the increased burden of coexistent asthma-AR vs. one condition alone and that coexistent disease requires additional treatment, most physicians (96%) also believed that patients with coexistent asthma-AR were well managed if either condition alone improved. Similarly, although 71% of physicians selected a combination of intranasal and inhaled corticosteroids as their preferred treatment for coexistent asthma-AR, in line with treatment guidelines, two fifths of physicians indicated that treatment for coexistent disease requires too much medication and that their patients prefer oral medications and a third of physicians believed that corticosteroids should be delayed in children. CONCLUSIONS This survey demonstrates that physicians interviewed in China have a broad understanding of coexistent asthma-AR and its impact on patients. A holistic approach to patient management with informed decisions regarding patients' overall treatment will benefit patients who suffer from coexistent disease.
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Bunupuradah T, Siriaksorn S, Hinds D, Shantakumar S, Mulgirigama A, Aggarwal B. A survey of management practices in coexistent allergic rhinitis and asthma (Asia-pacific Survey of Physicians on Asthma and allergic Rhinitis): results from Thailand. Asia Pac Allergy 2019; 9:e24. [PMID: 31384579 PMCID: PMC6676060 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2019.9.e24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) in patients with asthma can worsen treatment outcomes. There is limited evidence of clinical practices for management of coexistent AR-asthma in Thailand. Methods A multicountry, cross-sectional study (Asia-pacific Survey of Physicians on Asthma and allergic Rhinitis) to evaluate physician perceptions and management practices related to AR-asthma overlap in 6 Asian countries was conducted. For Thailand specifically, AR-asthma linkage questionnaires were developed and translated to Thailaland. General physicians (GPs) or pediatricians, randomly selected from hospitals in urban cities, routinely treating >10 asthma patients/month were interviewed. Here we present the results for Thailand. Results Two hundred physicians (100 GPs and 100 pediatricians), of whom 70% worked in government hospitals, were interviewed. In their experience, 50% of asthma patients had AR and 28% of AR patients had asthma. Among diagnosed asthma patients, 65% of physicians routinely asked for any AR symptoms at every visit. Among diagnosed AR patients, 63% of physicians routinely asked for any asthma symptoms at every visit. In patients with coexisting AR-asthma, 91% of physicians treated both diseases simultaneously, while 6% of physicians treated asthma as a chronic disease but managed AR symptomatically. The most preferred treatment options for patients with AR-asthma were inhaled corticosteroids with intranasal steroids (46% in GPs, 71% in pediatricians). Conclusion The physicians interviewed in Thailand are aware about coexistent asthma-AR. There is a need to increase the awareness further for coexistent AR-asthma and to educate nonspecialist physicians in the proper management of AR-asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Hinds
- GlaxoSmithKline Limited, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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