Evaluation of MDI-spacer utilization and technique in caregivers of urban minority children with persistent asthma

Examining factors associated with poor metered-dose inhaler technique in a cohort of bronx patients with uncontrolled asthma

OBJECTIVE

Most studies investigating at-risk groups for poor inhaler technique (PT) have been in adolescents. However, evidence suggests older age correlates with PT. This study aimed to correlate patient characteristics with PT in an adult asthma cohort in the Bronx.

METHODS

We categorized 237 patients with uncontrolled asthma by demonstration of good inhaler technique (GT) (n = 112) or PT (n = 58) at their initial visit. Independent variables included age, sex, ethnicity, language, insurance status, BMI, depression severity, and socioeconomic data. Two logistic regression models were created to assess odds of PT among independent variables at initial visit and odds of improvement in technique at follow-up.

RESULTS

At the initial visit, patients with PT had a mean age of 53.74 (±13.54) versus 45.12 (±13.26) among those with GT (p= <0.001). The PT group also had a lower percentage of patients with private insurance (52.53% versus 71.15%, p = 0.037). When controlling for language, ethnicity, insurance status, and educational attainment, the odds of PT increased with age (OR, 1.051; CI, 1.017-1.087, p = 0.003) and BMI (OR, 1.065; CI, 1.010-1.123, p = 0.020). Males had lower odds of PT (OR, 0.379; CI, 0.144-0.997; p = 0.049). While insurance status did not affect odds of PT, Medicaid users had lower odds of improving technique (OR, 0.184; CI, 0.040-0.854; p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

At baseline, individuals with PT were younger and more likely to be on a public health insurance plan. Increasing age, increasing BMI, and female sex were associated with higher odds of PT at the baseline visit, but were not associated with improvements in technique.

Skills in handling Turbuhaler, Diskus in the west of China

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhaler skills of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a hospital in western China after receiving one medication education by pharmacists and the factors related to these skills.

METHODS

We included 96 subjects using Turbuhaler and 74 subjects using Diskus in a hospital in western China. They were educated once by pharmacists before medication, and then their skills of operating these inhalers were visually evaluated the next time they were used. Using the seven-step inhalation administration method designed by AnnaMurphy, a clinical pharmacist at GLENFIELD Hospital in the UK, the inhaler use technique score scale was established and scored in turn. The age, sex, time of first illness, smoking status, education level and type of health insurance purchased by each patient were recorded to assess their relationship with overall inhaler skills.

RESULTS

19.8% of the subjects who used Turbuhaler could not use it correctly, and 43.2% of the subjects who used Diskus could not use it correctly. The step with the highest error rate with Turbuhaler and Diskus is to "exhale slowly to residual volume". Chi-square test was carried out for each step of the operation of the two kinds of inhalers, and it was found that there was a significant difference in the operation accuracy of the two kinds of inhalers in the first, third and eighth steps. In univariate analysis, advanced age, female and low educational level were related to the lack of inhaler technology, but in multivariate analysis, only low educational level was a significant independent risk factor.

CONCLUSION

Among the patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in western China, some patients have good inhaler operation skills, but there are still many patients who can not use inhalers correctly, and the lower education level is significantly related to the incorrect use of inhalers.

The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms, eHealth Literacy, and Asthma Outcomes in the Context of a Mobile Health Intervention

OBJECTIVE

The ASTHMAXcel PRO mobile app provides asthma education and collects asthma outcome data. The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between health/electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) and depressive symptoms with app usage and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Adults with persistent asthma were recruited to use the app. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess for depressive symptoms, Asthma Control Test, Mini Asthma Quality of Life (QOL) Questionnaire, and the Newest Vital Sign tool to measure health literacy. Data on a subset of participants were available on eHealth literacy ( n = 24) and average number of app logins across 2 months ( n = 40).

RESULTS

The total study sample included 96 participants (46% non-Hispanic Black, 44.4% Hispanic). The average participant age was 44.0 (standard deviation = 14.9) years, with 74% identifying as female. Increased depressive symptoms were associated with worse asthma control ( β = -0.46, p < .001) and asthma QOL ( β = -0.38, p < .001), but not eHealth literacy. Higher eHealth literacy was associated with worse asthma QOL ( β = -0.48, p = .02) and more app logins ( β = 0.59, p = .04). Newest Vital Sign scores were not associated with any of the other measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms were associated with worse asthma outcomes. eHealth literacy was associated with increased patient engagement with the app and worse asthma QOL, which may reflect patients with worse QOL seeking out health information on the Internet (although directionality could not be assessed). Digital health literacy may be key to increasing patient engagement with mobile health interventions.Trial Registration: National Clinical Trial No. 03847142, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03847142 .

Student knowledge gains among first-time and repeat attendees of school-based asthma education program

BACKGROUND

Because children spend much of their time in schools, schools can play an important role in asthma education for the one in 12 affected children in the United States. School-based asthma education programs are commonly repeated annually, however few studies have evaluated the impact of repeated participation in asthma education in school-based programs.

METHODS

This observational study evaluated the impact of Fight Asthma Now© (FAN), a school-based asthma education program for children in Illinois schools. Participants completed a survey at the start and end of the program, including demographics, prior asthma education, and 11 asthma knowledge questions (maximum knowledge score = 11).

RESULTS

Among 4,951 youth participating in the school-based asthma education program, mean age was 10.75 years. Approximately half were male and Black. Over half reported no prior asthma education (54.6%). At baseline, repeat attendees had significantly higher knowledge versus first-time attendees (mean: 7.45 versus 5.92; p < 0.001). After the program, both first-time and repeat attendees had significant knowledge improvements (first-time: mean = 5.92◊9.32; p < 0.001; repeat: mean = 7.45◊9.62; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

School-based asthma education is effective for increasing asthma knowledge. Notably, repeated asthma education in school leads to incremental benefits for knowledge. Future studies are needed to understand the effects of repeated asthma education on morbidity.

The history, current state and perspectives of aerosol therapy

Nebulization is a very effective method of drug administration. This technique has been popular since ancient times when inhalation of plants rich in tropane alkaloids with spasmolytic and analgesic effects was widely used. Undoubtedly, the invention of anasthesia in the 19th century had an influence on the development of this technique. It resulted in the search for devices that facilitated anasthesia such as pulveriser or hydronium. From the second half of the 21st century, when the first DPI and MDI inhalers were launched, the constant development of aerosol therapy has been noticed. This is due to the fact that nebulization, compared with other means of medicinal substance application (such as oral and intravenous routes of administration), is safer and it exhibits a positive dose/efficacy ratio connected to the reduction of the dose. It enables drugs administration through the lung and possesses very fast onset action. Therefore, various drugs prescribed in respiratory diseases (such as corticosteroids, β-agonists, anticholinergics) are present on the market in a form of an aerosol.

Impact of an Asthma Education Program During Admission

OBJECTIVES

Health educational interventions improve health outcomes and quality of life in children with asthma. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an education intervention for an asthma inhaler technique during hospital admission for an asthma exacerbation.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in a pediatric hospitalization unit of a third-level hospital. Children admitted for an asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. It was developed in 2 phases: during hospital admission (T1) and 1 month after discharge (T2). In the T1 phase, caregivers completed the questionnaire to assess asthma control in children (CAN questionnaire) and performed the inhaler technique, which was evaluated with a 6-step checklist. An educational intervention was performed. In the T2 phase, caregivers completed the CAN questionnaire, and the inhaler technique was reevaluated. We hypothesized that the inhaler technique improved after the implementation of an asthma education program.

RESULTS

A total of 101 children were included, of whom 85 completed the T2 phase (84%). At baseline, 11.8% of participants performed the inhaler technique correctly. All steps of the inhaler technique upgraded in the T2 phase significantly (P < .01), except for the step "assemble the inhaler device correctly." Former evaluation by a pediatric pneumologist was associated with a higher score in the inhaler technique in the T1 phase. The median CAN questionnaire score in the T1 phase was 8 (interquartile range 4-16), which reduced to 4 (interquartile range 1.2-6) in the T2 phase (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of an educational intervention during admission improved inhaler technique as well as asthma knowledge.

Are we overcoming our inability to have pediatric patients properly use inhaled corticosteroids by inappropriately escalating their therapy?

OBJECTIVE

To perform a narrative review to describe and discuss potential methods and strategies for effectively assessing and dealing with poor adherence and/or misuse of inhalers in difficult-to-treat pediatric asthmatic patients.

DATA SOURCES

Articles available in electronic databases, published from inception to April 2021.

STUDY SELECTIONS

Relevant articles in the literature that discuss and analyze potential methods and strategies for effectively assessing and dealing with poor adherence and/or misuse of inhalers in difficult-to-treat pediatric asthmatic patients.

RESULTS

Validated self-reported questionnaires, weighing inhaler canisters, and pharmacy records might be the most suitable methods for assessing adherence to inhaled controller therapy in clinical practice. Additionally, validated instruments could be used as an objective measurement of the adequacy of inhaler technique. Finally, empathy and a true and strong physician-parent/patient partnership have a more powerful influence on adherence than almost any other factor, and they are probably the most cost-effective methods not only for detecting poor adherence to controller therapy but also for dealing with and improving it.

CONCLUSIONS

Failure to detect or effectively handle nonadherence and/or inhaler misuse in a patient with uncontrolled asthma can mislead clinicians into thinking that the patient is nonresponsive to the original less-intensive therapy, resulting in unneeded dosage increases and/or escalation of controller therapy to more costly medications, in some cases reaching the level of biologic therapy.

When adherence and inhalation technique matter: Difficult-to-control pediatric asthma in low- to middle-income countries

Despite relatively recent advances in our understanding of the physiopathology of asthma and the availability of highly effective controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), currently many pediatric patients fail to control their asthma, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although some of these difficult-to-control asthmatic children have severe therapy-resistant asthma, most of them experience poor asthma control due to various modifiable factors, among which poor adherence to inhaled controller therapy and inadequate inhaler technique are the most common. Although electronic monitoring devices have been considered to be essential tools in identifying patients with severe therapy-resistant asthma, their high cost and low availability have currently limited their use in clinical practice. For these reasons, clinicians might consider using validated self-reported questionnaires and the weight of inhaler canisters and as alternative and valid options for assessing adherence to inhaled controller therapy. Furthermore, clinicians might consider adopting validated instruments as an objective measurement of the adequacy of inhaler technique. Although recognizing poor adherence does not automatically lead to improved adherence, it is usually an essential first step in effectively targeting adherence behavior, especially if the reasons for low or erratic compliance are explored by means of non-judgmental doctor-patient communication. These recommendations could assist in overcoming our inability to have pediatric asthmatic patients use ICS and in avoiding escalating their controller therapy toward more expensive medications, eventually reaching the use biologics. Promoting the rational and cost-effective use of asthma controller therapy could help to optimize the limited health resources in many LMICs.

A randomized controlled trial of a community health worker delivered home-based asthma intervention to improve pediatric asthma outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of using Community Health Workers (CHWs) to deliver the home-based Wee Wheezers asthma education program on asthma symptoms among children with persistent asthma.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial of 151 children aged 2-9 years with persistent asthma, we assigned 75 to the intervention and 76 to the control. The primary outcome was caregiver-reported asthma symptom days. Secondary outcomes included asthma-related healthcare utilization, caregivers' asthma knowledge, illness perception and management behaviors, MDI-spacer administration technique, and home environmental triggers. Outcomes were collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. A repeated measurements analytic approach with generalized estimating equations was used. To account for missing data, multiple imputation methods were employed.

RESULTS

At 3 and 6 months, improvement in symptom days was not significantly different between groups. However, at 9 and 12 months, the reduction in asthma symptom days was 2.15 and 2.31 days more respectively for those in the intervention group compared to the control. Improvements in MDI-spacer technique, knowledge and attitudes were significant throughout follow-up. Improvement in habits regarding MDI use was significant at 3 and 6 months, and asthma routines were improved at 3 months. However, there was no change in asthma-related healthcare utilization or home environmental triggers.

CONCLUSION

Using CHWs to deliver a home-based asthma education program to caregivers of children with persistent asthma led to improvements in symptom days and several secondary outcomes. Expanding the use of CHWs to provide home-based interventions can help reduce disparities in children's health outcomes.

Psychological and Socioeconomic Burdens Faced by Family Caregivers of Children With Asthma: An Integrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Asthma affects nearly 1 in every 12 children in the United States. Caring for a child with asthma poses significant challenges for the parent or caregiver. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the psychological and socioeconomic burdens faced by family caregivers of children with asthma.

METHOD

An integrative review was conducted to review and appraise 80 studies.

RESULTS

Psychosocial burdens included decreased mental health, quality of life, sleep, family stress, educational deficits, cultural and health disparities, and health care communication challenges. Socioeconomic burdens included poor access to care, as well as work and financial challenges. Studies demonstrated a link between family caregiver health and child health outcomes. Facilitators included education and empowerment, social support, and use of technology.

DISCUSSION

As the family caregiver's health directly affects the asthmatic child's health, addressing the burdens of family caregivers should be a key consideration in pediatric asthma care.

Comparison of adverse events associated with different spacers used with non-extrafine beclometasone dipropionate for asthma

Co-prescription of Aerochamber^® spacer with non-extrafine beclometasone diproprionate (non-EF BDP) is common but unlicensed. We report a comparison of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-related adverse events between patients co-prescribed Aerochamber compared to the licensed Volumatic^® spacer. We utilised two historical cohorts: questionnaire-based and electronic medical record (EMR)-based, to assess patient-reported and EMR-recorded adverse events in patients with asthma prescribed non-EF BDP. Marginal effect estimate (MEE) was calculated to determine non-inferiority of Aerochamber compared to Volumatic in terms of patient-reported oral thrush and hoarseness with margin of 0.13. Other patient-reported adverse events (sore throat, bruising, weight gain, and coughing), and EMR-recorded adverse events were also assessed. Rate of patient-reported oral adverse events were non-inferior in 385 patients prescribed Aerochamber compared to 155 patients prescribed Volumatic (27.7 vs 29.9%; MEE, −0.043; 95% CI, −0.133 to 0.047). Total patient-reported adverse events did not differ significantly between Aerochamber and Volumatic (53.3 vs 49.7% with ≥1 adverse event). The EMR-based study of 1471 matched pairs of subjects did not show significantly different number of EMR-recorded adverse events between Aerochamber and Volumatic (12.5 vs 12.8% with ≥1 adverse events). Co-prescribing Aerochamber with non-EF BDP does not increase the risk for patient-reported and EMR-recorded ICS-related adverse events compared to co-prescribing Volumatic.

A study of spacer devices for use with asthma inhalers shows no significant difference in the incidence of side-effects between licensed and unlicensed spacers. Spacers offer a way of improving the dose inhaled, particularly in children and those adults who struggle to use asthma inhalers correctly. However, non-extrafine beclomethasone dipropionate (like Clenil Modulite) inhalers are frequently co-prescribed with unlicensed Aerochamber spacers rather than the Volumatic spacer which is licensed for this drug. David Price at the University of Aberdeen, UK, and co-workers analysed data from two historical studies to verify whether Aerochamber use enhanced the risk of unpleasant side effects for patients, such as oral thrush or hoarseness. They found no significant difference between licensed and unlicensed spacers and the chances of adverse events, suggesting both are suitable for use with non-extrafine beclomethasone dipropionate inhalers.

Chicago Public School nurses examine barriers to school asthma care coordination

OBJECTIVE/DESIGN

Well documented asthma disparities in Chicago pose a continual challenge for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Coordinated Healthcare for Complex Kids (CHECK) is a health care demonstration project funded by a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Care Innovation Award. A collaborative partnership was formed between CHECK and CPS. With CHECK support, CPS administered a survey to 160 nurses to understand the asthma problems nurses perceived and interest in intervention.

RESULTS

Seventy-five per cent (n = 120) completed the survey. While asthma was the top diagnosis managed by 95%, 72% reported gaps in asthma understanding. Appropriate communication between school nurses and providers occurred 33% of the time; 18% believed they received sufficient support to follow-up on deficient paperwork. The barriers mentioned were lack of medications (73%), time (67%), and communication with providers (61%). When asked their opinions on potential interventions, 78% of nurses supported web-based applications, 66% community health workers (CHW), and 66% stock albuterol in schools.

CONCLUSIONS

The greatest barriers for CPS nurses with asthma management are time and communication. Potential interventions such as web-based communication applications and CHW in schools were well received.

School-based supervised therapy programs to improve asthma outcomes: current perspectives

Background

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood affecting 6.2 million (8.4%) children (<18 years old) in the USA. Asthma is also a leading cause of school absenteeism. Daily administration of preventive asthma medications improves asthma control. However, poor medication adherence is one of the barriers in achieving improved asthma outcomes. School-based supervised asthma therapy programs have been implemented to address this barrier.

Objectives

To conduct a review of the literature on school-based supervised asthma therapy interventions and the effect on outcomes in children with persistent asthma.

Methods

We conducted a literature search using electronic search engines (ie, PubMed and Cochrane) and combinations of different search terms “school-based asthma,” “school-based asthma therapy,” and “school-based supervised asthma therapy.” Inclusion criteria were school-based interventions with supervised asthma medication administration conducted in the USA, measuring asthma outcomes. From 443 titles and abstracts, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

School-based interventions with supervised asthma medication administration revealed improvement in asthma outcomes, including improved medication adherence, increased symptom-free days, decreased daytime and nighttime symptoms, decreased use of rescue medication, decreased asthma-related health care utilization, fewer exacerbations requiring treatment with prednisone, decreased school absenteeism due to asthma, fewer days of activity limitation, improved quality of life, and improvement in both pulmonary inflammatory markers and peak flow readings.

Conclusion

Our literature review demonstrated that school-based supervised asthma therapy improves asthma outcomes in urban children with persistent asthma. Schools are an ideal setting for implementation of asthma interventions for children and adolescents.

A Randomized Trial Comparing Metered Dose Inhalers and Breath Actuated Nebulizers

BACKGROUND

Despite little evidence for its effectiveness, the breath-actuated nebulizer (BAN) is the default albuterol delivery method in our pediatric emergency department.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the clinical efficacy of BAN and the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in treating subjects patients 2 to 17 years of age who presented with mild to moderate asthma exacerbations.

METHODS

This is a randomized, nonblinded, noninferiority study conducted at a single pediatric tertiary care emergency department. Subjects presenting with a Pediatric Asthma Score ranging from 5 to 11 received albuterol by BAN or MDI via standard weight-based and symptom severity dosing protocols. Aerosolized ipratropium (via BAN) and intravenous magnesium sulfate were given when clinically indicated. The primary outcome was patient disposition. The noninferiority margin for the primary outcome was an admission rate difference ≤10%. Analyses were adjusted for confounders that were significant at p ≤ 0.10.

RESULTS

We enrolled 890 subjects between October 2014 and April 2015. BAN and MDI groups were comparable for age, gender, and race but not for pretreatment symptom severity; 51% in the MDI group had a Pediatric Asthma Score of moderate severity (8-11) vs. 63% in the BAN group (p < 0.003). Unadjusted admission rates were 11.9% for MDI and 12.8% for BAN, for an unadjusted risk difference of -0.9% (95% confidence interval -5% to 3%). After adjusting for baseline confounder severity, the risk difference was 2% (95% confidence interval -4% to 7%), which met the criteria for noninferiority.

CONCLUSIONS

Albuterol therapy by MDI is noninferior to BAN for the treatment of mild to moderate asthma exacerbations in children 2 to 17 years of age.

Errors in the Use of Inhalers by Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Inefficient inhaler technique (IT) compromises the optimal delivery of medication. However, the IT knowledge of health care professionals (HCPs) has received scant attention.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of published reports assessing the IT proficiency of HCPs in using pressurized metered dose (pMDI) and dry powder (DPI) inhalers.

METHODS

Studies published between 1975 and 2014 that directly assessed the IT skills of HCPs were selected according to predefined selection criteria.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 55 studies involving 6,304 HCPs who performed 9,996 tests to demonstrate their IT proficiency. Overall, the IT was considered correct in 15.5% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI], 12-19.3), decreasing over time from 20.5% (95% CI, 14.9-26.8) from the early period (defined as 1975-1995) to 10.8% (95% CI, 7.3-14.8) during the late period (1996-2014). The most common errors in the use of pMDIs were as follows: not breathing out completely before inhalation (75%; 95% CI, 56-90), lack of coordination (64%; 95% CI, 29-92), and postinhalation breath-hold (63%; 95% CI, 52-72). The most common errors using DPI were deficient preparation (89%; 95% CI, 82-95), not breathing out completely before inhalation (79%; 95% CI, 68-87), and no breath-hold (76%; 95% CI, 67-84).

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs demonstrated inadequate knowledge of the proper use of inhalers. The poor understanding of the correct use of these devices may prevent these professionals from being able to adequately assess and teach proper inhalation techniques to their patients.

Approaching Current and New Drug Therapies for Pediatric Asthma

As new therapies for pediatric asthma are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, clinicians should be aware of their benefits and limitations. Accompanying these therapies are potential obstacles, including the delivery of inhaled therapies and age-specific issues regarding implementation and adherence. New insights are being added to well-established controller medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β-agonists, while new medications previously approved in adults, including tiotropium and biologics, are now being evaluated for use in children. These drugs can be useful additive therapies to treat patients who are currently not responding to guidelines-based therapy.

What Really Happens in the Home: The Medication Environment of Urban, Minority Youth

BACKGROUND

Asthma disproportionately affects minority youth. Understanding the home medication environment and its relation to medication adherence can shape interventions to improve health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the asthma medication environment in the homes of urban minority youth and to determine predictors of medication use and technique in this population.

METHODS

Baseline data from 2 cohorts of minority youth with asthma in Chicago were combined for cross-sectional analysis. Bilingual research assistants (RAs) collected data in the home. RAs asked caregivers and children to self-report medications using pictures and observed children's asthma medications and inhaler technique.

RESULTS

The sample contained 175 mainly Latino youth (85.6%) ranging from 5 to 18 years old. Most were on public insurance (80%) and had uncontrolled asthma by self-report (89.7%). Only 27.4% had a spacer, 74.9% had a quick relief medicine, and 48.6% had any controller medicine. RA observations of controllers agreed with children (36%) and parental self-report (42.3%) but did not match the specific observed controllers. Children reported less parental help with medications (43%) than their parents (58.1%). One child was able to properly demonstrate 100% of the inhaler steps and 35.6% achieved >70% of inhaler steps. A better medication technique was associated with having a controller (b = 12.2, SE = 3.0, P < .0001), quick reliever (b = 8.05, SE = 3.5, P = .023), and a spacer (b = 9.3, SE = 3.54, P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

This rigorous evaluation of the home medication environment of high-risk youth demonstrated that many families lack critical medications, devices, and a technique for proper management of asthma.

[Health care providers' knowledge and abilities to use inhalation devices and spacers]

INTRODUCTION

Inhaled therapy is the mainstay of asthma treatment due to its local and rapid action. However, its efficiency relies on the teaching of a good inhalation technique by health care providers. We assessed health care providers' knowledge and practical skills in the use of inhalation devices.

METHODS

An observational multicenter study was conducted in the pulmonology and paediatric wards in Marseille. The departments' common practices, theoretical knowledge and practical skills were assessed through a questionnaire and a demonstration using a spacer device.

RESULTS

Forty health care providers were interviewed (9 attending physicians, 14 residents, 16 nurses and 1 physiotherapist), in 8 different pulmonology and paediatric wards. A total of 42.5% reported previous training in inhalation device technique. When evaluating theoretical knowledge, we found a mean of 54% correct answers. Attending physicians did significantly better than residents and nurses. With regard to practical skills, we found a mean of 1.12 failed steps out of 7. Here again attending physicians did significantly better than residents and nurses.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of our study, we recommend that attending physicians provide training of inhalation technique to nurses and residents, as they did significantly better theoretically and practically.

Asthma Controller Medication Adherence, Risk of Exacerbation, and Use of Rescue Agents Among Texas Medicaid Patients with Persistent Asthma

BACKGROUND

Adherence to asthma long-term controller medications is one of the key drivers to improve asthma management among patients with persistent asthma. While suboptimal use of controller medications has been found to be associated with more frequent use of oral corticosteroids (OCS), few studies exist regarding the relationship between adherence to controller therapy and the use of short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs). A better understanding of the association between adherence to asthma controller agents and use of reliever medications will help health care providers and decision makers enhance asthma management.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there is a relationship between asthma controller adherence, risk of exacerbation requiring OCS, and use of asthma rescue agents.

METHODS

Texas Medicaid claims data from January 1, 2008, to August 31, 2011, were retrospectively analyzed. Continuously enrolled patients aged 5-63 years with a primary diagnosis of asthma (ICD-9-CM code 493) and with 4 or more prescription claims for any asthma medication in 1 year (persistent asthma) were included. The index date was the date of the first asthma controller prescription, and patients were followed for 1 year. The primary outcome variables were SABA (dichotomous: less than  6 vs. ≥ 6) and OCS (continuous) use. The primary independent variable was adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]) to asthma long-term controller medications. Covariates included demographics and nonstudy medication utilization. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were employed to address the study objective.

RESULTS

The study sample (n = 32,172) was aged 15.0 ± 14.5 years, and adherence to controller therapy was 32.2% ± 19.7%. The mean number of SABA claims was 3.7 ± 3.1, with most patients having 1-5 claims (73.2%), whereas 19.4% had ≥ 6 SABA claims. The mean number of OCS claims was 1.0 ± 1.4. Adherent (PDC ≥ 50%) patients were 96.7% (OR = 1.967; 95% CI = 1.826-2.120) more likely to have ≥ 6 SABA claims when compared with nonadherent (PDC  less than  50%) patients (P  less than  0.001). As for OCS use, adherent patients had 0.11 fewer claims compared with nonadherent patients (P  less than  0.001). Importantly, patients with ≥ 6 SABA claims had 0.7 more OCS claims compared with patients with less than  6 claims for SABA (P  less than  0.001). The odds of having ≥ 6 SABA claims were higher for concurrent dual therapy users, older age, males, African Americans and higher number of nonstudy medications (P  less than  0.001). Dual therapy users, younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, and higher number of nonstudy medications were associated with an increase in OCS use (P  less than  0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to long-term controller medications was suboptimal among patients with asthma. Adherent patients had fewer OCS claims, indicating that adherence to controller therapy is critical in preventing asthma exacerbations requiring OCS use. Although there was a positive relationship between adherence to long-term controller medication and SABA use, increased SABA use served as a predictor of increased OCS use, which indicates poor asthma control. Health care providers should be aware of OCS and SABA use among patients who are both adherent and nonadherent to asthma controller medications.

A systematic review of instruments aimed at evaluating metered-dose inhaler administration technique in children

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic review of instruments aimed at evaluating pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) administration technique in children and evaluating the measurement properties of these instruments.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was performed in order to identify studies in which an instrument (scale, checklist, or questionnaire) for evaluating pMDI administration technique in children was described. Instruments were evaluated based on their reliability, validity, utility, endorsement frequency, restrictions in range, comprehension, lack of ambiguity, and lack of value-laden or offensive content.

RESULTS

A total of 24 instruments were identified. The age of the children ranged from 1 month to 18 years, the number of steps or items included in the instruments ranged from 3 to 21, and nearly half of the instruments distinguished between essential and non-essential steps or items. In only 7 of the 24 instruments was there a report of their measurement properties, mainly reliability and utility. Taking into consideration the information contained in the instruments, as well as their measurement properties, we determined four instruments to be the best of the available ones.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the 24 instruments for the assessment of pMDI administration technique in children that were identified and systematically examined, four were considered to be the best ones available. However, additional evaluation of their measurement properties should be done before using them in clinical practice and for research purposes.

Assessment of skills using a spacer device for a metered-dose inhaler and related independent predictive factors in caregivers of asthmatic preschool children

BACKGROUND

The correct use of inhalation devices is essential for successful therapy. We aimed to evaluate the skills in the use of a spacer device with an metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and factors that influence this skill in asthmatic preschool children's caregivers.

METHODS

The caregivers of 12-month-old to 72-month-old children were interviewed face-to-face and filled out questionnaires. To assess use of the spacer device, we asked the caregivers to verbally describe and demonstrate how they used the device.

RESULTS

A total of 244 patients were included in the study, and 142 (58.2%) of the caregivers demonstrated every step for using the spacer device. The most frequently mistaken step was waiting for 30 seconds for the second puff after the first puff. When statistically significant and clinically important parameters were analyzed in a logistic regression model, the parameters satisfaction with the spacer device (odds ratio [OR] 29.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.64 to 117.39; p < 0.001), a university graduate (OR 13.5; 95% CI, 3.36 to 54.8; p < 0.001), family monthly income of more than US$1500 (OR 5.3; 95% CI, 2.16 to 13.39; p < 0.001), device training provided by a clinical trainer (OR 12.3; 95% CI, 4.82 to 31.73; p < 0.001), regular follow-ups (OR 3.6; 95% CI, 1.57 to 8.47; p = 0.003), and the absence of a severe attack during the last year (OR 6.5; 95% CI, 2.64 to 16.43; p < 0.001) were found to be independent factors that affected the correct demonstration of the device.

CONCLUSION

The factors most effective in the correct use of the MDI spacer device were satisfaction with the device, training having been given by a clinical trainer on this subject, and the caregiver being a university graduate.

Severe asthma in school-age children: evaluation and phenotypic advances

Although the majority of children with asthma have a favorable clinical response to treatment with low to moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), a small subset of children have "severe" asthma characterized by ongoing symptoms and airway inflammation despite treatment with high doses of ICS and even oral corticosteroids. Although there is symptom heterogeneity in the affected children, children with severe asthma share the risk for adverse outcomes, including recurrent and potentially life-threatening exacerbations, which contribute to substantial economic burden. This article reviews current knowledge of severe asthma in school-age children (age 6-17 years) with a focus on recent literature published after January 2012. Clinical management approaches for children with severe asthma are discussed as well as current phenotyping efforts and emerging phenotypic-directed therapies that may be of benefit for subpopulations of children with severe asthma in the future.

Twelve- and 52-week safety of albuterol multidose dry powder inhaler in patients with persistent asthma

Objective: Evaluate the safety of albuterol multidose dry powder inhaler (MDPI), a novel, inhalation-driven device that does not require coordination of actuation with inhalation, in patients with persistent asthma. Methods: We report pooled safety data from two 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, repeat-dose, parallel-group studies and the 12-week double-blind phase of a 52-week multicenter safety study as well as safety data from the 40-week open-label phase of the 52-week safety study. In each study, eligible patients aged ≥12 years with persistent asthma received placebo MDPI or albuterol MDPI 180 µg (2 inhalations × 90 µg/inhalation) 4 times/day for 12 weeks. In the 40-week open-label phase of the 52-week safety study, patients received albuterol MDPI 180 μg (2 inhalations × 90 μg/inhalation) as needed (PRN). Results: During both 12-week studies and the 12-week double-blind phase of the 52-week study, adverse events were more common with placebo MDPI (50%; n = 333) than albuterol MDPI (40%; n = 321); most frequent were upper respiratory tract infection (placebo MDPI 11%, albuterol MDPI 10%), nasopharyngitis (6%, 5%), and headache (6%, 4%). Incidences of β₂-agonist-related events (excluding headache) during the pooled 12-week dosing periods were low (≤1%) in both groups. The safety profile with albuterol MDPI PRN during the 40-week open-label phase [most frequent adverse events: nasopharyngitis (12%), sinusitis (11%), upper respiratory tract infection (9%)] was similar to that observed during the 12-week pooled analysis. Conclusions: The safety profile of albuterol MDPI 180 μg in these studies was comparable with placebo MDPI and consistent with the well-characterized profile of albuterol in patients with asthma.

Are children with asthma overconfident that they are using their inhalers correctly?

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to quantify the extent to which children with asthma are overconfident that they are using their inhalers correctly and determine whether demographic and clinical characteristics are associated with children being overconfident.

METHODS

Children (n = 91) ages 7-17 with persistent asthma were recruited at two pediatric practices in North Carolina and demonstrated their inhaler technique for metered dose inhalers during an office visit. Children were dichotomized into two groups based on how confident they were that they were using their inhalers correctly: "completely confident" or "not completely confident". The mean number of inhaler steps (out of 8) children performed incorrectly was examined. We applied linear regression models for children in the "completely confident" group to determine whether demographic and clinical factors predicted their overconfidence, defined as the number of inhaler steps performed incorrectly.

RESULTS

Children were primarily male (56%) and non-Hispanic White (60%). Sixty-eight (75%) children were "completely confident" that they were using their inhalers correctly. The "completely confident" group missed an average of 1.5 steps. In the "completely confident" group, males (p < 0.04) missed significantly more steps than females. The two most common errors were forgetting to shake the inhaler and holding their breath for 10 s.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of their confidence level, children in our sample missed an average of 1-2 steps on an inhaler technique assessment. Findings from this study provide new evidence that it is insufficient to ask children if they are using their inhalers correctly. Therefore, it is vital that providers ask children to demonstrate their inhaler technique during health encounters.

Population Health Considerations for Pediatric Asthma: Findings from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey

Childhood asthma is a prevalent and costly chronic condition. Optimal management enables secondary and tertiary prevention. The goal was to identify population health considerations for pediatric asthma in California to inform the development of quality improvement interventions. California Health Interview Survey 2011-2012 is a random-digit dial telephone survey conducted in 5 languages. It includes 44,000 households from all 58 counties in California. This study assessed factors related to symptom control and health care use in children ages 2-11 years with asthma. An estimated 492,385 (9.6%) of children in California currently have asthma. Urban and rural residents face comparable asthma disease burdens. School-age male children as well as Asian and African American children are disproportionately affected. Asthma causes significant morbidity, with poorer health status, high utilization of emergency care, and the need for daily medication use. Only 38% of children with asthma have a recent asthma management plan. Half of all children with asthma did not receive influenza immunization in the past year, although this reflects the overall low rate of influenza vaccination. Parents of children with asthma frequently utilize the Internet for health information and communication with their child's health care provider. Children with asthma in California face several population-level challenges, including poor health status, low influenza vaccination rates, high use of emergency care, and suboptimal use of health literacy tools. Focusing on improved care coordination and preventive care for high-risk groups is especially urgent given the expansion of public health insurance and impending shortages in the primary care workforce. (Population Health Management 2016;19:145-151).

Evaluation of inhaler technique, adherence to therapy and their effect on disease control among children with asthma using metered dose or dry powder inhalers

OBJECTIVE

To address the problems about correct use of inhaler devices, adherence to inhaler corticosteroid treatment and the effects of these problems on the control of asthma.

METHODS

Children with asthma were evaluated for the correct use of inhaler devices and adherence to therapy using a questionnaire. Effect of these on control of asthma was defined.

RESULTS

A hundred and seventy-one patients and/or their families were interviewed. The mean age was 8.29 ± 4.65 years (1-19) and 62.6% were male. Metered dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer was used by 119 (69.5%) patients and 52 (30.5%) used dry powder inhalers (DPIs). The devices were used correctly by 68.1% of patients using MDI and 34.6% of patients using DPI (p < 0.001). The most common improper step was "breathe in from the spacer 5-6 times or 10 s" for MDI (24.4%) and "exhale to residual volume" for DPI (51.9%). Frequency of correct use was higher in patients trained 3 times (p < 0.001). Asthma was controlled more frequently among correct users (p < 0.001). Partial or poor adherence was showed 22.8% of patients. Patients with mothers who had lower educational status had higher frequency of incorrect use of inhaler device (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

It was found that asthma control was better among correct users. Repetitive training about using devices may contribute improving inhaler technique. Especially children whose mothers had low education level and patients using DPI should be evaluated more carefully.

Evaluation of asthma control, parents' quality of life and preference between AeroChamber Plus and AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu spacers in young children with asthma

OBJECTIVE

The AeroChamber Plus (AC) valved holding chamber has been enhanced to include the Flow-Vu (FV) inspiratory flow indicator that provides visual inhalation feedback during use. We have investigated if FV alters asthma control and whether parents accept it.

METHODS

At visit 1, children with asthma, age 1-5 years, used an AC with their pressurised metered dose inhaler and 2 weeks later (visit 2) they were randomised to use either AC or FV. Subjects returned 6 (visit 3) and 12 (visit 4) weeks later. The Asthma Control (ACQ) and Paediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life (PACQLQ) questionnaires were scored at each visit, and their peak inhalation flow (PIF) when they used their spacer was measured.

RESULTS

Forty participants in each group completed the study. There was no difference in the ACQ scores from visits 2 to 4 between the two groups. The improvements in the PACQLQ scores were greater in the FV group (p = 0.029). The mean difference (95% confidence interval) for the change from visits 2 to 4 between FV and AC groups was 0.05 (-0.33, 0.43) and 0.39 (0.035, 0.737) for the ACQ and PACQLQ, respectively. Most parents preferred the FV (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the PIF rates at each visit and between the two spacers.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no change in asthma control of the young children but that of their parents improved. Parents preferred the FV and this could be related to their improved perception of their children's asthma control by better PACQLQ scores.

Demonstrating and assessing metered-dose inhaler-spacer technique: pediatric care providers' self-reported practices and perceived barriers

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program recommends that providers demonstrate and assess metered-dose inhaler-spacer (MDI-S) technique at each medical visit. To examine practice behaviors and perceived barriers to demonstrating and assessing MDI-S technique, we surveyed pediatric providers (n = 114) at an inner-city academic medical center. While 82% of providers demonstrated MDI-S technique, only 5% of providers demonstrate the technique at every visit. Although 67% of providers assessed MDI-S technique, only 13% assess the technique at every visit. None of the providers used MDI-S checklist for assessment. Attendings were more likely than residents to demonstrate with illustrations (24% vs 6%, P = .01) and when patient's asthma was not well controlled (68% vs 47%, P = .05). Provider-identified barriers included limited access to MDI-S device, lack of time, and inadequate knowledge. Suggestions to address barriers include in-service training, device access, and nurse/health educators to alleviate the time constraints. Clinic modifications and education are needed.