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Suresh S, Perret JL, Walters EH, Abramson MJ, Bowatte G, Lodge C, Lowe A, Erbas B, Thomas P, Hamilton GS, Chang AB, Dharmage SC, Bui DS. Disease burden, comorbidities and antecedents of chronic cough phenotypes in Australian adults. Pulmonology 2023:S2531-0437(23)00154-X. [PMID: 37743172 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES While adult chronic cough has high burden, its phenotypes, particularly those without aetiologically related underlying conditions, are understudied. We investigated the prevalence, lung function and comorbidities of adult chronic cough phenotypes. METHODS Data from 3608 participants aged 53 years from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS) were included. Chronic cough was defined as cough on most days for >3 months in a year. Chronic cough was classified into "explained cough" if there were any one of four major cough-associated conditions (asthma, COPD, gastroesophageal reflux disease or rhinosinusitis) or "unexplained cough" if none were present. Adjusted regression analyses investigated associations between these chronic cough phenotypes, lung function and non-respiratory comorbidities at 53 years. RESULTS The prevalence of chronic cough was 10% (95%CI 9.1,11.0%) with 46.4% being "unexplained". Participants with unexplained chronic cough had lower FEV1/FVC (coefficient: -1.2% [95%CI:-2,3, -0.1]) and increased odds of comorbidities including obesity (OR=1.6 [95%CI: 1.2, 2.3]), depression (OR=1.4 [95%CI: 1.0, 2.1]), hypertension (OR=1.7 [95%CI: 1.2, 2.4]) and angina, heart attack or myocardial infarction to a lesser extent, compared to those without chronic cough. Participants with explained chronic cough also had lower lung function than both those with unexplained chronic cough and those without chronic cough. CONCLUSIONS Chronic cough is prevalent in middle-age and a high proportion is unexplained. Unexplained cough contributes to poor lung function and increased comorbidities. Given unexplained chronic cough is not a symptom of major underlying respiratory conditions it should be targeted for better understanding in both clinical settings and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Suresh
- University of Melbourne Medical School, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J L Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - E H Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - M J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - G Bowatte
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - B Erbas
- School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Thomas
- Prince of Wales' Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - G S Hamilton
- Monash Lung, Sleep, Allergy and Immunology, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - A B Chang
- Dept of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Paediatric Bronchiectasis (AusBREATHE), Child Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - S C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; NHMRC-CRE Centre for Air pollution, Energy and Health Research, Australia
| | - D S Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lucas SEM, Raspin K, Mackintosh J, Glaspole I, Reynolds PN, Chia C, Grainge C, Kendall P, Troy L, Schwartz DA, Wood-Baker R, Walsh SLF, Moodley Y, Robertson J, Macansh S, Walters EH, Chambers D, Corte TJ, Dickinson JL. Preclinical interstitial lung disease in relatives of familial pulmonary fibrosis patients. Pulmonology 2023; 29:257-260. [PMID: 36216738 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S E M Lucas
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - K Raspin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - J Mackintosh
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; QLD Lung Transplant Service, Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - I Glaspole
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - P N Reynolds
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - C Chia
- Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - C Grainge
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - P Kendall
- Respiratory Medicine Service, Albany, WA, Australia; School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - L Troy
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - D A Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - R Wood-Baker
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - S L F Walsh
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, England, UK
| | - Y Moodley
- University of Western Australia, Institute for Respiratory Health, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J Robertson
- Border Physicians Group, West Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - S Macansh
- Lung Foundation Australia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - E H Walters
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - D Chambers
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; QLD Lung Transplant Service, Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - T J Corte
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - J L Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
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Matheson MC, Reece JC, Kandane-Rathnayake RK, Tang MLK, Simpson JA, Feather IH, Southey MC, Tsimiklis H, Hopper JL, Morrison SC, Giles GG, Walters EH, Dharmage SC. Mould-sensitized adults have lower Th2 cytokines and a higher prevalence of asthma than those sensitized to other aeroallergens. Allergy 2016; 71:1701-1711. [PMID: 27333124 DOI: 10.1111/all.12964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that specific allergen sensitizations are associated with different allergic diseases which may reflect different underlying immune profiles. We aimed to examine the cytokine profiles of individuals sensitized to eight common aeroallergens. METHODS We used data from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study a population-based cohort study of 45-year-olds. Serum cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α) were measured in 1157 subjects using the LINCOplex assays. Participants underwent skin prick testing for house dust mite, cat, grasses and moulds. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare serum cytokine levels between sensitized and nonatopic subjects. RESULTS The prevalence of allergic sensitization to any aeroallergen was 51% (95% CI 47-54). Being sensitized to any aeroallergen was strongly associated with current asthma (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.6-5.3), and being sensitized to any moulds was associated with a very high risk of current asthma (OR = 6.40, 95% CI 4.06-10.1). The geometric mean (GM) levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6) for adults sensitized to Cladosporium were significantly lower than the levels for nonatopic individuals (IL-4 ratio of GMs = 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.62, P = 0.003; IL-5 GM = 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-0.99, P = 0.05; and IL-6 GM = 0.50, 95% CI 0.24-1.07, P = 0.07). Individuals sensitized to other aeroallergens all showed elevated Th2 cytokine levels. CONCLUSION Our study is the first large population-based study to demonstrate reduced Th2 cytokines levels in people sensitized to mould. Underlying biological mechanisms driving allergic inflammatory responses in adults sensitized to moulds may differ from those sensitized to other aeroallergens. These findings suggest that it may be necessary to tailor treatments in individuals sensitized to moulds compared with other aeroallergens in order to optimize outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. C. Matheson
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - J. C. Reece
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - R. K. Kandane-Rathnayake
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - M. L. K. Tang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Department of Paediatrics; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - J. A. Simpson
- Biostatistics Unit; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - I. H. Feather
- Gold Coast Hospital; Southport Qld Australia
- Bond University; Varsity Lakes Qld Australia
| | - M. C. Southey
- Department of Pathology; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - H. Tsimiklis
- Department of Pathology; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - J. L. Hopper
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | | | - G. G. Giles
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Cancer Epidemiology Centre; Cancer Council Victoria; Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - E. H. Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Menzies Research Institute; Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - S. C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
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Soltani A, Reid D, Wills K, Walters EH. Prospective outcomes in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presenting to hospital: a generalisable clinical audit. Intern Med J 2016; 45:925-33. [PMID: 26010582 DOI: 10.1111/imj.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM To determine predictors of short- and long-term outcomes in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (AECOPD) presenting to hospital. METHODS A prospective clinical audit of AECOPD attendances to the only public acute general hospital in Southern Tasmania, Australia. Out of 416 attendances with AECOPD to the emergency department (ED) between November 2006 and July 2008, 150 patients with 218 attendances were followed to March 2009. Predictors of hospital admission from ED, in-hospital death, length of hospital stay, post-discharge mortality and re-attendance rate for AECOPD were the main outcomes. RESULTS There were no clear differences between patients admitted to hospital and those sent home from ED. Predictors of in-hospital death were initial physiologic parameters, that is, arterial pH, PaCO2 , oxygen saturation and blood pressure. Longer hospital stay was associated with older age, current smoking, hyperglycaemia, lower blood pressure and lower oxygen saturation. Risk of mortality after discharge was associated with a history of myocardial infarction, nursing home residence and severity of COPD. Re-attendance rate was associated with osteoporosis, younger age and severity of COPD. CONCLUSIONS Further investigation into the process of decision making about which AECOPD patients are admitted from the ED is required. Short-term outcomes, in-hospital death and length of hospital stay are mainly predicted by severity of the acute exacerbation and patient demographics. Although severity of COPD was a predictor of long-term outcomes, the main predictors of these were presence of co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Soltani
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for Chronic Respiratory Disease, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - D Reid
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for Chronic Respiratory Disease, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - K Wills
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for Chronic Respiratory Disease, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - E H Walters
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for Chronic Respiratory Disease, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Mészáros D, Markos J, FitzGerald DG, Walters EH, Wood-Baker R. An observational study of PM10 and hospital admissions for acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease in Tasmania, Australia 1992-2002. BMJ Open Respir Res 2015; 2:e000063. [PMID: 25593705 PMCID: PMC4289711 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2014-000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Particulate matter with a diameter below 10 µ (PM10) has been a major concern in the Tamar Valley, Launceston, where wood heaters are extensively used. We examined the relationship between PM10 levels, meteorological variables, respiratory medications and hospital admissions for respiratory disease over the decade 1992–2002. Methods PM10 levels were provided by the Department of Primary Industry Water, Parks and Environment, and meteorological variables from the Bureau of Meteorology. We obtained hospital discharge codes for the Launceston General Hospital. Poisson regression was used for statistical analyses. Results Mean daily PM10 levels declined from 50.7 to 16.5 μg/m3. Hospitalisations for asthma decreased from 29 to 21 per month, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increased and bronchitis/bronchiolitis remained unchanged. We found a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 to be associated with a 4% increase in admissions for acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis (p0.05), but no association with asthma or COPD was found. All respiratory diseases showed seasonal patterns of hospitalisation. Conclusions This is the first long-term study in Australia to demonstrate an association between PM10 levels and respiratory diseases. Reducing exposure to PM10 may decrease hospital admissions for respiratory diseases. Implication Better preventive measures, including sustained public health initiatives to combat air pollution, are required to reduce respiratory morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mészáros
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania , Hobart, Tasmania , Australia
| | - J Markos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine , Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Tasmania , Australia
| | - D G FitzGerald
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Tasmania , Hobart, Tasmania , Australia
| | - E H Walters
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania , Hobart, Tasmania , Australia
| | - R Wood-Baker
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania , Hobart, Tasmania , Australia
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Sharman JE, Johns DP, Marrone J, Walls J, Wood-Baker R, Walters EH. Cardiovascular effects of methacholine-induced airway obstruction in man. J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 65:401-407. [PMID: 24930512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of death in people with chronic respiratory disease. The cause of this association has been attributed to airway obstruction leading to cardiovascular dysfunction (increased central blood pressure (BP) and aortic stiffness). However, this has never been experimentally tested. Methacholine is routinely used to stimulate airway function changes that mimic airway pathology. This study aimed to determine the cardiovascular effects of methacholine-induced airway obstruction. Fifteen healthy young adults (aged 22.9±2.5 years; 4 male; mean±S.D.) underwent a bronchial challenge test (randomized, blinded, cross-over design) in which they received nebulized methacholine inhalation in serially increasing concentrations (from 0.39 to 25 mg/ml) or saline (0.9%; control) on two separate days. Bronchoconstriction was assessed by forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and cardiovascular effects by augmentation index, brachial BP, central BP, heart rate and aortic stiffness. Methacholine significantly decreased FEV1 from baseline to peak inhaled concentration compared with saline (-0.48±0.34 vs. -0.07±0.16 L; p<0.001), but there was no between-group change in augmentation index (1.6±7.0 vs. 3.7±10.2% p=0.49), brachial systolic BP (-3.3±7.6 vs. -4.7±5.7 mmHg; p=0.59), central systolic BP (-1.1±5.2 vs. -0.3±5.5 mmHg; p=0.73), heart rate (0.4±7.1 vs. -0.8±6.6 bpm; p=0.45) or aortic stiffness (0.2±1.3 vs. 0.8±1.8 m/s; p=0.20; n=12). Thus, methacholine induced airway obstruction does not acutely change brachial BP or central haemodynamics. This finding refutes the notion that airway obstruction per se leads to cardiovascular dysfunction, at least in healthy individuals in the acute setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Sharman
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Kandane-Rathnayake RK, Tang MLK, Simpson JA, Burgess JA, Mészáros D, Feather I, Southey MC, Schroen CJ, Hopper J, Morrison SC, Giles GG, Walters EH, Dharmage SC, Matheson MC. Adult serum cytokine concentrations and the persistence of asthma. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2013; 161:342-50. [PMID: 23689759 DOI: 10.1159/000346910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokines play a pivotal role in regulating the development and persistence of the inflammatory process in asthma. Our aim was to investigate whether asthma persistence or remission is associated with a specific cytokine profile. METHODS The Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study followed participants from 7 to 44 years of age. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured at age 44 years. Participants were categorized into five phenotypes (early-onset noncurrent asthma, early-onset current asthma, late-onset noncurrent asthma and late-onset current asthma). Those who had never had asthma formed the reference group. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare serum cytokine concentrations between each phenotype and the reference group. RESULTS IL-10 concentrations were significantly lower in serum from the early-onset current asthma group than in the reference group (ratio of geometric means 0.58; 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.99; p = 0.048). IL-6 concentrations for the late-onset remitted group were also significantly lower than in the reference group (p = 0.009). The TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower for both early-and late-onset remitted asthma phenotypes when compared with the reference group. No associations were detected between serum concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 or IL-8 and these specific longitudinal asthma phenotypes. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a possible role for deficient IL-10 responses in the persistence of early-onset asthma. Lower IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations in serum from those with remitted asthma suggest that these proinflammatory cytokines may be actively suppressed during asthma remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Kandane-Rathnayake
- Centre for MEGA Epidemiology, Melbourne School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Bereznicki BJ, Peterson G, Jackson S, Walters EH, George J, Stewart K, March GJ. Uptake and effectiveness of a community pharmacy intervention programme to improve asthma management. J Clin Pharm Ther 2013; 38:212-8. [PMID: 23437933 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Pharmacists frequently see patients with asthma in the community who have suboptimal management. This study aimed to compare the uptake and effectiveness of pharmacist-initiated mailed and face-to-face interventions for patients whose asthma may not be well managed. METHODS Seventy-one community pharmacies in South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria (Australia) installed a software application that data-mined dispensing records, generating a list of patients who had received six or more asthma reliever inhalers in the preceding 12 months. The pharmacists were randomized, by pharmacy, to perform either a mailed or face-to-face intervention, whereby these patients received educational material and a referral to their general practitioner (GP) for an asthma management review. Matching patients from each pharmacy were also randomly assigned to a control group for 'usual care'. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 1483 patients were identified and grouped as follows: 510 (34·4%) mailed intervention, 480 (32·4%) face-to-face intervention and 493 (33·2%) controls. Significantly fewer face-to-face interventions were offered than mailed interventions (66·6% vs. 89·4%, respectively; χ(2) = 64·2, P < 0·0001). There were significant improvements in the preventer-to-reliever ratio after the intervention period (P < 0·0001) in each group. In a per-protocol analysis, the magnitude of improvement in the face-to-face intervention group was greater than in the mailed intervention group. The reverse was true in an intention-to-treat analysis. The improvement in the P : R ratios was mainly due to significant decreases in reliever usage. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Community pharmacy dispensing records can effectively identify patients with suboptimal asthma management, who can then be referred to their GP for review. Time constraints in busy pharmacies may limit the uptake and effectiveness of face-to-face interventions in the 'real world' setting, making mailed interventions an attractive option.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Bereznicki
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
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Wood-Baker R, Walters EH, Blizzard L, Austin M. Prehospital oxygen therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intern Med J 2012; 42:229-30; author reply 231. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2011.02655.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Bennett CM, Dharmage SC, Matheson M, Gras JL, Markos J, Mészáros D, Hopper J, Walters EH, Abramson MJ. Ambient wood smoke exposure and respiratory symptoms in Tasmania, Australia. Sci Total Environ 2010; 409:294-299. [PMID: 21071067 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Wood smoke exposure has been associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes, with much of the current research focused on wood smoke from domestic heating and cooking. This study examined the association between respiratory symptoms and outdoor wood smoke in Launceston, Tasmania, where ~30% of homes use wood burners for domestic heating. This ecological study examined data from participants of the 2004 Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study postal survey and compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Launceston (n=601) with that in Hobart (n=1071), a larger Tasmanian city with much less wood smoke. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations of interest while adjusting for gender, atopy, history of allergic disease and current smoking status. There were no significant differences in symptom prevalence between Launceston and Hobart. Two subgroup analyses, which examined participants with pre-existing chronic respiratory disease, and those who reported actively using a wood burner in their home, also did not find significant differences. Any impact of wood smoke on non-specific respiratory symptoms might have been overshadowed by other important determinants of respiratory health, such as vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoking, or were too small to have been detected. However, the lack of detectable differences in symptom prevalence might also reflect the success of regulatory action by local governments to reduce wood smoke emissions in Launceston. The results of other epidemiological studies support an association between ambient wood smoke exposure and adverse respiratory health. Further investigations of wood smoke exposure in Australian settings are needed to investigate the lack of significant associations found in this study, especially studies of indoor air quality and health impacts in children and elderly populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Bennett
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
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11
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Bereznicki B, Peterson G, Jackson S, Walters EH, Gee P. The sustainability of a community pharmacy intervention to improve the quality use of asthma medication. J Clin Pharm Ther 2010; 36:144-51. [PMID: 21366642 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2010.01165.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE A previously published asthma intervention used a software application to data mine pharmacy dispensing records and generate a list of patients with potentially suboptimal management of their asthma; in particular, a high rate of provision of reliever medication. These patients were sent educational material from their community pharmacists and advised to seek a review of their asthma management from their general practitioner. The intervention resulted in a 3-fold improvement in the ratio of dispensed preventer medication (inhaled corticosteroids) to reliever medication (short-acting beta-2 agonists). This follow-up study aimed to determine the long-term effects of the intervention programme on the preventer-to-reliever (P:R) ratio. METHODS The same data mining software was modified so that it could re-identify patients who were originally targeted for the intervention. Community pharmacists who participated in the previous intervention installed the modified version of the software. The dispensing data were then de-identified, encrypted and transferred via the Internet to a secure server. The follow-up dispensing data for all patients were compared with their pre- and post-intervention data collected originally. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of the 1551 patients who were included in the original study, 718 (46·3%) were eligible to be included in the follow-up study. The improved P:R ratio was sustained for at least 12 months following the intervention (P < 0·01). The sustained increase in the P:R ratio was attributed to significant decreases in the average daily usage of reliever medication (P < 0·0001). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION The follow-up study demonstrated a sustained improvement in the ratio of dispensed preventer medication to reliever medication for asthma. The intervention has the potential to show long-lasting and widespread improvements in asthma management, improved health outcomes for patients, and ultimately, a reduced burden on the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bereznicki
- Unit for Medication Outcomes Research and Education, School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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12
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Mészáros D, Dharmage SC, Matheson MC, Venn A, Wharton CL, Johns DP, Abramson MJ, Giles GG, Hopper JL, Walters EH. Poor lung function and tonsillectomy in childhood are associated with mortality from age 18 to 44. Respir Med 2010; 104:808-15. [PMID: 20079616 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Revised: 09/28/2009] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this analysis was to examine associations between lung health in childhood and mortality between ages 18 and 44 years in the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS). METHODS The 1961 Tasmanian birth cohort who attended school in 1968 (n=8583) were linked to the Australian National Death Index (NDI) to identify deaths. Additional deaths were notified by families through a 37 year follow-up postal questionnaire. Information on lung health at age 7 years and on potential confounders was obtained from the original 1968 TAHS survey and school medical records. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to assess determinants of mortality. RESULTS A total of 264 (3%) deaths were identified. The principal causes of death were external injury (56.1%, n=97) and cancer (17.9%, n=31). Males were more likely than females to have died (p=<0.1). Only two (1.1%) participants had died from respiratory conditions. Having an FEV(1)<80% predicted at 7 years of age was associated with a 2-fold increased incidence of death. Tonsillectomy before age 7 years was associated with a 1.5-fold increase in mortality (p=0.05); being male with a 3.6-fold increase in mortality (p=0.0001); and repeated chest illnesses at age 7 years causing >30 days confinement in the last year, was associated with a 2.2-fold increase in mortality (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Childhood lung health appears to be associated with increased mortality in adulthood, perhaps by affecting the ability to survive trauma, major illnesses and other physical stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mészáros
- Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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13
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Khor YH, Teoh AKY, Lam SM, Mo DCQ, Weston S, Reid DW, Walters EH. Increased vascular permeability precedes cellular inflammation as asthma control deteriorates. Clin Exp Allergy 2009; 39:1659-67. [PMID: 19860817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03349.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway microcirculation is abnormal in asthma but the role of vascular changes in asthma deteriorations remains poorly defined. We prospectively assessed the vascular changes accompanying worsening of asthma control by using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose-reduction model. OBJECTIVES To evaluate airway vascularity, vascular permeability and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in early asthma deterioration induced by ICS back-titration. METHODS Twenty mild-to-moderate persistent symptomatic asthmatics on low-to-moderate ICS were recruited and treated with 4 weeks of high-dose fluticasone propionate (1000 microg/day) to achieve symptom control. This was followed by dose reduction to half of the pre-study doses for 4-8 weeks until the symptoms began to return. Endobronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained after both treatment periods. RESULTS Vascularity as measured by the number and size of blood vessels, as well as VEGF expression did not change following ICS reduction. Even on high-dose ICS, perivascular albumin staining and BAL microalbumin levels in asthmatic subjects, as markers of permeability, were elevated when compared with normal subjects and both further increased significantly after ICS reduction. There was a significant association between changes in vascular leakiness and clinical deterioration. Increases in airway albumin correlated with previously reported increases in airway wall infiltration with T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that airway vascular leakage is a major pathophysiologic feature of early asthma deterioration, occurring before recrudescence of cellular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Khor
- Respiratory Research Group, Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Kandane-Rathnayake RK, Matheson MC, Simpson JA, Tang MLK, Johns DP, Mészáros D, Wood-Baker R, Feather I, Morrison S, Jenkins MA, Giles GG, Hopper J, Abramson MJ, Dharmage SC, Walters EH. Adherence to asthma management guidelines by middle-aged adults with current asthma. Thorax 2009; 64:1025-31. [PMID: 19703827 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2009.118430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increasing burden of asthma worldwide, much effort has been given to developing and updating management guidelines. Using data from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS), the adequacy of asthma management for middle-aged adults with asthma was investigated. METHODS Information about spirometry, medication history and current asthma status was collected by the most recent TAHS when participants were in their mid 40s. Only those who reported ever having asthma were eligible for analysis. RESULTS Of the 702 participants who reported ever having asthma, 50% had current asthma (n = 351) of whom 71% were categorised as having persistent asthma (n = 98 mild, n = 92 moderate, n = 58 severe). The majority (85.2%) of participants with current asthma had used some form of asthma medication in the past 12 months, but the proportion of the use of minimally adequate preventer medication was low (26%). Post-bronchodilator airflow obstruction increased progressively from mild to severe persistent asthma for those inadequately managed, but not for those on adequate therapy. CONCLUSION Appropriate use of asthma medication by this middle-aged group of adults with current asthma was inadequate, especially for those with adult-onset moderate or severe persistent disease and without a family history of asthma. These results suggest that proper use of preventer medication could protect against the progressive decline in lung function associated with increasing severity. This has implications not just for poor quality of life, but also for the development of fixed airflow obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Kandane-Rathnayake
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Matheson MC, Walters EH, Simpson JA, Wharton CL, Ponsonby AL, Johns DP, Jenkins MA, Giles GG, Hopper JL, Abramson MJ, Dharmage SC. Relevance of the hygiene hypothesis to early vs. late onset allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy 2009; 39:370-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Thompson BR, Johns DP, Bailey M, Raven J, Walters EH, Abramson MJ. Prediction equations for single breath diffusing capacity (Tlco) in a middle aged caucasian population. Thorax 2008; 63:889-93. [DOI: 10.1136/thx.2007.091959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Walters JA, Hansen EC, Johns DP, Blizzard EL, Walters EH, Wood-Baker R. A mixed methods study to compare models of spirometry delivery in primary care for patients at risk of COPD. Thorax 2008; 63:408-14. [DOI: 10.1136/thx.2007.082859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Walters EH, Wood-Baker R, Reid DEC, Ward C. Innate immune activation in neutrophilic asthma. Thorax 2008; 63:88-89. [PMID: 18156578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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Abstract
In the present review of airway remodelling and its response to therapies, clinical observations about airway physiological abnormalities, assumed to be caused by remodelling processes, are related to what is known about the components of structural changes from airway sampling and histopathological analysis. The review focuses on three important diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), which occurs commonly after lung transplantation as a manifestation of chronic rejection. The present authors chose to use BOS as an issue, because with routine bronchoscopic surveillance after lung transplantation there has been more opportunity to directly study airway pathology longitudinally than in more everyday conditions. In addition, the present authors have reviewed animal models of induced airway remodelling, where most information is available on the potential of therapeutic intervention. Finally, the limited information that can be gained from the literature on the effects of commonly used airway medications on remodelling components is reviewed. In conclusion, the present authors have detailed some of the gaps in knowledge surrounding the potential to improve or modulate remodelling processes in human disease. The areas where it is believed urgent research needs to be focused have also been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Walters
- Cardio-Respiratory Research Group, Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, 43 Collins Street, Hobart 7001, Australia
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Khor YH, Feltis BN, Reid DW, Ward C, Johns DP, Wood-Baker R, Walters EH. Airway cell and cytokine changes in early asthma deterioration after inhaled corticosteroid reduction. Clin Exp Allergy 2007; 37:1189-98. [PMID: 17651149 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02762.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Back-titration of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose in well-controlled asthma patients is emphasized in clinical guidelines, but there are few published data on the airway cell and cytokine changes in relation to ICS reduction. In our study, 20 mild-to-moderate persistent (inspite of low-moderate dose ICS treatment) asthmatic subjects prospectively rendered largely asymptomatic by high-dose ICS were assessed again by clinical, physiological, and airway inflammatory indices after 4-8 weeks of reduced ICS treatment. We aimed at assessing the underlying pathological changes in relation to clinical deterioration. METHODS Patients recorded daily symptom scores and peak expiratory flows (PEF). Spirometry and airways hyperreactivity (AHR) were measured and bronchoscopy was performed with assessment of airway biopsies (mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) IL-5 and eotaxin levels and cellular profiles at the end of high-dose ICS therapy and again after ICS dose reduction. Baseline data were compared with symptomatic steroid-free asthmatics (n=42) and non-asthmatic controls (n=28). RESULTS After ICS reduction, subjects experienced a variable but overall significant increase in symptoms and reductions in PEF and forced expiratory volume in 1 s. There were no corresponding changes in AHR or airways eosinophilia. The most relevant pathogenic changes were increased CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratio, and decreased sICAM-1 and CD18 macrophage staining (potentially indicating ligand binding). However, there was no relationship between the spectrum of clinical deterioration and the changes in cellular profiles or BAL cytokines. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that clinical markers remain the most sensitive measures of early deterioration in asthma during back-titration of ICS, occurring at a time when AHR and conventional indices of asthmatic airway inflammation appear unchanged. These findings have major relevance to management and to how back-titration of ICS therapy is monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Khor
- Respiratory Research Group, Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Effing T, Monninkhof EM, van der Valk PDLPM, van der Palen J, van Herwaarden CLA, Partidge MR, Walters EH, Zielhuis GA. Self-management education for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007:CD002990. [PMID: 17943778 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002990.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is great interest in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the associated large burden of disease. COPD is characterised by frequent day by day fluctuations, and repetitive clinical exacerbations are typical. Self-management is a term applied to educational programmes aimed at teaching skills needed to carry out medical regimens specific to the disease, guide health behaviour change, and provide emotional support for patients to control their disease and live functional lives. In COPD, the value of self-management education is not yet clear. The first Cochrane review about self-management was published in 2003. It was intended to shed light on the effectiveness of self-management programmes in COPD and the relative efficacy of their constitutive elements. No conclusions about the effectiveness of self-management could be drawn because of the large variation in outcome measures used in the limited number of included studies. This article describes the first update of this review. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the settings, methods and efficacy of COPD self-management education programmes on health outcomes and use of health care services. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trial register, MEDLINE (January 1985 to January 2006), reference lists, and abstracts of medical conferences. SELECTION CRITERIA Controlled trials (randomised and non-randomised) of self-management education in patients with COPD. Studies focusing mainly on pulmonary rehabilitation and studies without usual care as a control group were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted data. Investigators were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS The reviewers included 15 group comparisons drawn from 14 trials. They assessed a broad-spectrum of interventions and health outcomes with different follow-up times. Meta-analyses could often not appropriately be performed because of heterogeneity among studies. The studies showed a significant reduction in the probability of at least one hospital admission among patients receiving self-management education compared to those receiving usual care (OR 0.64; 95% CI (0.47 to 0.89)). This translates into a one year NNT ranging from 10 (6 to 35) for patients with a 51% risk of exacerbation, to an NNT of 24 (16 to 80) for patients with a 13% risk of exacerbation. On the disease specific SGRQ, differences reached statistical significance at the 5% level on the total score (WMD -2.58; 95% CI (-5.14 to -0.02)) and impact domain (WMD -2.83; 95% CI (-5.65 to -0.02)), but these difference did not reach the clinically relevant improvement of 4 points. A small but significant reduction was detected in dyspnoea measured with the BORG-scale (WMD -0.53; 95% CI (-0.96 to -0.10)). No significant effects were found either in number of exacerbations, emergency department visits, lung function, exercise capacity, and days lost from work. Inconclusive results were observed in doctor and nurse visits, on symptoms other than dyspnoea, the use of courses of oral corticosteroids and antibiotics, and the use of rescue medication. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS It is likely that self-management education is associated with a reduction in hospital admissions with no indications for detrimental effects in other outcome parameters. This would in itself already be enough reason for recommending self-management education in COPD. However, because of heterogeneity in interventions, study populations, follow-up time, and outcome measures, data are still insufficient to formulate clear recommendations regarding the form and contents of self-management education programmes in COPD. There is an evident need for more large RCTs with a long-term follow-up, before more conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Effing
- Medisch Spectrum Twente, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Haaksbergerstraat 55, Enschede, Netherlands, 7513 ER.
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Walters EH, Gibson PG, Lasserson TJ, Walters JAE. Long-acting beta2-agonists for chronic asthma in adults and children where background therapy contains varied or no inhaled corticosteroid. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; 2007:CD001385. [PMID: 17253458 PMCID: PMC10849111 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001385.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a common respiratory disease among both adults and children and short acting inhaled beta-2 agonists are used widely for 'reliever' bronchodilator therapy. Long acting beta-2 agonists (LABA) were introduced as prospective 'symptom controllers' in addition to inhaled corticosteroid 'preventer' therapy (ICS). In this updated review we have included studies in which patients were either not on ICS as a group, or in which some patients, but not all, were on ICS to complement previous systematic reviews of studies where LABA was given in patients uniformly receiving ICS. We have focussed particularly on serious adverse events, given previous concerns about potential risks, especially of death, from regular beta-2 agonist use. OBJECTIVES This review aimed to determine the benefit or detriment on the primary outcome of asthma control with the regular use of LABA compared with placebo, in mixed populations in which only some were taking ICS and in populations not using ICS therapy. SEARCH STRATEGY We carried out searches using the Cochrane Airways Group trial register, most recently in October 2005. We searched bibliographies of identified RCTs for additional relevant RCTs and contacted authors of identified RCTs for other published and unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised studies of at least four weeks duration, comparing a LABA given twice daily with a placebo, in chronic asthma. Selection criteria to this updated review have been altered to accommodate recently published Cochrane reviews on combination and addition of LABA to ICS therapy. Studies in which all individuals were uniformly taking ICS were excluded from this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers performed data extraction and study quality assessment independently. We contacted authors of studies for missing data. MAIN RESULTS Sixty-seven studies (representing 68 experimental comparisons) randomising 42,333 participants met the inclusion criteria. Salmeterol was used as long-acting agent in 50 studies and formoterol fumarate in 17. The treatment period was four to nine weeks in 29 studies, and 12 to 52 weeks in 38 studies. Twenty-four studies did not permit the use of ICS, and forty permitted either inhaled corticosteroid or cromones (in three studies this was unclear). In these studies between 22% and 92% were taking ICS, with a median of 62%. There were significant advantages to LABA treatment compared to placebo for a variety of measurements of airway calibre including morning peak expiratory flow (PEF), evening PEF and FEV1. They were associated with significantly fewer symptoms, less use of rescue medication and higher quality of life scores. This was true whether patients were taking LABA in combination with ICS or not. Findings from SMART (a recently published surveillance study) indicated significant increases in asthma related deaths, respiratory related deaths and combined asthma related deaths and life threatening experiences. The absolute increase in asthma-related mortality was consistent with an increase of around one per 1250 patients treated with LABA for six months, but the confidence intervals are wide (from 700 to 10,000). Post-hoc exploratory subgroups suggested that African-Americans and those not on inhaled corticosteroids were at particular risk for the primary end-point of death or life-threatening asthma event. There was also a suggestion of an increase in exacerbation rate in children. Pharmacologically predicted side effects such as headache, throat irritation, tremor and nervousness were more frequent with LABA treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS LABA are effective in the control of chronic asthma in the "real-life" subject groups included. However there are potential safety issues which call into question the safety of LABA, particularly in those asthmatics who are not taking ICS, and it is not clear why African-Americans were found to have significant differences in comparison to Caucasians for combined respiratory-related death and life threatening experiences, but not for asthma-related death.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Walters
- University of Tasmania Medical School, Discipline of Medicine, 43 , Collins Street, PO BOX 252-34, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7001.
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Burgess JA, Walters EH, Byrnes GB, Giles GG, Jenkins MA, Abramson MJ, Hopper JL, Dharmage SC. Childhood adiposity predicts adult-onset current asthma in females: a 25-yr prospective study. Eur Respir J 2007; 29:668-75. [PMID: 17251231 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00080906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Few data exist on associations between childhood adiposity and incident asthma in later life. The present authors examined the relationship between childhood body mass index (BMI) and incident asthma beginning in adolescence or in adult life. All subjects included in the study were participants in the Tasmanian Asthma Survey, a large population-based cohort study, and were asthma free at 7 yrs of age. Weight, height and lung function were measured at 7 yrs of age. Asthma status at 7 and 32 yrs of age was ascertained by questionnaire. Odds ratios were calculated for the association between childhood adiposity, expressed as "overweight" or as BMI z-score quartiles at 7 yrs of age, and asthma development after that age. In females, but not in males, there was a significant association between adiposity at 7 yrs of age and current asthma at 32 yrs of age that developed after the age of 21 yrs. The association was not explained by childhood lung function or age at menarche. There was no association between adiposity at 7 yrs of age and asthma that developed after that age and remitted at 32 yrs of age in either sex. Higher body mass index in nonasthmatic young females at 7 yrs of age predicts risk of current asthma developing in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Burgess
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC. 3053 Australia.
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Feltis BN, Wignarajah D, Reid DW, Ward C, Harding R, Walters EH. Effects of inhaled fluticasone on angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor in asthma. Thorax 2006; 62:314-9. [PMID: 17105777 PMCID: PMC2092477 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2006.069229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subepithelial hypervascularity and angiogenesis in the airways are part of structural remodelling of the airway wall in asthma, but the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on these have not been explored. Increased vascularity in asthma may contribute to a number of functional abnormalities. A study was undertaken to explore angiogenic modulation by ICS and its likely regulation via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors and the angiopoietins. METHODS A placebo-controlled intervention study with ICS in asthma was performed, examining vascularity, VEGF, its receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), and angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) to assess which of these factors were changed in the asthmatic airways after ICS treatment. Airway wall biopsy specimens, lavage fluid and cells were obtained from 35 patients with mild asthma randomised to receive ICS or placebo for 3 months, after which bronchoscopic examination and sample collection were repeated. Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to obtain quantitative measures of vessels, angiogenic sprouts, VEGF, VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and Ang1 staining in airway biopsy specimens. ELISA was used to assess VEGF concentrations in the lavage fluid. RESULTS Vessel, VEGF and sprout staining were decreased after 3 months of ICS treatment. VEGF levels remained unchanged. VEGF receptors and Ang1 staining were not reduced after treatment. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study support an effect of ICS in downregulating angiogenic remodelling in the airways in asthma, associated with decreasing VEGF activity within the airway wall. The environment of the airways after treatment with ICS, with changes in the balance between VEGF, its receptors, Ang1 and sprouts, appears to be less angiogenic than in untreated asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Feltis
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, 43 Collins St, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001.
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Matheson MC, Abeysena C, Raven JM, Skoric B, Johns DP, Abramson MJ, Walters EH. How have we been managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Australia? Intern Med J 2006; 36:92-9. [PMID: 16472263 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2006.01011.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a main cause of disability, hospital admissions and premature deaths in Australia, little is known about the community management of COPD in relation to recently published guidelines. The aim of the article was to report on COPD management in a community based cohort. METHODS A random sample of adults aged between 45 and 70 years drawn from the electoral roll participated in the study. They completed a detailed respiratory questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge and measurement of transfer factor. COPD was defined according to the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Current asthma was defined as wheeze during the last 12 months together with bronchial hyperreactivity. Subjects were classified as either COPD-only, asthma-only or both asthma and COPD. RESULTS Of 1224 subjects completing spirometry, 39 (3.5%) met the GOLD criteria for stage 2 or 3 COPD, asthma-only was found in 99 (8.9%) subjects and 40 (3.6%) subjects had both asthma and COPD. The COPD-only group was significantly older than the other two groups. More than 40% of subjects with COPD did not have a diagnosis of COPD from their doctors. Only 48.7% of subjects with COPD had ever been prescribed medication for their breathing. More than two-thirds of all subjects had seen a doctor for breathing problems, but very few had seen a general practitioner in the last 12 months and even fewer had respiratory function tests. CONCLUSIONS Most subjects with COPD are being undertreated. Diagnosis, monitoring and referral systems should be improved. Preventive activities such as influenza vaccination and smoking cessation should be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Matheson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Ward C, Reid DW, Orsida BE, Feltis B, Ryan VA, Johns DP, Walters EH. Inter-relationships between airway inflammation, reticular basement membrane thickening and bronchial hyper-reactivity to methacholine in asthma; a systematic bronchoalveolar lavage and airway biopsy analysis. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 35:1565-71. [PMID: 16393322 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02365.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is accepted as a disease characterized by airway inflammation, with evidence that airway structural changes, or 'remodelling' occurs. There are few studies relating airway physiology, inflammation and remodelling, however. We have carried out a study of inter-relationships between airway inflammation, airway remodelling, reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickening, and bronchial hyper-reactivity (BHR), before and after high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate 750 microg b.d.), in a group of relatively mild but symptomatic, steroid naïve asthma patients. METHODS Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in 35 asthmatics, with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and airway endobronchial biopsy (EBB) for inflammatory cell profiles and EBB for airway remodelling carried out at baseline, 3 and 12 months. RESULTS At baseline RBM thickening was related to BAL mast cells and EBB eosinophil counts. In turn baseline log EBB EG2 eosinophil count, log%BAL epithelial cells and log RBM thickness explained 55% of the variability in BHR. CONCLUSION We provide new information that airway inflammation, remodelling, and BHR in asthma are inter-related and improved by ICS therapy. Our data potentially support the need for early and long-term intervention with ICS even in relatively mild asthmatics, and the need to further assess the potential merit of longitudinal BHR testing in management of some patients, as this may reflect both airway inflammation and remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ward
- Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group, The Freeman Hospital and University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Omalizumab is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody directed against immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE) to inhibit the immune system's response to allergen exposure. Omalizumab is directed against the binding site of IgE for its high affinity Fc receptor. It prevents free serum IgE from attaching to mast cells and other effector cells and prevents IgE mediated inflammatory changes. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of anti-IgE compared with placebo in patients with allergic asthma SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Asthma trials register for potentially relevant studies (February 2006). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials examining anti-IgE administered in any manner for any duration. Trials with co-interventions were included as long as they were the same in each arm. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted and entered data. Three modes of administration were identified from the published literature (inhaled, intravenous and subcutaneous injection). Subgroup analysis was performed by asthma severity. Data were extracted from published and unpublished sources. MAIN RESULTS Fourteen trials (15 group comparisons) were included in the review, contributing a total of 3143 mild to severe allergic asthmatic participants with high levels of IgE. Treatment with intravenous and subcutaneous Omalizumab significantly reduced free IgE compared with placebo. Omalizumab led to a significant reduction in inhaled steroid (ICS) consumption compared with placebo (-119 mcg/day (95% CI -154 to -83, three trials)). There were significant increases in the number of participants who were able to reduce ICS by over 50% (odds ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.02 to 3.10 (four trials)); or completely withdraw their daily ICS intake (OR 2.50 (95%CI 2.00 to 3.13; four trials)). Participants treated with Omalizumab were less likely to suffer an asthma exacerbation with treatment as an adjunct to ICS (OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.65, five trials), or as an ICS tapering agent (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.60, four trials). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Omalizumab was significantly more effective than placebo at increasing the numbers of patients who were able to reduce or withdraw their inhaled steroids, but the clinical value of the reduction in steroid consumption has be considered in the light of the high cost of Omalizumab. The impressive placebo effects observed in control groups bring into question the true effect of Omalizumab. Omalizumab was effective in reducing asthma exacerbations as an adjunctive therapy to inhaled steroids, and during steroid tapering phases of clinical trials. Omalizumab was generally well tolerated, although there were more injection site reactions with Omalizumab. Patient and physician assessments of the drug were positive. Further assessment in paediatric populations is necessary, as is direct double-dummy comparison with ICS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Walker
- National Respiratory Training Centre, The Athenaeum, 10 Church Street, Warwick, UK, CV34 4AB.
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Zheng L, Whitford HM, Orsida B, Levvey BJ, Bailey M, Walters EH, Williams TJ, Kotsimbos T, Snell GI. The dynamics and associations of airway neutrophilia post lung transplantation. Am J Transplant 2006; 6:599-608. [PMID: 16468972 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01222.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophilia has been repeatedly observed in lung transplant recipients with established bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Little is known of the fluctuations in BAL and airway neutrophilic inflammation post-transplant. This prospective longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the dynamic changes of lung allograft neutrophils with time, immunosuppression, infection and BOS. A total of 28, initially healthy, BOS 0, lung transplant recipients underwent 134 bronchoscopic assessments, including BAL and endobronchial biopsies (EBB) (with immunohistochemistry) over 3-year follow up. Subsequently, 21 developed BOS 0p and 16 ultimately BOS. Compared to controls, there was early and persistent BAL neutrophilia (p < 0.05), contrasting with an initially normal EBB that shows a progressive increased airway wall neutrophil infiltrate. BAL neutrophilia (but not airway wall neutrophilia) was most striking when there was concomitant bronchopulmonary infection, particularly in the patients with BOS. Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that BAL neutrophilia was linked to markers of infection while EBB neutrophilia was linked with coexistent inflammation with macrophages and lymphocytes. IN CONCLUSION (i) BAL neutrophilia is predominantly associated with infection; (ii) Airway wall neutrophilia (as monitored by EBB) increases with time post-transplant and is not associated with infection; (iii) By itself, BOS is not the major contributor to BAL and EBB neutrophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zheng
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Monash Medical School, Melbourne, Australia
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Matheson MC, Abramson MJ, Dharmage SC, Forbes AB, Raven JM, Thien FCK, Walters EH. Changes in indoor allergen and fungal levels predict changes in asthma activity among young adults. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 35:907-13. [PMID: 16008677 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02272.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposures to allergens are thought to be important risk factors for asthma. We conducted a longitudinal study of indoor allergen and fungal levels in Melbourne homes between 1996 and 1998 to examine the effect of changes in allergen exposure upon asthma and associated outcomes. METHODS Participants were visited at home in 1996 (n=485) and 1998 (n=360), when dust and air samples were collected from their bedrooms and assayed for Der p 1, Fel d 1, ergosterol and fungal propagules. Subjects then attended the lung function laboratory to complete a questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge and skin prick testing. The associations between the change in allergen levels and change in clinical outcomes were examined using multiple logistic and linear regression. RESULTS Participants whose Cladosporium fungal exposure doubled had 52% greater odds of having had an attack of asthma in the last 12 months. A doubling of fungal exposure was also associated with 53% greater odds of developing atopy. A doubling of Fel d 1 floor levels was associated with 73% increased odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma. A doubling of Der p 1 levels in bed dust was associated with a 64% greater odds of persistent bronchial hyper-reactivity. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that changes in indoor levels of fungi and house dust mites can affect the risk of development and persistence of asthma and atopy in adults. Further studies are required to establish any benefit of sustained reductions in indoor allergen exposures, and to determine whether these effects are truly 'allergic' or because of immune stimulation in the airway through other less specific mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Matheson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Dharmage S, Walters EH, Thien F, Bailey M, Raven J, Wharton C, Rolland J, Light L, Freezer N, Abramson M. Encasement of bedding does not improve asthma in atopic adult asthmatics. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005; 139:132-8. [PMID: 16374022 DOI: 10.1159/000090388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We evaluated the impact of impermeable bed covers on asthma in asthmatics with clinically relevant house dust mite (HDM) sensitization. METHODS The study included 32 HDM-sensitized asthmatics in whom HDM allergy was considered as a significant factor in their asthma. They were randomized into either an intervention group whose bedding was encased with impermeable covers, or a control group who received cotton covers. Before and 3 and 6 months after encasement, dust samples were collected from the bedding and assayed for Der p 1. Clinical outcomes included quality of life, lung function, bronchial reactivity to methacholine, symptoms, medications and peak flow rates. RESULTS Baseline Der p 1 levels in both the active and the placebo groups were comparable and high (19.2 vs 18.9 microg/g of dust). There was a significant reduction in Der p 1 levels in the active group after 6 months, but not in the placebo group (7.3 vs 21.9 microg/g of dust). Quality of life improved significantly in both the intervention and control groups, but there was no significant difference in the improvements between the groups. There was no significant change in lung function, symptoms, and requirements for medications. CONCLUSIONS Encasement of bedding significantly reduced the Der p 1 levels. However, this was not sufficient to produce worthwhile clinical improvement in those in whom dust mite avoidance might well have been recommended as part of their clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dharmage
- Department of Public Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Abstract
Fatal asthma is characterised pathologically by airway wall remodelling, eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration, accumulation of mucus in the airway lumen and smooth muscle shortening. The durations of fatal attacks of asthma show a clear bimodal distribution. Airway smooth muscle contraction and the accumulation of luminal mucus may contribute to death from asthma and relate to time to death. The current authors have examined these two components in uninflated lung tissue in cases of fatal asthma from the second Victorian asthma mortality study. Based on time from onset of symptoms to death, cases fell into two distinct groups: short course <3 (1.5+/-0.6 mean+/-sd) h; and long course >8 (12.3+/-5.9) h. Short course cases had more muscle shortening, higher levels of salbutamol and higher ratios of neutrophils to eosinophils than long course cases, who tended to have more mucus in the lumen. In conclusion, this study confirms the dichotomy of both time to death and the eosinophil/neutrophil ratio in cases of fatal asthma. It suggests that in short course cases acute airway narrowing is due, predominantly, to bronchoconstriction despite higher blood levels of salbutamol. Mucus accumulation may be more important in long course cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L James
- West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of action plans as treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of action plans in the management of COPD. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL and the National Research Register of Ongoing Trials. We also searched reference lists of identified studies. The search was completed in August 2004. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of action plans in COPD. Studies with a primary diagnosis of asthma excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Investigators were contacted for additional information when necessary. Study results were combined in meta-analyses using the Cochrane Collaboration software RevMan. MAIN RESULTS There was evidence of a positive effect of action plans on self-management knowledge. The mean difference (MD) for recognition of a severe exacerbation was 2.50; 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 3.96, for self-action in severe exacerbations MD 1.50; 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 2.38 and the use of antibiotics MD 6.00; 95% confidence interval 2.68 to 9.32. There was also evidence of a positive effect on the initiation of antibiotics (odds ratio (OR) 10.16; 95% confidence interval 2.02 to 51.09) and/or oral steroids (OR 6.58; 95% confidence interval 1.29 to 33.62). However, there was no evidence of significant effects on healthcare utilisation, health-related quality of life, lung function, functional capacity, symptom scores, mortality, anxiety, or depression. No trials used as outcomes: number of exacerbations, length of exacerbations, or days lost from work. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review shows there is evidence that action plans aid people with COPD in recognising and reacting appropriately to an exacerbation of their symptoms via the self-initiation of antibiotics or steroids. Further research needs to be completed with more comprehensive outcomes measures in order to ascertain whether this results in significantly decreased morbidity and/or mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Turnock
- University of Tasmania Medical School, Discipline of Medicine, University of Tasmania, 43 Collins Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001.
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Matheson MC, Benke G, Raven J, Sim MR, Kromhout H, Vermeulen R, Johns DP, Walters EH, Abramson MJ. Biological dust exposure in the workplace is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax 2005; 60:645-51. [PMID: 16061705 PMCID: PMC1747486 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2004.035170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although the main risk factor is smoking, 15-19% of COPD even in smokers has been attributed to occupational exposures. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between occupational exposure and risk of COPD. METHODS Participants were part of a cross sectional study of risk factors for COPD. A total of 1232 completed a detailed respiratory questionnaire, spirometric testing and measurement of gas transfer. Job histories were coded according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations. These codes were then used to establish occupational exposures using the ALOHA job exposure matrix. RESULTS The prevalence of emphysema was 2.4%, chronic obstructive bronchitis 1.8%, and COPD 3.4%. Subjects ever exposed to biological dusts had an increased risk of chronic obstructive bronchitis (OR 3.19; 95% CI 1.27 to 7.97), emphysema (OR 3.18; 95% CI 1.41 to 7.13), and COPD (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.39 to 5.23). These risks were higher in women than in men. For biological dust, the risk of emphysema and COPD was also significantly increased in both the duration of exposure categories, again in women but not in men. No significant increased risks for COPD were found for mineral dust (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.57 to 2.27) or gases/fumes (OR 1.63; 95% CI 0.83 to 3.22). CONCLUSION In this general population sample of adults, occupational exposures to biological dusts were associated with an increased risk of COPD which was higher in women. Preventive strategies should be aimed at reducing exposure to these agents in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Matheson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Central and Eastern Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic lung disorder, usually related to cigarette smoking, representing a major and increasing cause of morbidity and mortality. It is defined "as a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually both progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases". The use of corticosteroids for their anti-inflammatory effects has been suggested. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of oral corticosteroids on the health status of patients with stable COPD. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches of the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register and MEDLINE were carried out in December 2003 and 2004. Review articles and bibliographies were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled prospective studies in adults with stable COPD ( post-bronchodilator FEV1 <80% of predicted, FEV1/FVC <70%) and a history of smoking, excluding known asthmatics, in which oral steroid use was compared with placebo and use of co-interventions was matched in both groups. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data was extracted independently by two reviewers. All trials were combined using Review Manager (version 4.2.7). MAIN RESULTS From 459 titles 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Treatment lasted three weeks or less in 19 studies, high dose oral steroid was used in 21 studies and subjects had moderate or severe COPD in 15 studies. There was a significant difference in FEV1 after two weeks treatment, WMD 53.30 ml; 95% confidence interval 22.21 to 84.39 favouring oral steroid use compared to placebo when 14 studies with available data (n=396) were combined, with no significant heterogeneity. There was a significant increase in odds for individual patient FEV1 response greater than 20% from baseline with high dose oral steroid treatment compared to placebo, OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.84 to 4.01 (9 studies) . It would be necessary to treat 7 patients (95% CI 5 to 12) with oral corticosteroids to achieve one extra case of increasing FEV1 by more than 20%, with a placebo group risk of 0.13. All differences in health-related quality of life were less than the minimum clinically important difference. There were small statistically significant advantages for functional capacity and respiratory symptom of wheeze with oral steroid treatment but no significant difference in risk of withdrawal from study due to an exacerbation or rate of serious exacerbations over 2 years with low dose oral steroid treatment. There was an increased risk of adverse effects, including increased blood glucose, adrenal suppression and reduced serum osteocalcin. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence to support the long-term use of oral steroids at doses less than 10-15 mg prednisolone though some evidence that higher doses (>/= 30 mg prednisolone) improve lung function over a short period. Potentially harmful adverse effects e.g.. diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis would prevent recommending long-term use at these high doses in most patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A E Walters
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Tasmania Medical School, Discipline of Medicine, University of Tasmania, 43 Collins Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7001.
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Walters JAE, Wood-Baker R, Walters EH. Long-acting beta2-agonists in asthma: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. Respir Med 2005; 99:384-95. [PMID: 15763443 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2005.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2004] [Accepted: 01/03/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
According to major asthma management guidelines, long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) should be used only when asthma remains symptomatic in patients already receiving regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). A large Cochrane systematic review provides evidence that LABAs are safe and beneficial in control of asthma; sub-group analyses indicating that this is true when ICSs are used and in their absence. Two other Cochrane systematic reviews have found that LABAs are more effective than regular short-acting beta2-agonists, and are as effective as theophylline with fewer side-effects. These reviews support guidelines in the use of LABA as additional therapy when asthma is inadequately controlled by ICS at moderate dose. However, guidelines may be too conservative, and more studies in stable mild asthma comparing their use and safety with placebo and ICS are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A E Walters
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-34, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is progressive, resulting in right ventricular failure. Pulmonary hypertension can be idiopathic or associated with other conditions. Prostacyclin is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation, and can be given orally, subcutaneously, intravenously or inhaled via a nebuliser. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of prostacyclin or one of its analogues in idiopathic primary pulmonary hypertension. SEARCH STRATEGY Electronic searches were carried out with pre-specified terms. Searches were current as of July 2004. SELECTION CRITERIA Two reviewers selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with pulmonary hypertension for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Study quality was assessed and data extracted independently by two reviewers. Outcomes were analysed as continuous and dichotomous outcomes. We sub-grouped data where possible by aetiology of PH (PPH, PH secondary to connective tissue disorder or mixed populations). MAIN RESULTS Nine RCTs of mixed duration (3 days-52 weeks), recruiting 1175 participants were included (NYHA functional classes II-IV). Intravenous prostacyclin versus usual care (four studies): There were significant improvements in exercise capacity of around 90 metres, cardiopulmonary haemodynamics and NYHA functional class over 3 days-12 weeks. Effects were consistent in primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Oral prostacyclin versus placebo (two studies): Short-term data (3-6 months) indicated that there was a significant improvement in exercise capacity, but data from one study of 52 weeks reported no significant difference at 12 months. No significant differences were observed for any other outcome. Subcutaneous treprostinil versus placebo (two studies, 8-12 weeks):One large study reported a significant median improvement in exercise capacity of around 16 metres. Cardiopulmonary haemodynamics and symptom scores favoured treprostinil. Infusion site pain and withdrawals due to adverse events were more frequent with treprostinil. Inhaled prostacyclin versus placebo (one study, 12 weeks):There was a significant increase in exercise capacity of approximately 36 metres. Treatment led to better symptom scores and functional class status than with placebo. Subgroup analyses reported by individual studies showed a better exercise capacity in participants with PPH, than those participants with PH secondary to other diseases. Side effects and adverse events were common in the studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that intravenous prostacyclin in addition to conventional therapy at tolerable doses optimised by titration, can confer some short-term benefits (up to 12 weeks of treatment) in exercise capacity, NYHA functional class and cardiopulmonary haemodynamics. There is also some evidence that patients with more severe disease based upon NYHA functional class showed a greater response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Paramothayan
- Respiratory Medicine, St Helier Hospital NHS Trust, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, Surrey, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that childhood vaccinations may be associated with the onset of asthma. We investigated the association between asthma, atopy and vaccination history in a cohort of young adults living in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS Subjects were aged between 22 and 44 years and were surveyed by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Questions were asked about vaccinations to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), triple antigen (DTP), hepatitis B and Sabin polio vaccine (OPV). Atopy was assessed by skin prick testing to common aeroallergens. RESULTS There was no significant association observed for subjects diagnosed with asthma who had received measles or MMR vaccinations compared with those who did not receive measles or MMR vaccinations (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.98-1.80). Non-significant associations were also observed for OPV and hepatitis B vaccinations (RR 3.27, 95% CI 0.50-21.3 and RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.83-1.41, respectively). However, subjects reporting full immunisation were found to be at higher risk to asthma (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09-2.11) but not atopy. CONCLUSIONS Our results show relatively weak support for the hypothesis that childhood vaccinations may lead to increased risk of asthma, but caution is advised due to possible recall bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Benke
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Central and Eastern Clincal School, Alred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND COPD is a common condition, mainly related to smoking. The burden of the disease is increasing and it is projected to rank fifth in 2020 for the world-wide burden of disease. Acute exacerbations of COPD, usually related to superimposed infection occur commonly and systemic corticosteroids are widely used in their management in combination with other treatments including antibiotics, oxygen supplementation and bronchodilators. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of corticosteroids, administered either parenterally or orally, on the outcome in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were carried out using the Cochrane Airways Group COPD RCT register with additional studies sought in the bibliographies of randomised controlled trials and review articles. Authors of identified randomised controlled trials were contacted for other published and unpublished studies. The last search was carried out in August 2004. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing corticosteroids, administered either parenterally or orally, with appropriate placebo. Other interventions e.g. bronchodilators and antibiotics were standardised. Clinical studies of acute asthma were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data was extracted independently by two reviewers. Outcome data was sent to authors for verification. All trials were combined using Review Manager (version 4.2.4) for analyses. MAIN RESULTS Ten studies were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There were significantly fewer treatment failures within thirty days in patients given corticosteroid treatment, odds ratio 0.48; 95% confidence interval 0.34 to 0.68 and Hazard Ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval 0.63 to 0.97. It would have been necessary to treat 9 patients (95%CI 6 to 14) with systemic corticosteroids to avoid one treatment failure in this time period. There was no significant difference in mortality. The early FEV1, up to 72 hours, showed a significant treatment benefit, weighted mean difference 140 mls (95% confidence interval 80-200 mls), although this benefit was not found for later time points. There was a significant improvement in breathlessness and blood gases between 6 - 72 hours after treatment. There was an increased likelihood of an adverse drug reaction with corticosteroid treatment, odds ratio 2.29; 95% confidence interval 1.55 to 3.38. Overall one extra adverse effect occurred for every 6 people treated (95% CI 4 to 10). The risk of hyperglycaemia was significantly increased, odds ratio 5.48; 95% confidence interval 1.58 to 18.96. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Treatment of an exacerbation of COPD with oral or parenteral corticosteroids significantly reduces treatment failure and the need for additional medical treatment . It increases the rate of improvement in lung function and dyspnoea over the first 72 hours, but at a significantly increased risk of an adverse drug reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Wood-Baker
- Medicine, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-34, 43Collins Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7001.
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Turnock AC, Walters EH, Walters JJAE, Wood-Baker RR. Action plans for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Iron availability is critical to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The current authors determined sputum iron, ferritin, microalbumin levels and total cell counts (TCC) in 19 adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) during an acute exacerbation and repeated analyses following a median of 12 days antibiotic treatment. The current authors also determined sputum interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels because of their putative role in intracellular iron homeostasis. Additional data were obtained from 17 stable CF patients, eight patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and six normal subjects. Overall, sputum iron, ferritin, microalbumin, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha concentrations and TCCs were significantly elevated in the CF patients compared to those with COPD and normal controls. Sputum ferritin levels were significantly elevated in acute versus stable CF patients and there was a trend for sputum TCC to be higher, but all other inflammatory indices were similar. In the CF patients, sputum iron was positively and strongly related to IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, ferritin and microalbumin levels, but negatively related to forced expiratory volume in one second % predicted. In those acute patients who clinically improved with antibiotics (n=14), there were significant decreases in sputum TCC, iron, ferritin and IL-1beta content, but not TNF-alpha or albumin levels. However, changes in sputum TNF-alpha in acute patients were still closely related to changes in iron, ferritin and albumin content, and changes in IL-1beta were related to changes in sputum ferritin content. Iron and iron-regulatory cytokines may play a role in cystic fibrosis lung disease and the increased iron content may even facilitate Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Reid
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Alfred Hospital and Monash University Medical School, Melbourne, Australia.
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Johns DP, Berry D, Maskrey M, Wood-Baker R, Reid DW, Walters EH, Walls J. Decreased lung capillary blood volume post-exercise is compensated by increased membrane diffusing capacity. Eur J Appl Physiol 2004; 93:96-101. [PMID: 15278353 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-004-1170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) decreases to below the pre-exercise value in the hours following a bout of intense exercise. Two mechanisms have been proposed: (1) development of pulmonary oedema and (2) redistribution of central blood volume to peripheral muscles causing a reduction in pulmonary capillary blood volume ( V(c)). In the present study DLCO, V(c) and the membrane diffusing capacity ( D(m)) were measured in nine healthy females using a rebreathing method, in contrast to the single breath technique employed in previous studies. DLCO, V(c) and D(m) were measured before and at 1, 2, 3, 16 and 24 h following maximal treadmill exercise. Compared with pre-exercise values, DLCO was depressed by up to 8.9 (3.0)% ( P<0.05) for the first 3 h following exercise, but had returned to pre-exercise values by 16 h post-exercise. V(c) fell by 21.2 (4.1)% ( P<0.05) at 3 h post-exercise, but at the same time D(m) increased by 14.7 (9.1)%. It was concluded that: (1) the increase in D(m) made it unlikely that the fall in DLCO was due to interstitial oedema and injury to the blood gas barrier; (2) on the other hand, the reduction in DLCO following exercise was consistent with a redistribution of blood away from the lungs; and (3) the trend for D(m) and V(c) to reciprocate one another indicates a situation in which a fall in V(c) nevertheless promotes gas transfer at the respiratory membrane. It is suggested that this effect is brought about by the reorientation of red blood cells within the pulmonary capillaries following exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Johns
- Discipline of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, 7001 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Reid DW, Soltani A, Johns DP, Bish R, Williams TJ, Burns GP, Walters EH. Bronchodilator reversibility in Australian adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intern Med J 2004; 33:572-7. [PMID: 14656230 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2003.00485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use were assessed for volunteers who responded to an advertisement requesting current or ex-smokers who were experiencing breathlessness to attend for lung function testing. METHODS One hundred and fifty-four volunteers responded. Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was measured before and after 400 microg of salbutamol. Significant BDR was assessed according to guidelines of: (i) the American Thoracic Society (> or =12% plus 200 mL of baseline FEV1 or forced vital capacity), (ii) the British-Thoracic Society (BTS) (> or =15% plus 200 mL of baseline FEV1), (iii) the European Thoracic Society (> or =10% predicted FEV1), and (iv) the most commonly used criteria in Australia and New Zealand (> or =15% of baseline FEV1). RESULTS One hundred and twenty-three subjects (33 female; 40 current smokers; median pack years 48 (range 5-144)) were suitable for analysis (i.e. had no history of asthma, demonstrable airflow limitation and a forced expiratory ratio (FER) of <70%). Twenty (16%) patients had an FEV1 within the normal range but FER of <70%, 24 (20%) patients had mild disease (FEV1 60-80% predicted), 31 (24%) patients had moderate disease (FEV1 40-59% predicted), and 48 (39%) patients had severe disease (FEV1 <40% predicted), according to BTS criteria. Significant BDR was evident in: (i) 58 (47%) subjects by American criteria, (ii) 26 (21%) subjects by British criteria, (iii) 19 (15%) subjects by European criteria and (iv) 36 (29%) subjects by Australasian criteria. ICS use was reported by 71 (58%) subjects overall and was weakly, but significantly, related to poorer FEV1 (r = -0.2; P < 0.01), and greater BDR (r = 0.3; P < 0.005). CONCLUSION Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Australian volunteers with no history of asthma encompasses many individuals with significant BDR. Interestingly, most volunteers reported ICS use and this was related to poorer spirometry and greater BDR. However, until the underlying immuno-pathology has been determined they cannot be assumed to have "asthma" or even an "asthmatic element".
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Reid
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of asthma mortality have fallen in Australia since the commencement of the National Asthma Campaign and promotion of the Australian asthma management plan. New strategies are now needed to further reduce mortality. AIM To examine agreement about key features between asthma patients and their general practitioners (GPs). METHODS We interviewed: (i) the next of kin of 56 asthma deaths, (ii) 91 asthma patients presenting to emergency departments with acute severe asthma and (iii) 147 of their GPs. RESULTS Agreement was substantial for usage of oral symptomatic medication, but poor for inhaled symptomatic and preventive medications. There was moderate agreement regarding hospital admissions within the last 12 months among the cases, but little about other markers of severity. There was moderate agreement where the presenting or fatal attack was triggered by an upper respiratory-tract infection or aspirin. The next of kin and GPs agreed about family problems, but not about other psychosocial issues. They also agreed about which cases had been given action plans or verbal instructions, but few other aspects of asthma management. There was also moderate agreement regarding the use of peak flow meters by the controls. CONCLUSIONS Doctors often have relatively poor insights into self-management practices, social background or trigger factors, even in high-risk patients. This should be considered when planning future campaigns to improve asthma management and further reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Abramson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Zheng L, Walters EH, Wang N, Whitford H, Orsida B, Levvey B, Bailey M, Williams TJ, Snell GI. Effect of inhaled fluticasone propionate on BAL TGF-β1 and bFGF concentrations in clinically stable lung transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2004; 23:446-55. [PMID: 15063404 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(03)00199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2002] [Revised: 04/04/2003] [Accepted: 04/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) therapy decreases inflammation and sub-basement membrane thickness in asthmatic airways. Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) involves progressive airway fibrosis and obliteration. Therefore, augmented immunosuppression may be of some benefit in treating BOS. In this study, we examined the effect of 3 months of treatment with high-dose inhaled FP on the concentrations of 2 fibrogenic factors, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) and beta fibrogenic growth factor (bFGF) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from clinically stable LTRs. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study with inhaled FP (750 microg, twice/day for 3 months) in 28 LTRs (15 FP and 13 placebo). We recruited 23 healthy controls. We performed spirometry, bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage procedures before treatment and after 3 months of treatment. We used commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits to measure BAL fluid TGF-beta(1) and bFGF concentrations. RESULTS In LTRs before treatment, BAL TGF-beta(1) concentrations (but not bFGF concentrations), total cell counts, and neutrophil percentage increased compared with controls (p < 0.05). We found no significant differences between FP and placebo groups at baseline measurements. After treatment, BAL TGF-beta(1) concentrations significantly increased in the FP group (p = 0.03), but we found no difference between FP and placebo groups; BAL bFGF concentrations increased during treatment in both groups compared with controls (p < 0.05), but not significantly within either patient group (p > 0.05). We found a reverse correlation between forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and BAL TGF-beta(1) concentration in the FP group (r = -0.53, p = 0.04), and between FEV(1) and BAL TGF-beta(1) concentration in the placebo group (r = -0.74, p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis indicated no significant independent effects of inhaled FP in either BAL TGF-beta(1) or bFGF concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Bronchoalveolar fluid TGF-beta(1) concentrations increased in LTRs after transplantation and may correlate with the decrease in lung function. Inhaled FP added to conventional immunosuppression had no effect on TGF-beta(1) or bFGF production in BAL fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital and Monash University Medical School, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is current interest in the possible protective effect of long chain (n-3) fatty acids from fish in chronic lung diseases such as asthma. The aim of this community based cross sectional study was to determine whether plasma long chain (n-3) fatty acids, as a measure of dietary intake, differed between 1601 young adults with and without asthma. METHODS Subjects of mean (SD) age 34.6 (7.1) years completed a detailed respiratory questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, skin prick testing, and lung function tests including methacholine challenge test for bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) and had venous blood taken for analysis of plasma fatty acids. Plasma fatty acid levels (%) were analysed using multiple logistic regression with alternative definitions of asthma and atopy as the outcomes. RESULTS Atopy was not associated with any plasma fatty acid. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-6:n-3 ratio were not consistently associated with asthma or atopy. The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid dihomo gamma-linolenic acid (DHGLA) was positively associated with current asthma (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.60), asthma (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.60), and doctor diagnosed asthma (OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.48). CONCLUSION Plasma n-3 fatty acids are not associated with a reduced risk of asthma or atopy among young adults. The association of DHGLA with asthma warrants further research to determine a cause-effect relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Woods
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
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Riera R, Teixeira KMC, Liu C, Walters EH. Anticoagulation therapy for pulmonary hypertension. Hippokratia 2004. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND For the majority of chronic asthmatics, symptoms are best controlled by using inhaled steroids. However, for a small group of asthmatics, symptoms can only be controlled by high doses of oral steroids. Continuous use of oral steroid is associated with severe side-effects, but it has been suggested that azathioprine, an immunosuppressive anti-metabolite, often used to reduce the immune response in chronic active hepatitis and severe rheumatoid arthritis, could be useful as an oral steroid sparing agent. There is a need to systematically evaluate the evidence regarding its use to reduce or eliminate oral corticosteroid usage. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review is to assess the efficacy of adding azathioprine in patients with stable asthma who are dependent on oral corticosteroids with the intention of eventually minimizing or eliminating the use of these steroids. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches of the Cochrane Airways Group asthma and wheeze trials register were undertaken with predefined search terms. Searches were current as of February 2003 SELECTION CRITERIA Only studies with a randomised placebo-controlled design met the inclusion criteria for the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed studies for suitability for inclusion in the review. Data were extracted and entered into RevMan 4.2.2. MAIN RESULTS Two small trials recruiting 23 participants met the inclusion criteria for the review. Participants may have been suffering from comorbid lung disease. No data on oral steroid consumption were reported. No significant differences were observed in the studies for FEV(1), FVC, PaO(2) and symptoms. One study reported a statistically significant difference in SGaw, but the clinical importance of this is uncertain. Due to concerns over the small sample sizes and methodological shortcomings in terms of inadequate washout in one study, and methods used in outcome assessment for both studies, the findings of the studies are not generalisable to the issue of steroid tapering. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Currently there is a clear lack of evidence to support the use of azathioprine in the treatment of chronic asthma as a steroid sparing-agent. Large, long-term studies with pre-defined steroid reducing protocols are required before recommendations for clinical practice can be made.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Omalizumab is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody directed against immunoglobulin E (IgE) to inhibit the immune system's response to allergen exposure. Omalizumab is directed against the binding site of IgE for its high affinity Fc receptor. It prevents free serum IgE from attaching to mast cells and other effector cells and prevents IgE mediated inflammatory changes. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of anti-IgE in patients with allergic asthma SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Asthma trials register (February 2003) for potentially relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials examining anti-IgE administered in any manner for any duration. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted and entered data. Three modes of administration were identified from the published literature (inhaled, intravenous and subcutaneous injection). Subgroup analysis was performed by asthma severity. Data were extracted from published and unpublished sources. MAIN RESULTS Eight trials were included in the review, contributing a total of 2037 mild to severe allergic asthmatic participants with high levels of IgE. Treatment with intravenous and subcutaneous Omalizumab significantly reduced free IgE compared with placebo. Omalizumab led to a significant reduction in inhaled steroid consumption compared with placebo: -114 mcg/day (95% CI -150 to -78.13, two trials). There were significant increases in the number of participants who were able to reduce steroids by over 50%: odds ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.02 to 3.10 (four trials); or completely withdraw their daily steroid intake: OR 2.50, 95%CI 2.00 to 3.13 (four trials). Participants treated with Omalizumab were less likely to suffer an asthma exacerbation with treatment as an adjunct to steroids (OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.64, four trials), or as a steroid tapering agent (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.60, four trials). REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS Omalizumab was significantly more effective than placebo at increasing the numbers of patients who were able to reduce or withdraw their inhaled steroids, but the mean difference in steroid consumption achieved with Omalizumab was of debatable clinical value. The impressive effects observed in control groups bring into question the true effect of Omalizumab. Omalizumab was effective in reducing asthma exacerbations as an adjunctive therapy to inhaled steroids. Omalizumab was well tolerated, although the safety profile requires longer term assessment. Patient and physician assessment of the drug was positive. Further assessment in paediatric and severe adult populations is necessary, as is double-dummy comparison with inhaled corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Walker
- National Respiratory Training Centre, The Athenaeum, 10 Church Street, Warwick, UK, CV34 4AB
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Reid DW, Ward C, Wang N, Zheng L, Bish R, Orsida B, Walters EH. Possible anti-inflammatory effect of salmeterol against interleukin-8 and neutrophil activation in asthma in vivo. Eur Respir J 2003; 21:994-9. [PMID: 12797494 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.03.00109702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In-vitro data suggest that long-acting beta2-agonists may have a neutrophil-stabilising effect. A reduction in airway wall eosinophil number following introduction of salmeterol in persistent asthma has previously been described. There is currently interest in the "neutrophil system" in asthma, and thus the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of salmeterol on interleukin (IL)-8, neutrophils and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in persistent asthma. In the same 12-week double-blind parallel-group placebo-controlled study as described previously, the effects on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) IL-8, neutrophils and MPO of introducing salmeterol (50 microg b.i.d.) or giving additional inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone 100 microg b.i.d.) in 45 subjects with persistent asthma already on low/moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids were further investigated. At baseline, BALF IL-8 but not neutrophil or MPO levels were significantly raised in the asthmatic subjects compared to normal controls. MPO levels correlated strongly with IL-8 levels, and weakly with BALF neutrophil numbers in the asthmatics. Fluticasone treatment resulted in significantly elevated neutrophil numbers, but not MPO or IL-8 levels. In contrast, introducing salmeterol significantly reduced IL-8 and MPO levels, but did not affect BALF neutrophil numbers. Interestingly, salmeterol and fluticasone showed significantly contrasting effects on MPO and neutrophils, and there was a divergent effect on IL-8 levels that almost reached significance. Excessive interleukin-8 levels may be relevant to asthma pathogenesis, even in the setting of moderate-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Reduction in interleukin-8 production and possibly stabilisation of airway neutrophil numbers may explain the greater clinical benefit of adding a long-acting beta2-agonist rather than merely increasing inhaled corticosteroid doses. Indeed, high-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy alone may promote airway neutrophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Reid
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital and Monash University Medical School, Melbourne, Australia
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