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Levy ML, Crooks MG. Anti-inflammatory reliever therapy (AIR) for asthma. ERJ Open Res 2024; 10:00494-2024. [PMID: 39351389 PMCID: PMC11440371 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00494-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
SABA overuse is prevalent and dangerous in asthma. Use of anti-inflammatory relievers (ICS/formoterol) in asthma mitigates against risk associated with SABA overuse and poor ICS adherence, and is the preferred approach for asthma management. https://bit.ly/4aHOLn8.
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Levy ML, Kocks JWH, Bosnic-Anticevich S, Safioti G, Reich M, Depietro M, Castro M, Farooqui N, Lugogo NL, Brown R, Hill T, Li T, Chrystyn H. Uncovering patterns of inhaler technique and reliever use: the value of objective, personalized data from a digital inhaler. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2024; 34:23. [PMID: 39164292 PMCID: PMC11336086 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-024-00382-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Electronic inhalers provide information about patterns of routine inhaler use. During a 12-week study, 360 asthma patients using albuterol Digihaler generated 53,083 inhaler events that were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 41,528 (78%) of the recorded inhalation events were suitable for flow analysis (having a PIF ≥ 18 L/min and <120 L/min). Median PIF, inhalation volume, inhalation duration, and time to PIF for these events steadily decreased between the first and last 10 days of the study, by 5.1%, 12.6%, 15.9%, and 6.4%, respectively. Continuous short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) overuse, defined as ≥2 SABA inhalations/week throughout the study period, was seen in 29% (n = 104) of patients. Of 260 patients with ≥1 instance of acute short-term SABA overuse, 55 (21%) had a confirmed exacerbation. Electronic recording of real-life inhaler use can capture valuable, objective information that could inform disease management and clinical decision-making.
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Levy ML, Capstick TG, Antalffy T. Asthma: effect of excess short-acting β 2-agonist (SABA) inhaler prescriptions on healthcare resource utilisation. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:374-376. [PMID: 39054088 PMCID: PMC11299697 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp24x739089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
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Levy ML, Fleming L, Bush A. Asthma deaths in children in the UK: the last straw! Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:244-245. [PMID: 38684376 PMCID: PMC11104359 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp24x738201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
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Levy ML, Beasley R, Bostock B, Capstick TG, Crooks MG, Fleming L, Freeman D, Marsh V, Rupani H, Whittamore A, Barnes PJ, Bush A. A simple and effective evidence-based approach to asthma management: ICS-formoterol reliever therapy. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:86-89. [PMID: 38272684 PMCID: PMC10824346 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp24x736353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
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Levy ML, Bateman ED, Allan K, Bacharier LB, Bonini M, Boulet LP, Bourdin A, Brightling C, Brusselle G, Buhl R, Chakaya MJ, Cruz AA, Drazen J, Ducharme FM, Duijts L, Fleming L, Inoue H, Ko FWS, Krishnan JA, Masekela R, Mortimer K, Pitrez P, Salvi S, Sheikh A, Reddel HK, Yorgancıoğlu A. Global access and patient safety in the transition to environmentally friendly respiratory inhalers: the Global Initiative for Asthma perspective. Lancet 2023; 402:1012-1016. [PMID: 37480934 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
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Warraich S, Bush A, Levy ML, Fleming L. Regular (up to 10 puffs 4-hourly) inhaled salbutamol should be prescribed at discharge after an asthma attack: myth or maxim? Breathe (Sheff) 2023; 19:230054. [PMID: 37830102 PMCID: PMC10567074 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0054-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the concept of asthma weaning plans on discharge after an attack has crept into common practice, although the precise origin of these plans is unclear. High use of short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) may result in tolerance to their bronchodilator effects, thus diminishing their efficacy, particularly when they are most needed at the time of an acute attack. Furthermore, key warning signs of a deterioration in asthma control may be masked and the weaning plan may encourage the over-use and over-reliance on SABAs. Side-effects from over-use may also occur, including lactic acidosis, downregulation of the β2-adrenoreceptor, increased allergen response and pro-inflammatory effects. The need for asthma education at discharge, a personal asthma action plan and vigilance about prescribing and ensuring adherence to maintenance therapy are definitely important. However, the current authors conclude that the benefit of prescribing regular salbutamol (up to 10 puffs every 4 h) at discharge after an acute asthma attack is a myth, and a very dangerous one.
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Usmani OS, Levy ML. Effective respiratory management of asthma and COPD and the environmental impacts of inhalers. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2023; 33:24. [PMID: 37393273 PMCID: PMC10314923 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-023-00346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
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Levy ML, Bacharier LB, Bateman E, Boulet LP, Brightling C, Buhl R, Brusselle G, Cruz AA, Drazen JM, Duijts L, Fleming L, Inoue H, Ko FWS, Krishnan JA, Mortimer K, Pitrez PM, Sheikh A, Yorgancıoğlu A, Reddel HK. Key recommendations for primary care from the 2022 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) update. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2023; 33:7. [PMID: 36754956 PMCID: PMC9907191 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-023-00330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) was established in 1993 by the World Health Organization and the US National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to improve asthma awareness, prevention and management worldwide. GINA develops and publishes evidence-based, annually updated resources for clinicians. GINA guidance is adopted by national asthma guidelines in many countries, adapted to fit local healthcare systems, practices, and resource availability. GINA is independent of industry, funded by the sale and licensing of its materials. This review summarizes key practical guidance for primary care from the 2022 GINA strategy report. It provides guidance on confirming the diagnosis of asthma using spirometry or peak expiratory flow. GINA recommends that all adults, adolescents and most children with asthma should receive inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-containing therapy to reduce the risk of severe exacerbations, either taken regularly, or (for adults and adolescents with "mild" asthma) as combination ICS-formoterol taken as needed for symptom relief. For patients with moderate-severe asthma, the preferred regimen is maintenance-and-reliever therapy (MART) with ICS-formoterol. Asthma treatment is not "one size fits all"; GINA recommends individualized assessment, adjustment, and review of treatment. As many patients with difficult-to-treat or severe asthma are not referred early for specialist review, we provide updated guidance for primary care on diagnosis, further investigation, optimization and treatment of severe asthma across secondary and tertiary care. While the GINA strategy has global relevance, we recognize that there are special considerations for its adoption in low- and middle-income countries, particularly the current poor access to inhaled medications.
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Lommatzsch M, Brusselle GG, Levy ML, Canonica GW, Pavord ID, Schatz M, Virchow JC. A 2BCD: a concise guide for asthma management. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2023:S2213-2600(22)00490-8. [PMID: 36716752 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The management of asthma has changed fundamentally during the past two decades. Precise assessment and phenotyping are now required to establish individually targeted treatment with disease-modifying anti-asthmatic drugs (DMAADs). Patients with asthma are often managed by primary care doctors or non-respiratory specialists in secondary care. However, the implementation of complex asthma guidelines in non-specialised care remains a challenge. There is a need for easy-to-understand, concise guides for general practice. In this Viewpoint, we propose a one-page practical guide for asthma management, titled A2BCD, with four components: dual assessment (A2) of asthma (ie, diagnosis and phenotype, plus asthma control and future risks); basic measures (B; eg, education, self-management skills, regular physical activity, and avoidance of asthma triggers); identification and treatment of comorbidities (C) of asthma (eg, chronic rhinosinusitis, obesity, or sleep apnoea); and phenotype-specific, individually targeted treatment with DMAADs (D), including individual inhalation schemes based on inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, biologics, and allergen immunotherapy.
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Dekhuijzen PNR, Levy ML, Corrigan CJ, Hadfield RM, Roche N, Usmani OS, Barnes PJ, Scullion JE, Lavorini F, Corbetta L, Kocks JWH, Cosio BG, Buhl R, Pedersen SE. Is Inhaler Technique Adequately Assessed and Reported in Clinical Trials of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Therapy? A Systematic Review and Suggested Best Practice Checklist. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:1813-1824.e1. [PMID: 35364340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhaled medications are central to treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet critical inhaler technique errors are made by up to 90% of patients. In the clinical research setting, recruitment of subjects with poor inhaler technique may give a false impression of both the benefits and the necessity of add-on treatments such as biologic therapies. OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency with which inhaler technique is assessed and reliably optimized before and during patient enrollment into randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing the efficacy of topical therapy, and the escalation of therapy for asthma and COPD. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted of PubMed and Embase for RCTs published in the past 10 years involving patients with a diagnosis of asthma or COPD undergoing escalation of baseline inhaled therapy (stepping up, changing, adding, switching, increasing, etc) or the introduction of biologic agents. RESULTS Searches highlighted 1,014 studies, 118 of which were eligible after the removal of duplicates as well as screening and full text review. Of these, only 14 (11.9%) included accessible information in the methods section or referred to such information in online supplements or protocols concerning assessment of participants' inhaler technique. We therefore developed the proposed Best Practice Inhaler Technique Assessment and Reporting Checklist. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies a concerning lack of checking and correcting inhaler technique, or at least reporting that this was undertaken, before enrollment in asthma and COPD RCTs, which may affect the conclusions drawn. Mandating the use of a standardized checklist in RCT protocols and ensuring all published RCTs report checking and correcting inhaler technique before enrollment are important next steps.
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Reddel HK, Bacharier LB, Bateman ED, Brightling CE, Brusselle GG, Buhl R, Cruz AA, Duijts L, Drazen JM, FitzGerald JM, Fleming LJ, Inoue H, Ko FW, Krishnan JA, Levy ML, Lin J, Mortimer K, Pitrez PM, Sheikh A, Yorgancioglu AA, Boulet LP. Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021. Executive Summary and Rationale for Key Changes. Arch Bronconeumol 2022; 58:35-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic cough (CC) is a debilitating respiratory symptom, now increasingly recognised as a discrete disease entity. This study evaluated the burden of CC in a primary care setting. DESIGN Cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study. SETTING Discover dataset from North West London, which links coded data from primary and secondary care. The index date depicted CC persisting for ≥8 weeks and was taken as a surrogate for date of CC diagnosis. PARTICIPANTS Data were extracted for individuals aged ≥18 years with a cough persisting ≥8 weeks or cough remedy prescription, between Jan 2015 and Sep 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Demographic characteristics, comorbidities and service utilisation cost, including investigations performed and treatments prescribed were determined. RESULTS CC was identified in 43 453 patients from a total cohort of 2 109 430 (2%). Median (IQR) age was 64 years (41-87). Among the cohort, 31% had no recorded comorbidities, 26% had been given a diagnosis of asthma, 17% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 12% rhinitis and 15% reflux. Prevalence of CC was greater in women (57%) and highest in the 65-74 year age range. There was an increase in the number of all investigations performed in the 12 months before and after the index date of CC diagnosis, and in particular for primary care chest X-ray and spirometry which increased from 6535 to 12 880 and from 5791 to 8720, respectively. This was accompanied by an increase in CC-associated healthcare utilisation costs. CONCLUSION One-third of individuals had CC in the absence of associated comorbidities, highlighting the importance of recognising CC as a condition in its own right. Overall outpatient costs increased in the year after the CC index date for all comorbidities, but varied significantly with age. Linked primary-care datasets may enable earlier detection of individuals with CC for specialist clinic referral and targeted treatment.
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Reddel HK, Bacharier LB, Bateman ED, Brightling CE, Brusselle GG, Buhl R, Cruz AA, Duijts L, Drazen JM, FitzGerald JM, Fleming LJ, Inoue H, Ko FW, Krishnan JA, Levy ML, Lin J, Mortimer K, Pitrez PM, Sheikh A, Yorgancioglu AA, Boulet LP. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy 2021 - Executive summary and rationale for key changes. Eur Respir J 2021; 59:13993003.02730-2021. [PMID: 34667060 PMCID: PMC8719459 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02730-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention, which can be adapted for local circumstances (e.g., medication availability). This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning recent changes.GINA recommends that asthma in adults and adolescents should not be treated solely with short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA), because of the risks of SABA-only treatment and SABA overuse, and evidence for benefit of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Large trials show that as- needed combination ICS-formoterol reduces severe exacerbations by >60% in mild asthma compared with SABA alone, with similar exacerbation, symptom, lung function and inflammatory outcomes as daily ICS plus as-needed SABA.Key changes in GINA 2021 include division of the treatment figure for adults and adolescents into two tracks. Track 1 (preferred) has low-dose ICS-formoterol as the reliever at all steps: as-needed only in Steps 1-2 (mild asthma), and with daily maintenance ICS-formoterol (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, MART) in Steps 3-5. Track 2 (alternative) has as-needed SABA across all steps, plus regular ICS (Step 2) or ICS-long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) (Steps 3-5). For adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, GINA makes additional recommendations in Step 5 for add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists and azithromycin, with add-on biologic therapies for severe asthma. For children 6-11 years, new treatment options are added at Steps 3-4.Across all age-groups and levels of severity, regular personalized assessment, treatment of modifiable risk factors, self-management education, skills training, appropriate medication adjustment and review remain essential to optimize asthma outcomes.
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Reddel HK, Bacharier LB, Bateman ED, Brightling CE, Brusselle GG, Buhl R, Cruz AA, Duijts L, Drazen JM, FitzGerald JM, Fleming LJ, Inoue H, Ko FW, Krishnan JA, Levy ML, Lin J, Mortimer K, Pitrez PM, Sheikh A, Yorgancioglu AA, Boulet LP. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy 2021 - Executive summary and rationale for key changes. Respirology 2021; 27:14-35. [PMID: 34668278 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention, which can be adapted for local circumstances (e.g., medication availability). This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning recent changes. GINA recommends that asthma in adults and adolescents should not be treated solely with short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA), because of the risks of SABA-only treatment and SABA overuse, and evidence for benefit of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Large trials show that as- needed combination ICS-formoterol reduces severe exacerbations by ≥60% in mild asthma compared with SABA alone, with similar exacerbation, symptom, lung function and inflammatory outcomes as daily ICS plus as-needed SABA. Key changes in GINA 2021 include division of the treatment figure for adults and adolescents into two tracks. Track 1 (preferred) has low-dose ICS-formoterol as the reliever at all steps: as-needed only in Steps 1-2 (mild asthma), and with daily maintenance ICS-formoterol (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, MART) in Steps 3-5. Track 2 (alternative) has as-needed SABA across all steps, plus regular ICS (Step 2) or ICS-long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) (Steps 3-5). For adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, GINA makes additional recommendations in Step 5 for add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists and azithromycin, with add-on biologic therapies for severe asthma. For children 6-11 years, new treatment options are added at Steps 3-4. Across all age-groups and levels of severity, regular personalized assessment, treatment of modifiable risk factors, self-management education, skills training, appropriate medication adjustment and review remain essential to optimize asthma outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Reddel HK, Bacharier LB, Bateman ED, Brightling CE, Brusselle GG, Buhl R, Cruz AA, Duijts L, Drazen JM, FitzGerald JM, Fleming LJ, Inoue H, Ko FW, Krishnan JA, Levy ML, Lin J, Mortimer K, Pitrez PM, Sheikh A, Yorgancioglu AA, Boulet LP. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy 2021 - Executive Summary and Rationale for Key Changes. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 205:17-35. [PMID: 34658302 PMCID: PMC8865583 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202109-2205pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention, which can be adapted for local circumstances (e.g., medication availability). This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning recent changes. GINA recommends that asthma in adults and adolescents should not be treated solely with short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA), because of the risks of SABA-only treatment and SABA overuse, and evidence for benefit of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Large trials show that as-needed combination ICS-formoterol reduces severe exacerbations by ≥60% in mild asthma compared with SABA alone, with similar exacerbation, symptom, lung function and inflammatory outcomes as daily ICS plus as-needed SABA. Key changes in GINA 2021 include division of the treatment figure for adults/adolescents into two tracks. Track 1 (preferred) has low-dose ICS-formoterol as the reliever at all steps: as-needed only in Steps 1-2 (mild asthma), and with daily maintenance ICS formoterol (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, MART) in Steps 3-5. Track 2 (alternative) has as-needed SABA across all steps, plus regular ICS (Step 2) or ICS-long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) (Steps 3-5). For adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, GINA makes additional recommendations in Step 5 for add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists and azithromycin, with add-on biologic therapies for severe asthma. For children 6-11 years, new treatment options are added at Steps 3-4. Across all age-groups and levels of severity, regular personalized assessment, treatment of modifiable risk factors, self-management education, skills training, appropriate medication adjustment and review remain essential to optimize asthma outcomes.
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Levy ML, Fleming L, Goldring S, Bush A. Piling Pelion upon Ossa: surely we already have enough non-evidence based ways of treating acute asthma? Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:730-731. [PMID: 34035036 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-321498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Ramien ML, Bahubeshi A, Lara-Corrales I, Pope E, Levy ML, Nopper AJ, Shear NH, Eichenfield L. Blistering severe cutaneous adverse reactions in children: proposal for paediatric-focused clinical criteria. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:447-449. [PMID: 33730370 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Levy ML. Risks of poor asthma outcome in 14,405 children and young people in London. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2021; 31:3. [PMID: 33514720 PMCID: PMC7846552 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-020-00215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a 12-month retrospective data analysis (2018/19) of asthma risk factors in 350 North West London general practices. Fourteen thousand four hundred and five of the 482,029 (40% female) children and young people (CYP) had diagnosed asthma. Exacerbations are as follows: (i) 749 (5%) CYP had 797 hospital admissions; 32 (<1%) had 2-6; (ii) 910 (6%) had 1168 recorded asthma attacks; 170 (1%) had 2-12; (iii) 1485 (10%) had 2123 oral corticosteroid courses; 408 (3%) had 2-11. Excess short-acting bronchodilators were prescribed in over half of the CYP. Of the 10,077 (70%) CYP prescribed inhaled corticosteroid preventers, 7279 (72%) were issued with <4 ICS inhaler prescriptions during the year; these CYP accounted for 11% of the admission spells. In all, 30% of CYP had poor symptom control. At least 10% of the CYP having had recent attacks are at risk and dashboards such as those available in North West London could easily facilitate recognition of risk and optimisation of care.
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Levy ML. Self-care strategies for asthma. Br J Gen Pract 2020; 70:222-223. [PMID: 32354804 PMCID: PMC7194783 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp20x709469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Levy ML, Carroll W, Izquierdo Alonso JL, Keller C, Lavorini F, Lehtimäki L. Understanding Dry Powder Inhalers: Key Technical and Patient Preference Attributes. Adv Ther 2019; 36:2547-2557. [PMID: 31478131 PMCID: PMC6822825 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-019-01066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inhalable medications for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be confusing even for health care professionals because of the multitude of available devices each with different operating principles. Dry powder inhalers (DPI) are a valuable option for almost all of the patients with asthma or COPD. Based on recorded patient inspiratory profiles, the peak inspiratory flow requirement of 30 L min−1 of high-resistance devices does not usually pose any practical limitations for the patients. Suboptimal adherence and errors in device handling are common and require continuous checking and patient education in order to avoid these pitfalls of all inhalation therapy. The aim of this opinion paper is to describe the working principles of DPIs and to summarise their key properties in order to help prescribing the correct inhaler for each patient. Funding: Orion Pharma.
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Reddel HK, FitzGerald JM, Bateman ED, Bacharier LB, Becker A, Brusselle G, Buhl R, Cruz AA, Fleming L, Inoue H, Ko FWS, Krishnan JA, Levy ML, Lin J, Pedersen SE, Sheikh A, Yorgancioglu A, Boulet LP. GINA 2019: a fundamental change in asthma management. Eur Respir J 2019; 53:53/6/1901046. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01046-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Vincken W, Levy ML, Scullion J, Usmani OS, Dekhuijzen PNR, Corrigan CJ. Spacer devices for inhaled therapy: why use them, and how? ERJ Open Res 2018; 4:00065-2018. [PMID: 29928649 PMCID: PMC6004521 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00065-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an extensive review of the literature to date pertaining to the rationale for using a spacer/valved holding chamber (VHC) to deliver inhaled therapy from a pressurised, metered-dose inhaler, a discussion of how the properties of individual devices may vary according to their physical characteristics and materials of manufacture, the potential risks and benefits of ancillaries such as valves, and the evidence that they contribute tangibly to the delivery of therapy. We also reiterate practical recommendations for the correct usage and maintenance of spacers/VHCs, which we trust offer practical help and advice to patients and healthcare professionals alike.
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Levy ML, Ward A, Nelson S. Management of children and young people (CYP) with asthma: a clinical audit report. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2018; 28:16. [PMID: 29785053 PMCID: PMC5962615 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-018-0087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
An asthma attack or exacerbation signals treatment failure. Most attacks are preventable and failure to recognize risk of asthma attacks are well recognized as risk factors for future attacks and even death. Of the 19 recommendations made by the United Kingdom National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) (1) only one has been partially implemented—a National Asthma Audit; however, this hasn’t reported yet. The Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in London implemented a clinical asthma audit on 291 children and young people aged under 19 years (CYP) who had been treated for asthma attacks in 2016. This was funded as a Local Incentive Scheme (LIS) aimed at improving quality health care delivery. Two years after the publication of the NRAD report it is surprising that risks for future attacks were not recognized, that few patients were assessed objectively during attacks and only 10% of attacks were followed up within 2 days. However, it is encouraging that CYP hospital admissions following the audit were reduced by 16%, with clear benefit for patients, their families and the local health economy. This audit has provided an example of how clinicians can focus learning on patients who have had asthma attacks and utilize these events as a catalyst for active reflection in particular on modifiable risk factors. Through identification of these risks and active optimization of management, preventable asthma attacks could become ‘never events’. Encouraging self-reflection and best practice can help doctors improve patient care following asthma attacks. A recent UK national review uncovered multiple shortfalls in asthma management. Mark Levy at Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group in London and co-workers conducted a clinical asthma audit to assess the after-care of 291 patients under the age of 19 who had been treated for an asthma attack in Harrow during 2016. Analysis of patient records showed that risks of future attacks were not routinely highlighted during follow-up consultations. Only a third of patients had a personal asthma action plan and only 10 per cent of attacks were followed up within two days. During the audit, doctors from each surgery attended focus groups aimed at encouraging best practice. Following the audit, patient hospital admissions from these surgeries dropped by 16 per cent.
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