Incidencia y desencadenantes de las agudizaciones asmáticas atendidas en Urgencias como muestra del nivel asistencial (ASMAB III, 2005 y ASMAB IV, 2011)

Abstract

IntroductionThe identification of asthma exacerbations (AE) seen in emergency departments and in the home is proposed as a parameter of asthma control and for monitoring environmental triggers. Patients and methodsAll AEs seen in 2005 and 2011 in the reference hospital of the region and in the patients’ homes by the Emergency Medical Services were identified. ResultsThe incidence of AE was 1.93/106inhabitants/day during 2005, and 2/106inhabitants/day in 2011. The most common triggers were slow onset common cold of more than 24h duration in 104/219 (47%) AEs in 2005 and 107/220 (49%) in 2011; prior bronchial symptoms with cough, expectoration and fever were recorded in 41/219 (19%) in 2005 and in 57/220 (26%) AEs in 2011. In total, 49% (2005) and 74% (2011) of the AEs had onset more than 24h before admission. ConclusionsNo significant differences were observed in the rate of attendance in the emergency department due to AE between 2005 and 2011. The most common triggers were common cold and bronchial symptoms with expectoration and fever. AE had begun more than 24h previously in at least half of cases. These findings appear to suggest that there may be a scope for improvement in the outpatient care of the asthmatic patient.