BackgroundSevere Asthma affects working life of millions of people worldwide. IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα antibodies are highly effective in reducing symptoms in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). We analysed effects of anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα treatment on self-reported productivity and absenteeism at work in patients with SEA.MethodsIn this prospective single centre study, patients with SEA received a questionnaire assessing the actual occupational status, the influence asthma has on their work life, productivity and missed days at work prior to initiation of antibody treatment and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Among others the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP) was used.ResultsOut of 54 patients with a median age of 60 years, 27 (50%) were employed. In addition to an increase in asthma control and lung function, self-reported productivity increased significantly with a decrease on the WPAI:SHP from 30% [IQR 20–50] to 10% [IQR 0–27.5] under treatment, p=0.001. Furthermore, self-reported missed days at work were reduced from 2 missed days/month (IQR 1.75–6) to 0 days (IQR 0–2), p=0.067. At baseline 22 (81%) employed patients stated to be negatively affected at work by their asthma, after 12 months of treatment, this number decreased to 8 (30%), p=0.038.ConclusionsThis prospective analysis could prove the substantial impact severe asthma has on patients’ working life. Anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα treatment in patients with SEA leads to a significant increase of self-reported productivity at work and after 12 months of treatment patients state substantially fewer negative effects on their working situation.
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