Asthma Control Status Research Articles

Characteristics of Asthma Patients and Risk Factors of Uncontrolled Asthma in Children

Objective: To identify factors associated with baseline severity and control of asthma in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 279 newly diagnosed patients with asthma aged younger than 15 years and that visited Taksin Hospital in Bangkok were reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics at first diagnosis and three months after treatment were collected. Medication and treatment compliance were recorded. Asthma control status was classified according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guideline. Factors associated with baseline severity and levels of control were determined. Results: Among the 279 pediatric patients with asthma, 48 (17.6%) were severe asthma at time of diagnoses. Patient’s comorbidities, including acute rhinosinusitis, a family history of atopy, and a history of preterm birth, were significantly associated with severe asthma at baseline. Asthma severity can be assessed retrospectively from the level of treatment required to control symptom and exacerbation according to the GINA. At the 3-month visit, 105 (37.6%) patients had uncontrolled asthma. Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma included severe asthma at baseline (RR 4.86, 95% CI 2.96 to 7.99), a family history of atopy (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.12), acute rhinosinusitis and snoring (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.17), severe allergic rhinitis (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.78 to 3.04), poor compliance (RR 4.66, 95% CI 3.36 to 6.45), and aggravated factors (RR 3.88, 95% CI 3.05 to 4.92). Environmental factors, such as owning pets and environmental tobacco smoke, were not associated with asthma control. Conclusion: Good treatment compliance for asthma and other comorbidities are important for well-controlled asthma. Keywords: Uncontrolled asthma, Pediatric asthma, Asthma severity, Treatment compliance, Asthma control

Asthma control affects school absence, achievement and quality of school life: a multicenter study

Introduction and ObjectivesAsthma may have a detrimental effect on school attendance and achievement. Friend relations, attendance to school activities, quality of life (QOL) of asthmatic children may be negatively affected. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors influencing school functioning for asthmatic school-age children. Materials and MethodsFrom January to May 2019, parents and school-age children who were followed by a diagnosis of asthma for more than one year, from seven pediatric allergy centers, were given a standard questionnaire including questions about child’s disease, school performance, absenteeism, home-family-school conditions. A pediatric QOL questionnaire was filled out by children. For evaluating control in the previous year, children who had more than two exacerbations and/or had any exacerbations needing systemic corticosteroids in the previous year were defined as inadequate control. School absence over nine days was taken into account as this has been shown to bring a risk for successful school life. Results507 patients were included. Asthma control status was found to be effective on school absence (p < 0.001), on school success (especially math scores) (p < 0.001), on friend relations (p = 0.033), QOL (p < 0.001), attendance to school activities (p < 0.001). Regular follow-up (p < 0.001), regular use of asthma medication (p = 0.014), tobacco smoke exposure (p < 0.001), heating with stove at home (p = 0.01) affected asthma control. School conditions such as crowdedness (p = 0.044), humidity of the class (p = 0.025), knowledge of teacher about child’s asthma (p = 0.012) were effective on asthma control independent of home conditions and asthma treatment parameters. ConclusionSchool interventions are important to improve asthma management.

Association of low-dosage systemic corticosteroid use with disease burden in asthma

There is an ongoing debate about the benefit–risk balance of systemic corticosteroids (SCS) in asthma treatment. We investigated the associations between SCS use and disease burden in a database cohort of asthmatics, categorized into SCS and non-SCS prescription at baseline and quartiles (Q) by cumulative SCS dosage. Of the 10,579 patients, the SCS cohort comprised 3103 patients (29.3%). Mean SCS dosages at baseline were 0.08, 0.29, 0.79, and 4.58 mg/day in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. Similar SCS dosages were used within each quartile throughout the study period. No remarkable changes in asthma severity or control status were observed. All SCS cohorts had a higher risk of intermittent SCS exposure during the observation period. SCS use was associated with osteoporosis, diabetes, anxiety/neurosis, and depression. SCS-dependent treatment does not necessarily lead to the future improvement of asthma control; rather, it may negatively impact systemic health, even at mean dosages <5 mg/day.

Clinical characteristics of patients with not well-controlled severe asthma in Japan: Analysis of the Keio Severe Asthma Research Program in Japanese population (KEIO-SARP) registry

BackgroundMultiple phenotypes exist within the classification of severe asthma. However, characteristics of patients with not well-controlled severe asthma have not been well identified. MethodsJapanese patients with asthma (age ≥ 20 years) were enrolled at the Keio University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals in this observational study (Keio Severe Asthma Research Program). Among them, patients with severe asthma (those undergoing Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] 2018 step 4 or 5 treatment) were included in this analysis and investigated clinical characteristics based on asthma control status. ResultsOf the 154 patients (men, 46.8%; age, 60.1 ± 14.9 years), 87 (56.5%) had not well-controlled (partly controlled and uncontrolled) asthma (GINA step 4, 42 patients; step 5, 45 patients). Overall, there were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between patients with well-controlled and not well-controlled asthma. However, cluster analysis revealed that distinct 5 clusters (cluster 1, well-controlled; cluster 2, eosinophilic; cluster 3, non–type 2 inflammation; cluster 4, high periostin; and cluster 5, late-onset type 2 inflammation), and clusters 2–5 were not well-controlled. Among them, cluster 3 was characterized by low eosinophil counts, low periostin levels, and less frequent olfactory disturbance, and this cluster had the worst asthma control. ConclusionsJapanese patients with severe asthma were divided into well-controlled and not-well controlled asthma, and we confirmed heterogeneity of not well-controlled severe asthma. These patients, especially non-type 2 phenotype, require a further therapeutic approach. (University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000002980)

An epidemiological survey on clinical features, self-management and cognitive level of elderly asthmatics in China

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of asthma among the elderly people in China and to analyze the clinical features, self-management and cognitive level of elderly asthma patients. Methods: According to the multi-stage random cluster sampling methods, a total of 164 215 subjects were visited by a questionnaire in the last epidemiology survey from eight provinces (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Liaoning, Henan, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Sichuan provinces) and seven regions (north, northeast, southern china, east, south, southwest and northwest) in China from February 2010 to August 2012. 2 034 were diagnosed as asthma. The elderly patients aged ≥65 years were selected from the 2 034 asthma patients. The clinical characteristics, comorbidities, the status of asthma control and self-management and insights of the disease in elderly asthma patients were analyzed. Results: Among the 2 034 asthma patients, 584 (28.7%) were elderly asthmatics aged ≥65 years old and 1 450 (71.3%) were<65 years old. In the elderly asthma group, Early-onset asthma accounted for 439 (75.2%) and 145 (24.8%) were late-onset. The common clinical manifestations of elderly asthma patients were: chest distress 395 (67.6%), wheezing 304 (52.1%), cough 298 (51.0%). Common comorbidities of elderly asthmatics were: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 144 (24.7%), allergic rhinitis 122(20.9%), gastroesopheal reflux disease (GERD) 114(19.5%), allergic conjunctivitis 86 (14.7%), eczema 82 (14.0%), chronic bronchitis 76 (13.0%). The Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores of elderly asthmatics and non-elderly asthmatics were (18.5±3.2) and (21.7±3.4) respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.042). Of the elderly asthmatics, only 13 (2.2%) patients monitored daily using a peak flow meter. 93 (15.9%) patients aware that asthma was characterized by chronic airway inflammation. 64 (11.0%) asthmatics understood that the treatment goal. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of elderly asthmatics are atypical, especially paroxysmal wheezing. Asthma in elderly people causes more comorbidities and mortality. The self-management and cognitive level of patients with asthma needs to be improved.

Combination of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Level and Asthma Control Test (ATC) in Detecting GINA-Defined Asthma Control in Treated Asthmatic Patients in Vietnam.

Background FeNO has been used as a marker for Th2-mediated airway inflammation in asthma. There is evidence which recommends the use of this biomarker in asthma management. Little is known about whether the FeNO test alone or in combination with the ACT score can reflect asthma control in Vietnamese patients. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in asthmatic patients (≥18 years old) recruited at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from March 2016 to March 2017. Asthma control levels were assessed following the GINA 2017 guidelines, and FeNO was measured by a Niox Mino device. FeNO cut-offs predicting asthma control status were determined using the ROC curve analysis. The combination of FeNO and ACT was investigated in detecting well-controlled and uncontrolled asthma. The results of the study are as follows: 278 patients with 68% females, mean age of 44 years, and mean asthma duration of 10 years were analyzed. All patients were treated following step 2 to 4 of GINA guidelines. Mean (SD) FeNO was 30.6 (24) ppb. Patients with uncontrolled (16%), partly controlled (29%), and well-controlled asthma (55%) had a median (IQR) FeNO of 50.0 (74), 25.0 (23), and 21.0 (22.3) ppb, respectively, and the mean of FeNO in the uncontrolled group was significantly higher than that in other groups (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for FeNO detecting uncontrolled asthma was 0.730 with an optimal cut-off point of FeNO > 50 ppb, and this AUC increased to 0.89 when combining FeNO and ACT. The AUC for FeNO detecting well-controlled asthma was 0.601 with an optimal cut-off point of FeNO <25 ppb and this AUC increased to 0.78 if combining FeNO and ACT. Conclusions FeNO can predict asthma control status with an estimated cut-off point of <25 ppb for well-controlled and >50 ppb for uncontrolled asthma. The combination of FeNO and ACT provides better information regarding asthma control than FeNO alone, and this combination is useful to predict asthma control statuses in asthmatic patients in Viet Nam.

Serum Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin Better Reflect Asthma Control Status Than Blood Eosinophil Counts

Although several biomarkers have been proposed for eosinophilic asthma, biomarkers for reflecting asthma control status remain controversial. Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), a degranulated eosinophil protein, is an emerging biomarker in asthmatic patients. This study analyzed serum EDN concentrations in asthmatics and compared its performance with that of blood eosinophil count as an indicator of asthma control status. We enrolled 75 uncontrolled asthmatics, 56 controlled asthmatics, and 43 healthy controls from Asan Medical Center. Serum EDN levels (ng/mL) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The predictability of EDN for asthma control status was analyzed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to compare the performances of a serum EDN level and blood eosinophil count as indicators of uncontrolled asthma status. The mean serum EDN level in the uncontrolled asthma group was higher than that in the controlled asthma and healthy groups (103.2 ± 60.2 vs 60.8 ± 49.7 vs 49.6 ± 28.3 ng/mL, P < .001). Serum EDN level was the significant parameter related to asthma control status in univariate and multivariable analysis (both P < .001). Serum EDN levels correlated with blood eosinophil counts (r= 0.510, P < .001). However, in the ROC analysis, serum EDN level showed a significantly better performance for predicting uncontrolled asthma status (area under the curve, 0.726 vs 0.628, P= .024). Serum EDN levels significantly differed between patients with controlled and uncontrolled status in adult asthmatics. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify EDN as a better indicator of asthma control status than blood eosinophil count.

Application of exhaled breath condensate cytokines to sort asthma phenotypes

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) could show bronchial inflammation directly, and very easy to collect samples. The current asthma phenotyping has a limitation that it does not fully reflect airway inflammation, and we have tried a new asthma phenotyping via EBC. In addition, basophils are major effector cells involved in the asthma, they remain unclear what exact role it plays. Therefore, we investigate the relationship between EBC cytokines and blood basophils and clinical features in asthmatics. Asthma patients were defined as who have asthma symptoms with positive bronchodilator response or airway hyperresponsiveness and have been enrolled in the Ewha Medical Center from 2017 to 2018. Information for demographics, clinical features, and exhaled breath condensates of patients were collected. Thirteen patients were enrolled with a mean age of 60.2 years and 23% men. The mean FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were 75.9% of predicted value and 74.4%, respectively. Patients with high basophils (≥50/μL) had more frequent asthma exacerbations and absence from work due to asthma, and worse asthma control status and quality of life scores, even though they had better pulmonary function than the patients with low basophils (<50/μL). In addition, IL-17 and IL-33 from EBC showed positive correlations with blood basophil counts. Basophils are thought to be a marker associated with poor control of asthma independently of pulmonary function, which were also related to EBC IL-17 and IL-33. Although larger studies are needed in the future, it is likely that basophil, EBC IL-17 and IL-33 are another criterion for asthma phenotyping.

Efficacy of Allergen Immunotherapy for Allergic Asthma in Real World Practice.

PurposeAllergen immunotherapy (AIT) induces immunological tolerance, and there is increasing evidence of the clinical efficacy of AIT in the treatment of allergic asthma. However, the optimal parameters for asthma control in clinical trials are still unclear. We investigated the efficacy of AIT with respect to changes in the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose in patients with allergic asthma.MethodsA total of 117 adults with allergic asthma who had used ICS for more than 1 year in a single tertiary hospital in Korea were included in this retrospective study. We compared the clinical parameters and outcomes between the AIT group (ICS with AIT, n = 48) and the non-AIT group (ICS without AIT, n = 69) by applying an inverse probability of treatment weighting method. The patients in the AIT group had received subcutaneous AIT monthly as a maintenance treatment for more than 1 year. The changes in the ICS dose from baseline were evaluated in the 2 groups for 3 years.ResultsThe proportion of responders who discontinued or decreased in the ICS dose with achieving control status of asthma was significantly higher in the AIT group than in the non-AIT group throughout the study period (at 6 months, 52.1% vs. 24.6%; at 1 year, 70.8% vs. 34.7%; at 2 years, 89.5% vs. 35.6%; at 3 years, 96.3% vs. 51.2%). Treatment responses did not differ significantly by type of allergen (single- or multi-allergens or 3 different products) used throughout the study period.ConclusionsIrrespective of the type of allergen, long-term maintenance AIT helps to spare ICS dose and achieve better control in patients with allergic asthma in real-world clinical practice.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity have predictive value of asthma exacerbation in Korean school children.

BackgroundThe incidence of asthma exacerbation (AE) and the predictive value of spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in school children have not been evaluated.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the efficacy of spirometry measurement and FeNO monitoring for predicting AE in school children in the Cheongju area in Korea.MethodsWith parental agreement, we studied 170 students aged 7–12 years. Children were evaluated by an asthma specialist using baseline spirometry, skin prick test, seasonal FeNO measurement, and asthma control test. The study participants underwent a physical examination and their medical history was also evaluated by the specialist. They were assessed for asthma control status during regular doctor visits for 1 year.ResultsIn total, 160 children (94.1%) completed follow-up and FeNO monitoring. Of which, 26 children (16.3%) had AE. AE was associated with male children and children with allergic rhinitis (p < 0.05). While, children with AE tended to have higher FeNO than those without AE, no significant difference was found. The maximum value of FeNO ≥35 ppb was associated with AE (p < 0.05). Children with AE had a significantly decreased baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), %predicted, forced expiratory flow at 25%–75% of FVC (FEF25%–75%). FEV1/FVC < 80% was associated with AE in children regardless of inhalant allergen sensitization (all p < 0.05).ConclusionBaseline spirometry had a predictive value of AE in school children. Sensitive spirometric parameters such as FEV1/FVC and FEF25%–75% can be used as prognostic factors to predict future childhood AE. FeNO value ≥ 35 ppb during monitoring was associated with AE in school children.

Forced oscillation technique as a predictor for loss of control in asthmatic children.

BackgroundA reliable objective tool using as a predictor of asthma control status could assist asthma management.ObjectiveTo find the parameters of forced oscillation technique (FOT) as predictors for the future loss of asthma symptom control.MethodsChildren with well-controlled asthma symptom, aged 6–12 years, were recruited for a 12-week prospective study. FOT and spirometer measures and their bronchodilator response were evaluated at baseline. The level of asthma symptom control was evaluated according to Global Initiative for Asthma.ResultsAmong 68 recruited children, 41 children (60.3%) maintain their asthma control between 2 visits (group C-C), and 27 children (39.7%) lost their asthma control on the follow-up visit (group C-LC). Baseline FOT parameters, including the values of respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R5), respiratory resistance at 20 Hz (R20), respiratory reactance at 5 Hz, area of reactance, %predicted of R5 and percentage of bronchodilator response (%∆) of R5 and R20 were significantly different between C-C and C-LC groups. In contrast, only %∆ of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEF25%–75% (forced expiratory flow 25%–75%) were significantly different between groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that %predicted of R5, %∆R5, %predicted of FEV1 and %∆FEV1 were the predictive factors for predicting the future loss of asthma control. The following cutoff values demonstrated the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting loss of asthma control: %predicted of R5=91.28, %∆R5=21.2, %predicted of FEV1=89.5, and %∆FEV1=7.8. The combination of these parameters predicted the risk of loss of asthma control with area under the curve of 0.924, accuracy of 83.8%.ConclusionResistance FOT measures have an additive role to spirometric parameter in predicting future loss of asthma control.

Determinants of non-adherence to inhaled steroids in adult asthmatic patients on follow up in referral hospital, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

BackgroundAsthma is one of the major non-communicable diseases worldwide. The prevalence of asthma has continuously increased over the last five decades, resulting in 235 million people suffering from it. One of the main challenges in asthma control is adherence to pharmaceutical treatment (4) and leads to poor outcome and increases the economic and clinical burden. Non-adherence could be intentional or non-intentional.ObjectiveTo identify the determinants of inhaled steroid adherence among adult asthmatic patients.SettingThe study was done in Jimma university medical center (JUMC) from March–August 22/2018.MethodCross-sectional observational study was conducted. Patient assessment was conducted (patient demography, inhalation technique, adherence, and asthma control status). Independent predictors of outcome identified and strength of association between dependent and independent variables determined by using binary logistic regression and statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Before computing binary logistic regression analysis, the presence of colinearity between independent factor and model fitness was checked.ResultsOne hundred forty patients were included in the analysis. Substantial number of patients 53(37.9, 95%CI: 30–45) were non-adherent. Patient experience of previous adverse drug reaction (p = 0.011), educational status (p = 0.02), patient knowledge status (p = 0.028), previous education (p = 0.0001) and co-morbidity (p = 0.031) were significantly associated with adherence.ConclusionsThe rate of non-adherence to inhalational anti-asthmatics is high and different factors contributed. The health care provider should try to counsel patients about the effect of non-adherence on asthma control. Reassurance concerning adverse drug reactions should be an integral part of patient counseling.

Investigation of the Effect of Asthma on Mortality and Morbidity After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

No studies have been specifically conducted on asthma patients undergoing cardiac surgery for assessing mortality and morbidity. Distinct effects of cardiac surgery lead to negative effects on respiratory functions, putting patients with existing lung diseases under an increased risk. We aimed to investigate whether asthma patients are under higher risk for mortality and possible complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery than patients without asthma. The study included patients who underwent elective CABG surgery at our hospital between November 2014 and November 2015. Patients with a history of asthma were verified with physical examination and spirometric measurements by a single. The asthma group was compared with the controls in terms of mortality and morbidities. Asthma patients were extubated later than control patients (p=0.028); however, prolonged intubation (longer than 24 h) frequency was not different (p>0.05). Asthma patients required longer stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (p=0.003) than controls. The incidence of perioperative asthma exacerbations was significantly lower in patients in whom asthma was previously well-controlled. The incidence of postoperative sibilant rhonchi was lower in patients in whom asthma was under control than in those in whom asthma was partially controlled (p=0.020). Asthma is associated with longer ICU stay and asthma-related pulmonary complications after CABG surgery. Preoperative evaluation of asthma patients scheduled for CABG surgery requires consideration of the control status of asthma. Studies with more controls are needed to provide further evidence on the topic.

Association of Asthma Control and Metered-Dose Inhaler Use Technique among Adult Asthmatic Patients Attending Outpatient Clinic, in Resource-Limited Country: A Prospective Study.

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease which is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is a common chronic respiratory disease affecting 1–18% of population in different countries. It can be treated mainly with inhaled medications in several forms, including pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Patients encountered difficulty in using inhaler devices even after repeated demonstration and/re-evaluation. This could highly compromise patient treatment outcome/asthma control. To evaluate relationship between MDI use technique and asthma control among adult asthmatic patients who attend respiratory clinic in Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), Southwest Ethiopia. A prospective observational study was conducted from March to August 22, 2018. All adult asthmatic patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Patient baseline assessment was conducted (patient demography, inhalation technique, adherence, and asthma control status). Inhalation technique was obtained using a standard checklist of steps recommended in National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines. Patient adherence using asthma inhalation test and asthma control status was assessed by 2017 GINA guideline. Independent predictors of outcome were identified, strength of association between dependent and independent variables was determined by using ordinal logistic regression analysis, and statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. One hundred forty patients were included in the analysis. Among these, 26 (18.4%) patients were controlled, 65 (46.1%) partially controlled, and 35% uncontrolled. Proportion of patients with uncontrolled asthma were higher among inefficient as compared to efficient, whereas patients with controlled asthma were higher among efficient as compared to inefficient. Asthma control status is significantly associated with inhalation technique (P=0.006). Since most of the patients were inefficient and it is significantly associated with asthma control status, the hospital tried to adopt video MDI teaching program, and the patient should ask healthcare professionals how to take medication and they should bring their device to receive demonstration during visit. Health professionals should re-evaluate the patient during their hospital visit and encourage bringing their device to give demonstration.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK) in preschool children with asthma: a prospective validation study

ObjectiveThe limited existing asthma control questionnaires that are available for children 5 years of age or younger in China mostly assess only the impairment domain of asthma control. Here, the...

Design and Comprehension Testing of Tailored Asthma Control Infographics for Adults with Persistent Asthma.

Adherence to daily inhaled corticosteroid medication is important for asthma control but low health literacy is a barrier to comprehension of control status and may contribute to medication nonadherence. Infographics tailored with patients' own data can support comprehension of health status, but these have not been applied to asthma successfully. This two-phased study developed and tested tailored infographics of (1) scores on the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), a self-report measure of symptom burden, and (2) pulmonary function test (PFT) results. The infographics are intended for use as communication and adherence-promotion tools in clinical interactions. For both phases, participants (18+ years, English- or Spanish-speaking, persistent asthma) were recruited through two primary care clinics. In Phase I, we used a hybrid iterative participatory design process to refine prototype designs. In Phase II, we conducted individual comprehension assessment interviews with the finalized designs. Infographics were hand-tailored for each participant using their ACQ score and PFT results collected at the start of the interview. Two independent raters scored interview transcripts for gist and verbatim comprehension based on a predetermined rubric. The five Phase I design sessions led to final prototypes that participants (n = 21) considered appealing and easy to comprehend. All Phase II participants (n = 10) demonstrated complete gist and verbatim comprehension. Participants reacted favorably to receiving their information via infographics and expressed intentions to engage in self-management behaviors (e.g., medication adherence, smoking cessation, weight loss, and review of their care plan) in response to the information. This study provides preliminary evidence that infographics can support comprehension of asthma control status and promote self-management intentions among adults with persistent asthma. Infographics can be programmed into electronic health records and/or standalone applications to allow for instant tailoring at the point of care.

The Relationship of Psychological Factors and Asthma Control to Health-Related Quality of Life

Psychological variables (anxiety, depression, and coping strategies) and asthma control (assessed from the patient's perspective or from the physician's perspective) affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in asthmatic patients. However, no study has simultaneously evaluated these variables to understand the independent contribution of each one of these factors to HRQoL. To determine the impact of anxiety, depression, coping strategies, and asthma control on HRQoL, and to compare the impact of asthma control on HRQoL when it is established by the physician versus when it is considered by the patient. A total of 373 asthmatics completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced Inventory, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire. Asthma control was measured by the patient with Asthma Control Test and by the physician with the classification asthma control of Global Initiative for Asthma. Demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Anxiety, depression, and poor patient-rated asthma control status were associated with worse HRQoL in all dimensions (except Mental Health for asthma control). Physician-rated asthma control was related to worse HRQoL in physical generic and specific dimensions. Among coping strategies, only avoidant coping impacted HRQoL in a few dimensions. Anxiety, depression, and asthma control (especially patient-rated asthma control) were important independent predictors of asthma HRQoL, and all of them should therefore be considered in interventions to improve HRQoL in asthmatic patients.

Prevalence, disease burden, and treatment reality of patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma in Japan

BackgroundThe severe asthma and severe, uncontrolled asthma (SUA) populations in Japan are not well-studied. We investigated the prevalence of continuously treated severe asthma and SUA patients, their disease burden, and the treatment reality via a Japanese health insurance claims database. MethodsContinuously treated asthma patients (patients prescribed inhaled corticosteroids for asthma ≥4 times in the past year) aged ≥17 years at the index date (latest visit between April 2014 and March 2015 for asthma treatment) were included in this analysis (KEIFU study, UMIN000027695). Asthma severity and control status at the index date were defined using modified criteria of ERS/ATS guidelines. Asthma hospitalization, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, and total medical expenses were calculated using data up to 12 months post–index date. ResultsWe identified 10,579 patients as continuously treated asthma patients. Of these, 823 (7.8%) had severe asthma; 267 (2.5%) and 556 (5.3%) patients had SUA and severe, controlled asthma (SCA), respectively. Compared with SCA and mild to moderate asthma patients, a greater percentage of SUA patients required hospitalization (13.7%, 6.2%, and 3.0%, respectively) and were prescribed OCSs (67.4%, 45.9%, and 16.2%, respectively). Yearly total medical expenses were also greater for SUA patients (mean [standard deviation]: 8346 [12,280], vs 5989 [10,483] and 3422 [8800] USD, respectively). ConclusionsThe percentages of severe asthma and SUA patients continuously treated in Japan were obtained through this large-scale analysis using a health insurance claims database. SUA patients had greater medical and economic burdens, suggesting more appropriate treatment is required according to the treatment guidelines.

STATUS KONTROL ASMA DENGAN KUALITAS HIDUP PADA ANAK DENGAN ASMA BRONKIAL

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of asthma control status with quality of life in children with bronchial asthma in Klungkung Hospital in 2019. The study design used correlational analytic with aapproach cross sectional. The research sample was 68 people using non probability sampling, namely purposive sampling. Asthma control status was measured by Chilhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and quality of life using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The results showed that the average age of children was seven years, 57.4% were male. The average score of asthma control showed uncontrolled asthma (18.57) and quality of life scores showed impaired quality of life (69,13).statistical test results Pearson obtained p = 0,000 <α (0,05), which means that the hypothesisisaccepted by calculating the value of r (rho). Results = 0.796 means that the control status of asthma has a strong relationship with quality of life, namely asthma sufferers who have no asthma controlled will tend to have a disrupted quality of life.

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide-Assisted Management of Uncontrolled Persistent Asthma: A Real-World Prospective Observational Study.

The utility of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement in real-world asthma management requires investigation. To determine whether FeNO-assisted care added to standard asthma management improves asthma control in a managed care organization. Prospective observational study in patients aged 12 years and older with uncontrolled persistent asthma identified during a scheduled visit to an Allergy Department that routinely used FeNO (FeNO-assisted care, n = 426) vs visits to 4 Allergy Departments that did not, but followed routine guideline-based care (standard care, n = 925). The FeNO-assisted care was based on FeNO level, asthma control status, and step-care level. Composite primary outcome was 1 or more asthma exacerbations or 7 or more dispensed canisters containing short-acting β2-agonists in the follow-up year. Inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity scoring balanced covariates, and multivariable regression analyses compared outcomes between groups. Compared with standard care, FeNO-assisted care was not associated with reducing the primary composite outcome (adjusted risk ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval = 0.69-1.29, p = 0.71), nor with a reduction in asthma exacerbations or dispensing of 7 or more short-acting β2-agonist canisters as separate outcomes. In an atopic subgroup with aeroallergen sensitization, the composite outcome was similar between groups, but the rate of asthma exacerbations was lower with FeNO-assisted treatment (adjusted rate ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval = 0.49-0.91, p = 0.01). These findings suggest future studies of FeNO-assisted care should be directed at the atopic phenotype.