Predictors of Asthma Control among Libyan Adolescents with Persistent Asthma

@#Introduction: Among adolescents, asthma is an important public health burden that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Poor asthma control is likely in this age group. Our aim was to identify the predictors of well controlled asthma among adolescents with persistent asthma in Northwest of Libya. Methods: A sample of 92 adolescents with persistent asthma were recruited from the respiratory clinic in Sabratha Teaching Hospital, and completed questionnaires measuring demographic and clinical characteristics, asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, and asthma control. Logistic regression analysis was carried out, taking the asthma control as the dependent variable. Results: Twenty-four percent of participants had well controlled asthma. In a bivariate analysis, well controlled asthma was significantly associated with adolescents having mild persistent asthma, not having allergic rhinitis, using preventive inhalers regularly, reporting higher level asthma knowledge, and higher self-efficacy. However, in multiple logistic model, only self-efficacy was an independent predictor of asthma control, with higher self-efficacy associated with well-controlled asthma (Adjusted OR= 1.107, 95% CI: 1.012 – 1.210, p= 0.026). Conclusion: Identifying and targeting modifiable predictors of well controlled asthma could improve asthma control. In adolescents with asthma, enhancing self-confidence of adolescents to undertake health behaviour modification seems to be an important step toward a better asthma control.

Exposure to intimate partner violence and lack of asthma control in adults: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic airway disease that affects 339 million people worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease with different risks, including in family environments, where intimate partner violence occurs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the possible association between psychosocial factors and asthma control in adults exposed to intimate partner violence. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a Brazilian public higher education institution in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: The study population consisted of adults clinically diagnosed with severe asthma and those with mild/moderate asthma identified at an asthma referral outpatient clinic. The sample comprised 492 participants who underwent clinical evaluation and completed questionnaires to assess asthma control, depression, stress, and resilience. The Conflict Tactics Scale, which measures tactics for managing marital conflicts, was used to estimate the level of intimate partner violence. RESULTS: Of the 492 participants, 76.2% were women and 91% self-referenced color black/brown, 37.8% reported low family income, 87.4% reported low education level, 71.7% reported high stress, 32.5% reported low resilience, 18.5% reported moderate or severe depression, 83.3% reported resolute negotiation, 49.4% reported major psychological aggression, 19.6% reported major physical aggression, 15.5% reported major injury, and 7.3% reported major sexual coercion. Regression analysis revealed that sex was an effect modifier. CONCLUSION: Women in situations of social vulnerability, with low income and poor education, with depression, severe asthma, and those who used aggression to resolve marital conflicts had a profile associated with a lack of asthma control.

Detection Of Treatment Adherence, Disease Control and Its Predictors in Asthma Patients by Rural Community Level Health Workers

Background: Despite the availability of effective therapy, disease control in Asthma remains suboptimal with high morbidity. Objectives: To assess treatment adherence, asthma control and its influencing fac-tors.Methodology: A prospective, observational study was conducted among 152 adult asthma patients re-porting consecutively to a BPHC for twelve months. Patients were followed up by trained healthcare workers to assess their treatment adherence and disease control using a predesigned, pretested and val-idated questionnaire.Results: Mean age was 49.6 years (SD=+14.0), males reported more cases (73.7%), addiction to tobacco was high (48.7%). 40.8% patients had high treatment adherence. Only 37.5% patients reported good asthma control of which 68.4% showed high adherence. The mean Asthma Control Test (ACT) score was 18.75 ± 4.8 SD. Increasing age (aOR=0.96, 95% CI= 0.93-0.99), tobacco smoking (aOR=2.90, 95% CI=1.20-6.99), dust allergy (aOR= 7.92, CI =3.15-19.91) and low treatment adherence (aOR=5.33, 95% CI=2.22-12.82) were found to be significant predictors of poor disease control.Conclusions: Non adherence to treatment and poor disease control was high among rural asthma pa-tients. Patient education for tobacco cessation and treatment compliance along with periodic monitoring undertaken by trained health workers can be an effective strategy to reduce disease burden in the com-munity.

Factors influencing adherence to asthma control measures among patients in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi Kenya

BACKGROUND :Asthma is an obstructive respiratory disease characterized by wheezing, chest tightness, cough and shortness of breath that is evidenced by expiratory airflow limitation. Patient awareness of asthma control measures is key in ensuring compliance with asthmatic drugs. The main aim of the study was to assess determinants of adherence to asthma control measures among adult asthmatic clients attending chest clinics in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHOD We employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design involving asthmatic patients interviewed at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The study participants had to have been diagnosed with asthma for at least three months preceding the study, attend the chest clinic and consent to participate in the study. We pretested the study tools at Mbagathi county hospital on 11 asthmatic patients. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 110 study participants and data was collected using a modified questionnaire and lung function test between March to June 2018. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0. The Chi-square test was used to establish the association between independent variables and asthma adherence control measures at a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Our findings report a response rate of 89% (98). The majority (58.2%) of participants were females. On average 57.1% had good adherence to asthma control measures. Control of asthma was poor, with well-controlled being 27.5%, moderately controlled at 53.1% and poorly controlled at 19.4%, respectively P (0.003). Respondents with adequate knowledge were 56.1% and positive attitude with 71.2%. There was a significant association between adherence to asthma control measures and participants' attitude (P-value=0.000), knowledge (P-value=0.000), level of education (P-value=0.000), level of asthma control (P-value=0.003). Environmental factors were cleaning carpets/curtains (P-value=0.001), type of fuel (P-value=0.003), and use of carpet (Pvalue=0.014). CONCLUSION Adherence to asthma control measures was suboptimal resulting in a generally poor asthma control. Adequate knowledge was associated with a positive attitude. Adherence was strongly associated with attitude, knowledge, education and asthma control.

Application of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and nasal nitric oxide in control evaluation of bronchial asthma and diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the association of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and nasal nitric oxide (nNO) with asthma control and their value in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in children.@*METHODS@#A total of 186 children aged 5-12 years, who attended the outpatient service of the Department of Respiration, Shanghai Children's Hospital due to bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis or who underwent physical examination, were enrolled as subjects, with 52 children in the asthma group, 60 children in the asthma+allergic rhinitis group, 36 children in the allergic rhinitis group, and 38 children in the control group. FeNO, nNO, and pulmonary function were compared between groups.@*RESULTS@#The asthma+allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis groups had a significantly higher level of FeNO than the control group (P<0.05). The asthma+allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis groups had a significantly higher level of nNO than the asthma and control groups (P<0.05). The uncontrolled asthma and partially controlled asthma groups had significantly higher levels of FeNO and nNO than the completely controlled asthma group (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that nNO had an area under the ROC curve of 0.91, with a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 89.5% in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in children with asthma (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The combined measurement of nNO and FeNO can be used to evaluate the control of asthma, and the measurement of nNO can help with the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in children with bronchial asthma.

Avaliação da técnica inalatória em atendimentos de primeira consulta em ambulatório de asma de hospital terciário / Evaluation of the inhalation technique in first care visits in an asthma outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital

Introdução: Técnica inalatória (TI) correta é fundamental para o controle da asma. Objetivo: Avaliar TI de pacientes em atendimento de primeira consulta em um ambulatório de asma. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal com amostra de conveniência de asmáticos com idade ≥ 18 anos, em primeira consulta no ambulatório de asma do Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro (HUAP) da Universidade Federal Fluminense e em uso de medicamentos disponíveis para uso em aerossol dosimetrado (AD), Aerocaps, Aerolizer ou Diskus. Participantes preencheram questionário com dados sociodemográficos, avaliação de controle da doença segundo o documento GINA, existência de orientações médicas para uso dos dispostivos inalatórios (DI), tempo de uso de DI e especialidade do médico encaminhador. A TI era considerada apropriada quando todas as etapas foram realizadas corretamente baseando-se nas bulas das medicações e foram demonstradas com os DI vazios. Resultados: Entre os 51 pacientes incluídos, 43 (84,3%) tinham TI incorretas e 4 (7,8%) apresentavam asma controlada. Trinta e cinco (70%) referiram orientação prévia quanto ao uso do DI. A TI correta associou-se com tempo de uso maior que 2 anos (p=0,006) e uso de DI de pó seco em detrimento de AD (p=0,019). Conclusão: Somente 16% dos pacientes encaminhados ao ambulatório da pneumologia específico de asma, de um hospital terciário, tinham a TI correta em sua primeira consulta e a quase totalidade não tinha a asma controlada. Atenção deve ser dada sempre a supervisão da qualidade da TI, principalmente dos usuários de AD e dos que usam seus DI há menos de 2 anos.

Introduction: Correct inhalation technique (IT) is essential for asthma control. Objective: To evaluate the IT of patients making their first visit to the asthma outpatient clinic. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study with a convenience sample of asthmatics aged ≥ 18 years, in their first visit to the asthma outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro (HUAP) of the Universidade Federal Fluminense and using medications available in metered-dose aerosol (DA) , Aerocaps, Aerolizer or Diskus. Participants completed a questionnaire with sociodemographic data, assessment of disease control according to the GINA document, existence of medical guidelines for the use of inhalation devices (IDs), length of ID use, and specialty of the refer-ring clinician. IT was considered appropriate when all steps were performed correctly based on medication package inserts and were demonstrated with empty IDs. Results: Among the 51 patients included, 43 (84.3%) had incorrect IT and 4 (7.8%) had controlled asthma. Thirty-five (70%) reported previous guidance regarding the use of ID. Correct IT was associated with time of use greater than 2 years (p=0.006) and use of dry powder ID rather than DA (p=0.019). Conclusion: Only 16% of the patients referred to the asthma-specific pulmonology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital had the correct IT at their first appointment and almost all of them did not have controlled asthma. Attention should always be given to the supervision of IT quality, especially for DA users and those who have been using their ID for less than 2 years.

Efectos de la suplementación con vitamina D en el control del asma en pacientes adultos: una revisión sistemática / Effects of vitamin D supplementation on asthma control in adult patients: a systematic review

INTRODUCCIÓN: El asma es una enfermedad crónica inflamatoria de la vía aérea e inmunomediada en su patogénesis. La vitamina D es un inmunomodulador que regula el perfil secretor de citoquinas, entre otras funciones celulares. Una asociación entre la suficiencia de vitamina D y mejoría en la función pulmonar, control de asma y número de exacerbaciones se ha propuesto en adultos, importante dada la elevada prevalencia de insuficiencia de vitamina D globalmente. OBJETIVO: Conocer los efectos de la suplementación con vitamina D en el control del asma en adultos. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura a través de una búsqueda en la base de datos PubMed y EMBASE. Los desenlaces primarios fueron cambios en VEF1, control sintomático, frecuencia de exacerbaciones, además de eventos adversos y FEM como desenlaces secundarios. La calidad de evidencia de los desenlaces fue evaluada a través del modelo GRADE. RESULTADOS: Siete estudios fueron seleccionados después de remover duplicados y aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, con calidad de evidencia muy baja aplicando sistema GRADE. DISCUSIÓN: No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas tras la suplementación con vitamina D en los desenlaces evaluados en general, pero dada la calidad de evidencia muy baja y que no se reportaron efectos adversos serios, es necesario tomar cautelosamente estos resultados. Asímismo no se puede descartar la utilidad de esta terapia como tratamiento auxiliar a los pacientes asmáticos con este déficit vitamínico.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is an airway chronic disease, with an important inflammatory component within its pathogenesis, driven by a dysregulated immune response. Vitamin D is an immunomodulator that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and cytokine secretion profile. An association between vitamin D sufficiency and improvement in pulmonary function, asthma control and a decrease in exacerbations have been proposed in the adult population, which falls into importance given the high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency globally. OBJECTIVE: To know vitamin D supplementation effects in asthma control in adults. METHODS: Through a PubMed and EMBASE database search, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. Primary outcomes were: changes in FEV1, symptomatic control, exacerbation frequency and PEF and adverse events as secondary outcomes. Outcome evidence quality assessment was made using the GRADE model. Results: Seven studies were selected after taking out duplicates, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. In all cases, evidence quality assessed by the GRADE system yielded very low quality. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences were found after vitamin D supplementation in the overall evaluated outcomes. Nonetheless, a cautious interpretation of studies is mandatory, because evidence quality was very low and no serious adverse events were reported. Hence this treatment usefulness as an ancillary therapy for vitamin D deficient asthmatic patients cannot be dismissed.

Asma y obesidad en pediatría / Asthma and obesity in pediatrics

Introducción: La asociación de asma y obesidad ha aumentado su prevalencia en los últimos años. Objetivos: Caracterizar a niños y adolescentes asmáticos con obesidad asociada. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva, transversal y prospectiva, 2017-2018, Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Centro Habana. Se evaluaron 43 pacientes asmáticos entre 5 y 18 años de edad con obesidad exógena asociada. Se exploraron edad, sexo, antecedentes familiares de asma y obesidad, severidad y grado de control del asma. Se realizaron estudios para evaluar el metabolismo lipídico y de los hidratos de carbono. Resultados: La distribución por edades fue similar (escolares, adolescencia temprana y tardía), predominó el sexo masculino en escolares: 11 de 16 (68,7 por ciento) y el femenino en la adolescencia tardía: 12 de 15 (80 por ciento). Se refirieron antecedentes familiares de obesidad en 5 (11,6 por ciento) y asma asociada a obesidad en 26 (60,5 por ciento); la mayoría presentaba asma persistente leve: 38 (88,4 por ciento), no controlados: 28 (65,1 por ciento) y parcialmente controlados 10 (23,3 por ciento). Dos pacientes presentaban intolerancia a los hidratos de carbono (4,7 por ciento), uno de ellos con resistencia a la insulina. La dislipidemia fue el trastorno metabólico más frecuente: colesterol sérico elevado en 23 (53,5 por ciento), LDLc alto en 13 (30,2 por ciento) y HDLc bajo en 10 (23,3 por ciento). Conclusiones: Los niños asmáticos con historia familiar de obesidad tienen alto riesgo de ser también obesos, lo cual puede dificultar el control del asma; son frecuentes en ellos las alteraciones metabólicas(AU)

Introduction: The association of asthma and obesity has increased its prevalence in recent years. Objectives: Characterize asthmatic children and adolescents with associated obesity. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective research, 2017 - 2018, Pneumology Service, Centro Habana University Pediatric Hospital. 43 asthmatic patients from 5 to 18 years old with associated exogenous obesity were assessed. Age, sex, family history of asthma and obesity, severity and degree of asthma control were studied. Studies were conducted to evaluate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Results: Age distribution was similar (schoolers, early and late adolescence), predominated male sex in schoolchildren (11 of 16 - 68.7 percent) and the female in late adolescence (12 of 15 -80 percent). Family history of obesity was reported in 5 patients (11.6 percent) and obesity-associated asthma in 26 (60.5 percent); most had mild persistent asthma (38 -88.4 percent) poorly controlled: 28 uncontrolled (65.1 percent) and 10 partially controlled (23.3 percent). Two patients had carbohydrate intolerance (4.7 percent), one of them with insulin resistance. Dyslipidemia was the most common metabolic disorder: serum cholesterol increased in 23 - 53.5 percent, high LDLc in 13 - 30.2 percent, and low HDLc in 10 - 23.3 percent. Conclusions: Asthmatic children with a family history of obesity are also at high risk of being obese, which can make difficult to control asthma; metabolic alterations are common in them(Au)

Pathway analysis of medication belief, compliance and asthma control level in elderly patients with asthma / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the current situation of medication belief, compliance and asthma control level of elderly patients with asthma, and to analyze the influencing factors of asthma control level, so as to provide theoretical reference for improving asthma control level of elderly patients with asthma.Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, 325 elderly patients with asthma were selected from the respiratory clinic of Jilin Central Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University from June to December 2019. The general information, medication belief, compliance and the level of asthma control in elderly patients with asthma were evaluated by general information questionnaire, the specific medication beliefs scale (BMQ-S), Chinese bronchus Asthma medication adherence scale (MARS-A) and Asthma Control Test scale (ACT).Results:The scores of BMQ-S, MARS-A and ACT were (2.82±8.36), (3.67±0.85) and (17.96±5.10) respectively. Regression results showed that age, education level, medication belief and compliance were important influencing factors of asthma control level in elderly patients with asthma ( P<0.05 or 0.01), which could explain 77.9% of variation. The total score of asthma control level was positively correlated with the total score of belief in taking medicine and the total score of compliance ( r values were 0.704, 0.775, P<0.05). The structural equation model fit index between the necessity of medication belief, the concern of medication belief, the compliance and the level of asthma control was high, the path coefficient significantly ( P<0.05), compliance had a mediating effect between the necessity of medication belief and the level of asthma control. The direct and indirect effects of the necessity of medication belief on the level of asthma control in elderly asthmatics were 0.320 and 0.389 respectively, and the direct effect of medication belief concern on the level of asthma control was-0.089. Conclusions:The medication belief necessity and medication belief concern have a direct predictive effect on asthma control level in elderly patients with asthma, and compliance has a mediating effect between medication belief necessity and asthma control level.

Nursing value of staged exercise nursing intervention on children with bronchial asthma / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical value of nursing intervention in children with bronchial asthma.Methods:Totally 140 children with bronchial asthma admitted from March 2017 to April 2018 were randomly divided into observation group and control group with 70 cases in each group, the control group was given routine nursing care, while the observation group was given staged exercise nursing intervention on the basis of the control group. The asthma control, pulmonary function, exercise ability and quality of life of the two groups were compared before and after nursing.Results:The scores of Asthma Control Test (25.65±2.57) points and control level in the observation group were higher than (21.78±1.56) points and control level in the control group ( t=7.332, Z=5.915, P<0.001). 3 months after nursing, observation group VT/kg (9.82±1.26) ml/kg、TPEF/TE (38.49±2.97)%, VPEF/VE (41.37±5.16)%, Fatigue Index (FI) (48.61±3.79), Peak Power (PP) (8.99±0.85) W/kg, Mean Power (MP) (7.59±0.46), three dimensions of Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) was Symptom (6.72±0.49) points, Activity (6.72±0.46) points, Emotion (6.68±0.68) points, all of them were higher than the control group VT/kg (9.30±1.42) ml/kg, TPEF/TE (24.13±3.22)%, VPEF/VE (28.21±4.26)%, FI (48.61±3.79), PP (7.91±0.96) W/kg, MP (7.20±0.81) W/kg, Symptom (6.52±0.52) points, Activity (5.16±0.82) points, Emotion (6.40±0.58) points ( t values were 2.292-27.427, P<0.05). Conclusion:Stage exercise nursing intervention could more effectively control the asthma symptoms of children with bronchial asthma, improve lung function and exercise ability, and strengthen the quality of life of children.

Clinical progress of effective monitoring in management of pediatric asthma / 国际儿科学杂志

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in childhood which is characterized by chronic airway inflammation.With the increasing incidence, the impact of asthma on children′s quality of life, family income and society economy becomes more and more nonnegligible, and people now pay more attention on the effective treatment of asthma.The aim of asthma treatment is to achieve symptom control and improve prognosis.In order to achieve this aim, the effective managemant of asthma is particularly important.The effective management includes monitoring quality of life, using of spirometry and asthma medications.This review discusses the management of children asthma.

Avaliação do controle da asma entre diferentes medidas e avaliação da capacidade de exercício funcional em crianças e adolescentes com asma / Assessment of asthma control among different measures and evaluation of functional exercise capacity in children and adolescents with asthma

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a concordância entre as medidas de controle da asma e a capacidade de exercício funcional em crianças e adolescentes com asma não controlada e controlada. Métodos Selecionamos crianças e adolescentes com asma de 7 a 17 anos, que foram atendidos no Ambulatório de Pneumologia Pediátrica da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Todos os pacientes tiveram nível de controle da asma avaliado pelo questionário da Global Initiative for Asthma (GINAq), Teste de Controle da Asma (TCA), espirometria e teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M). Os pacientes foram classificados como asma não controlada ou controlada em cada teste e a concordância entre as medidas foi avaliada pelas estatísticas do Kappa. A curva ROC foi calculada para o TC6M. O índice espirométrico da espirometria foi composto por FEV1, FEV1/FVC e FEF25-75%. Os resultados da espirometria e do TC6M foram comparados entre o grupo de asma não controlada e controlada pela GINAq. Resultados Dos 138 sujeitos incluídos, 78 (56,5%) eram do sexo masculino com idade média de 11,00 (7-17) anos. O GINAq detectou 68,8% dos pacientes com asma não controlada. Foi observada concordância moderada (p<0,001; k=0,56) e alta especificidade (100%) entre o GINAq e o TCA. No TC6M, o ponto de corte de 82,03% da distância prevista possibilitou a distinção de pacientes com asma controlada e não controlada. O índice espirométrico apresentou 73,4% de sensibilidade com o GINAq. Foram observados resultados piores no TC6M em pacientes com asma não controlada. Conclusões Este estudo destaca a importância de avaliar mais de uma medida para diferenciar o nível de controle da asma. O GINAq identificou mais pacientes com asma não controlada e apresentou concordância moderada com o TCA. O índice espirométrico foi associado à asma não controlada de acordo com o GINAq. O TC6M foi uma boa medida para distinguir pacientes com asma controlada e não controlada.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the agreement among asthma control measures and functional exercise capacity in children and adolescents with uncontrolled and controlled asthma. Methods Children and adolescents with asthma from 7-17 years old were selected, and they were attended in the "Pediatric Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic of State University of Campinas", in Brazil. All patients had asthma control level assessed by Global Initiative for Asthma questionnaire (GINAq), Asthma Control Test (ACT), spirometry and six-minute-walk-test (6MWT). Patients were classified as uncontrolled or controlled asthma in each test and agreement among measures was assessed by kappa statistics. The ROC curve was calculated for the 6MWT. The spirometric index obtained from spirometry was composed by FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75%. Spirometry and 6MWT results were compared between uncontrolled and controlled asthma group by GINAq. Results Of the 138 subjects included, 78 (56.5%) were male with median age of 11 (7-17) years old. GINAq detected 68.8% of patients with uncontrolled asthma. Moderate agreement (p < 0.001; k = 0.56) and high specificity (100%) was observed between GINAq and ACT. In 6MWT, the cut-off point of 82.03% of predicted distance was able to distinguish patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma. Spirometric index presented 73.4% of sensitivity according to GINAq. The results for 6MWT in patients with uncontrolled asthma were the worst of all. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of assessing more than one measure to differentiate asthma control level. GINAq identified more patients with uncontrolled asthma and presented moderate agreement with ACT. Spirometric index was associated with uncontrolled asthma according to GINAq. 6MWT was a suitable measure to distinguish patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma.

Current status of asthma control and influencing factors of occupational sensitizer-induced asthma / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the asthma control status of occupational sensitizer-induced asthma(OSIA) and explore the influencing factors. METHODS: A total of 50 OSIA patients were selected as study subjects by judgment sampling method. Asthma Control Test(ACT) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to investigate the asthma control status and the quality of life of patients. The fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO) level, pulmonary function, peripheral blood eosinophil ratio(EOS%)and serum total immunoglobulin E(IgE) level of the patients were measured. RESULTS: Among the 50 cases of OSIA patients, 27(54.0%) cases were well controlled, and 23(46.0%) cases were non-fully controlled. The patients with allergic rhinitis, with no inhaled corticosteroids treatment and with poor compliance were risk factors of the non-fully controlled OSIA(all P<0.05). The scores of ACT and the quality of life, and the percentage of the first second forced expiratory volume(FEV_1%) decreased(all P<0.05), while the level of FeNO increased(P<0.05) in the non-fully controlled group compare with the well-controlled group. There was no statistical significance in EOS% and serum total IgE level between the two groups(both P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Allergic rhinitis, lack of inhaled corticosteroids treatment and poor compliance are the influencing factors that affect the control of OSIA. The combinational scores of ACT and quality of life, FeNO, FEV_1% and other indicators can reflect the status of OSIA and assess the level of asthma control, and help guiding OSIA diagnosis and treatment plans.

Guia para o manejo da asma grave 2019 ­ Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia / Guide to the management of severe asthma 2019 ­ Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology

Antes de rotular um paciente como tendo asma grave, é crucial confirmar o diagnóstico da doença e de sua gravidade, além de excluir diagnósticos diferenciais de condições que podem se assemelhar ou se confundir com a asma, tais como: tuberculose, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, disfunção de corda vocal, apneia do sono, bronquiectasia, entre outras. Neste guia são abordados, além dos diagnósticos diferenciais, dados de história clínica e exames laboratoriais que permitem classificar o paciente com relação à evolução da doença (controlado ou não controlado) e, assim, possibilitar a instituição do esquema terapêutico mais apropriado. São apresentadas alternativas terapêuticas disponíveis para a abordagem clínica desses pacientes, incluindo os imunobiológicos.

Prior to labeling a patient as having severe asthma, a crucial step is to confirm the diagnosis and severity as well as to exclude conditions that may resemble or be mistaken for asthma such as tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vocal cord dysfunction, sleep apnea, bronchiectasis, among others. In addition to differential diagnoses, this guide addresses clinical history data and laboratory tests that classify the patient regarding disease progression (controlled or uncontrolled asthma), allowing the establishment of an adequate therapeutic plan. Therapeutic options available for the treatment of these patients are detailed, including biologics.

Caracterización clínico-espirométrica de pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos / Clinical-spirometric characterization of asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms

Introducción: Los síntomas nocturnos son frecuentes en asmáticos y pueden relacionarse con la gravedad, el grado de control del asma y la función pulmonar. Objetivos: Determinar las características demográficas, clínicas y espirométricas de pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos, que acuden a consulta externa de neumología. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 50 pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos, atendidos por consulta externa en el Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico, en el período comprendido de mayo de 2017 a mayo de 2018. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (74,0 por ciento), la edad entre 40 y 59 años (52,0 por ciento), los antecedentes familiares de asma o alergia (60,0 por ciento) y múltiples comorbilidades asociadas (78,0 por ciento). La hipersomnia diurna estuvo presente en 80,0 por ciento de los casos, con una frecuencia significativamente elevada en pacientes con asma persistente moderada y severa, disminución de la reversibilidad aguda al broncodilatador, mal control de la enfermedad y limitación de la actividad física. Conclusiones: Los síntomas nocturnos en los pacientes asmáticos son frecuentes y se relacionan con la hipersomnia diurna, la gravedad del asma, el grado de control, la respuesta al broncodilatador y limitación de la actividad física(AU)

Introduction: Nighttime symptoms are frequent in asthmatics and can be related to severity, degree of asthma control and lung function. Objectives: To determine the demographic, clinical and spirometric characteristics of asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms, who go to an outpatient pulmonology clinic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms, they were assisted in the outpatient consultation at the Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico, from May 2017 to May 2018. Results: Female sex (74.0 percent), age ranging 40 and 59 years (52.0 percent), family history of asthma or allergy (60.0 percent) and multiple associated comorbidities (78.0 percent) predominated. Daytime hypersomnia was present in 80.0 percent of cases, with significantly elevated frequency in patients with moderate and severe persistent asthma, decreased acute reversibility to the bronchodilator, poor disease control, and limited physical activity. Conclusions: Nocturnal symptoms in asthmatic patients are frequent and are related to daytime hypersomnia, asthma severity, degree of control, response to the bronchodilator and limitation of physical activity(AU)

Nivel de control del asma en pacientes que acuden al Departamento de Neumología del Hospital Infantil doctor Robert Reid Cabral, agosto 2015 a febrero 2016. Santo Domingo, República Dominicana / Level of control of asthma in patients who come to the Department of Pulmonology of the Children's Hospital Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, August 2015 to February 2016. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Antecedentes: el asma es la enfermedad crónica más frecuente en la infancia, aun con medicamentos eficaces y seguros, muchos permanecen sin control. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de control del asma que tienen los pacientes que acuden al Departamento de Neumología del Hospital Infantil Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, durante el periodo de agosto 2015 a febrero 2016. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo con recolección prospectiva de datos. Se incluyeron pacientes con edad de 6 años o más y diagnóstico de asma, se excluyeron menores de 6 años de edad, con comorbilidades agregadas y que rechazaron participar; se siguieron por 3 meses, el nivel de control y tratamiento se estableció de acuerdo a las recomendaciones de la Iniciativa Global de Asma (GINA). Resultados: se siguieron 36 pacientes, 56 % masculino, con edad media de 9,2 ± 2,8 años. En el 92 % se identificó algún factor de riesgo para asma. El 75 % no tenía controlada la enfermedad; al tercer mes de iniciar tratamiento, 22.2 % ya tenían controlada el asma y aquellos sin control de la enfermedad disminuyó a 16.6 %. 12 pacientes suspendieron el tratamiento, 75 % de estos por limitación económica para comprar el medicamento

Background: Asthma is the most frequent chronic disease in childhood, even with effective and safe medications, many remain uncontrolled. Objective: To determine the level of asthma control of patients who come to the Department of Pulmonology of the Children's Hospital Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, during the period from August 2015 to February 2016 Material and Methods: Descriptive study, prospective collection of data, patients with age 6 years or older and diagnosis of asthma were included; children under 6 years of age were excluded, with added comorbidities and who refused to participate; were followed for 3 months, the level of control and treatment was established according to the recommendations of the Global Asthma Initiative (GINA) Results: 36 patients were followed, 56% male, with a mean age of 9.2 + 2.8 years. In 92%, some risk factor for asthma was identified. 75% did not control the disease; at the third month after starting treatment, 22.2% had asthma controlled and those without control of the disease decreased to 16.6%. 12 patients suspended the treatment, 75% of these due to financial limitation to buy the medication

Usefulness of bronchodilator response as an index of asthma control in children

PURPOSE: Assessing asthma control is important for proper management, and various indices for objective assessment of asthma control, such as fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and asthma control test (ACT) score have been proposed. Recently, bronchodilator response (BDR) was reported as a marker of poor asthma control in adults. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of BDR as a biomarker for childhood asthma. METHODS: A total of 305 children diagnosed with asthma were included. Spirometry with bronchodilator test was done at the time of diagnosis and about 14 months after asthma treatment. All children were evaluated by childhood asthma control test (c-ACT) and FeNO after asthma treatment. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to BDR results: the positive and negative BDR groups. Various biomarkers for asthma control, such as c-ACT, FeNO and changes of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Of the 305 patients, 143 (46.9%) were positive and 162 (53.1%) were negative for BDR. The BDR-positive group showed lower FEV1. In the BDR positive group, FEV1 was significantly increased after asthma treatment, especially in children with airflow limitation which was defined as below 80% of FEV1 or atopy. In atopic children, BDR showed a significant negative correlation with c-ACT and a positive correlation with FeNO. CONCLUSION: In asthmatic children with airflow limitation at the time of diagnosis, BDR can be a useful index for predicting improvement in lung function by asthma maintenance treatment. BDR could be a reliable marker for the assessment of asthma control in atopic children.

Comparison between modified Chinese Version of Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids and Global Initiative for Asthma guideline / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective@#To explore the value of modified Chinese Version of Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids(TRACK) in the management of asthmatic children aged 0-5 years old by comparing with Global Ini-tiative for Asthma(GINA) guideline.@*Methods@#A total of 157 children aged 0-5 years old were enrolled at the Pedia-tric Asthma Outpatient Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from March to August 2018.All children were treated with individualized anti-asthma treatment for 3 months.After treatment, asthma experts assessed the level of asthma symptom control based on the GINA guideline, while caregivers of all children completed TRACK questionnaire.The optimal threshold of the TRACK questionnaire for asthma control was determined by analyzing receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC curve), and consistency of the 2 evaluation methods was compared.@*Results@#All enrolled children were divided into 3 groups based on GINA guideline: 59 children for the well controlled group, 52 children for the partly controlled group and 46 children for the uncontrolled group.There was a significant difference statistically in TRACK scores among the well controlled group [90(85, 95) scores], the partly controlled group [80(70, 85) scores] and the uncontrolled group [60(55, 65) scores] after treatment (H=101.740, P<0.001). Area under the ROC curve was 0.909 for diagnosing asthma control by the modified Chinese version of TRACK, with 80 scores for optimal threshold, 87.3% for sensitivity and 73.5% for specificity.The Kappa value of the consistency test between the TRACK questionnaire and the GINA guideline was 0.553, and consistency rate of these 2 evaluation methods was 77.1%.@*Conclusions@#The modified Chinese version of TRACK can be used as an effective assessment tool to monitor and manage asthmatic children aged 0-5 years.

Correlation among fractional exhaled nitric oxide, child asthma control test, lung function and disease severity in children with asthmatic / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation among fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), child asthma control test(C-ACT) and lung function in asthmatic children and its clinical significance. Methods A total of 108 cases of asthmatic children in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from June 2016 to September 2018 were recruited. Forty-seven cases (47.44%) were in acute onset, 40 cases(40.37%) were in chronic persistent, and 21 cases (21.19%) were in paracmasis. FeNO, lung function and C-ACT score were measured, and the correlation among them was analyzed. Results The level of FeNO in acute onset patients and chronic persistent patients had no significant difference:(44.18 ± 25.47)×10-9 vs. (46.98 ± 27.50)×10-9, P>0.05, but the level of FeNO in paracmasis patients was lower [(24.43 ± 10.71) × 10-9], compared with that of acute onset patients and chronic persistent patients, there were significant differences (P < 0.01). The scores of C-ACT in three groups had significant difference (P < 0.01), and there were significant differences between any two groups (P <0.01). The levels of forced expiratory peak flow rate measured value as a percentage of predicted value (FEV1%) and forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity ratio in the first second (FEV1/FVC) in acute onset patients were significantly lower than those in chronic persistent patients and paracmasis patients (P <0.01), and there were no significant differences between chronic persistent patients and paracmasis patients (P＞0.05). Conclusions Compared with lung functions and C-ACT, FeNO is a good biomarker to evaluate the airway inflammation of asthmatic children.

Management of asthma in adults in primary care

@#Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway which is often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Early diagnosis and vigilant asthma control are crucial to preventing permanent airway damage, improving quality of life and reducing healthcare burdens. The key approaches to asthma management should include patient empowerment through health education and selfmanagement and, an effective patient-healthcare provider partnership.