Is asthma in the elderly different? Functional and clinical characteristics of asthma in individuals aged 65 years and older.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly (> 65 years), including asthma, is growing, yet information available on asthma in this population is scarce.Our objective is to determine the differential clinical and functional characteristics of the population > 65 years old with asthma included in the Integrated Research Programs of Asthma Databank of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (www.bancodatosasma.com). METHODS: Retrospective comparative descriptive study of demographic, clinical and functional variables for 1713 patients with asthma categorized into 3 age groups as follows: adults aged < 65 years (A), younger elderly aged 65-74 years (B) and older elderly aged ≥75 years (C). RESULTS: Predominant features of elderly patients with asthma (N = 471) were the female sex, fewer smokers, greater obesity, poorer lung function, and lower values of nitric oxide in exhaled air (p < 0.01). The most frequently associated comorbidity was gastroesophageal reflux. The highest doses of inhaled corticosteroids were by group A (60.8%). For the sample overall, 23.2% (N = 398) were being treated with omalizumab and 8.2% (N = 140) were corticosteroid-dependent (10.6% in group B). The highest percentage of patients receiving antileukotriene agents was in group B (42.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma in adults aged> 65 is more severe and associated with greater comorbidity, which would indicate the need for a more integrated and multidimensional approach to asthma treatment for these patients.

A repeated short educational intervention improves asthma control and quality of life.

We assessed the effectiveness of an asthma educational programme based on a repeated short intervention (AEP-RSI) to improve asthma control (symptom control and future risk) and quality of life. A total of 230 adults with mild-to-moderate persistent uncontrolled asthma participated in a 1-year cluster randomised controlled multicentre study. The AEP-RSI was given in four face-to-face sessions at 3-month intervals, and included administration of a written personalised action plan and training on inhaler technique. Centres were randomised to the AEP-RSI (intervention) group or usual clinical practice group. Specialised centres using a standard educational programme were the gold standard group. A significant improvement in the Asthma Control Test score was observed in all three groups (p<0.001), but improvements were higher in the intervention and gold standard groups than in the usual clinical practice group (p=0.042), which also showed fewer exacerbations (mean±sd; 1.20±2.02 and 0.56±1.5 versus 2.04±2.72, respectively) and greater increases in the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores (0.95±1.04 and 0.89±0.84 versus 0.52±0.97, respectively). The AEP-RSI was effective in improving asthma symptom control, future risk and quality of life.

Omalizumab therapy in severe asthma: experience from the Spanish registry--some new approaches.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of omalizumab in severe asthma has been widely demonstrated. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of omalizumab in a real-life setting in Spain, particularly in those patients with immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels out of range. METHODS: Totally 266 uncontrolled severe asthma patients receiving high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) plus long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) were recruited. Main efficacy outcomes were asthma exacerbation rate (AER), asthma control test (ACT), and global evaluation of treatment effectiveness (GETE). RESULTS: AER was reduced from 3.6 (3.6) in previous year to 0.67 (1.2) at 4 months (p < .05) and to 1.04 (1.8) at 2 years (p < .05). ACT increased significantly from 14.3 (4.7) at baseline to 18.4 (4.4) at 4 months (p < .05) and to 20.3 (4.0) (p < .05) at 2 years. After 4 months, 74.6% of patients had reached a good or excellent rate on the GETE scale (p < .05). This rate continued increasing up to 81.6% at 2 years. These efficacy results were similar for patients with "off-label" IgE > 700 IU/ml. At follow-up, maintenance treatment with oral steroids was discontinued in a considerable number of patients: from 89 to 19 (p < .05). Omalizumab was discontinued because of lack of efficacy only in 28/266 (10.5%) patients. Overall, 30 patients (11.4%) reported adverse events. Severe adverse events were not observed. CONCLUSION: This real-life study confirms that omalizumab is very efficacious and very well tolerated in patients with uncontrolled severe asthma. Results did not vary in the subgroup of patients with IgE levels >700 IU/ml.

Psychological profile of patients with bronchial asthma and functional dyspnea: a comparison with a non-asthmatic population and impact on the disease.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have analysed the relationship between anxiety and alexithymia with functional dyspnea (FD) and its impact on quality of life and asthma control. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DD in asthma, its impact on quality of life and asthma control and its relationship with anxiety and alexithymia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 264 asthmatic patients and 111 controls. Both groups completed the following questionnaires: quality of life (AQLQ), alexithymia (TAS-20), anxiety (STAI) and FD (Nijmegen). In asthmatics were evaluated: asthma severity, dyspnoea, exacerbation and control of the disease (ACT test). RESULTS: 38% of asthmatics and 5.5% of non-asthmatics had FD. Asthmatics had more anxiety and were more alexithymic. Asthmatics with FD had significantly more anxiety, more alexithymia, poor control of asthma, more exacerbations and poorer quality of life, that asthma without DD. Asthmatics with an ACT<19, a score >3 in the emotion subscale of the AQLQ, who were being treated for anxiety and scored >19 on the alexithymia subscale that assesses difficulty in identifying emotions, showed ORs for FD of 2.6 (1.1-5.9), 6.8 (2.9-15.8), 4.4 (1.9-9.8) and 3.3 (1.5-7), respectively. A predictive model of FD was constructed. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the close relationship between anxiety, alexithymia and DD in asthmatics, as well as the significant impact of FD on the control and quality of life of this asthmatics.

Perfil psicológico de los pacientes con asma bronquial y disnea funcional: comparación con población no asmática e impacto sobre la enfermedad / Psychological Profile of Patients with Bronchial Asthma and Functional Dyspnea: A Comparison with a Non-Asthmatic Population and Impact on the Disease

IntroducciónPocos estudios analizan la relación de la ansiedad o la alexitimia con la disnea funcional (DF) y su impacto en calidad de vida y control del asma. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de la DF en el asma, su repercusión sobre la calidad de vida y el control del asma y su relación con la ansiedad y la alexitimia.Pacientes y métodosSe realizó un estudio transversal de 264 pacientes asmáticos y 111 controles. Ambos grupos cumplimentaron los siguientes cuestionarios: calidad de vida (AQLQ), alexitimia (TAS-20), ansiedad (STAI) y DF (Nijmegen). En asmáticos se evalúo: gravedad del asma, grado de disnea, exacerbaciones y control de la enfermedad (test ACT).ResultadosUn 38% de asmáticos y un 5,5% de no asmáticos tenían DF. Los asmáticos tenían más ansiedad y eran más alexitímicos. Los asmáticos con DF tenían de manera significativa más ansiedad, más alexitimia, peor control del asma, más exacerbaciones y peor calidad de vida que asmáticos sin DF. Los asmáticos con ACT<19, una puntuación > 3 en la subescala de emoción del AQLQ, que estaban siendo tratados para ansiedad y que puntuaban > 19 en la subescala de alexitimia que evalúa dificultad para identificar emociones mostraban OR para DF de 2,6 (1,1-5,9), 6,8 (2,9-15,8), 4,4 (1,9-9,8) y 3,3 (1,5-7), respectivamente. Se construyó modelo predictivo de DF en asmáticos.ConclusionesSe demuestra la relación estrecha entre ansiedad, alexitimia y DF en asmáticos, así como importantes repercusiones que tiene la DF sobre el control y calidad de vida del asmático(AU)

BackgroundFew studies have analysed the relationship between anxiety and alexithymia with functional dyspnea (FD) and its impact on quality of life and asthma control. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DD in asthma, its impact on quality of life and asthma control and its relationship with anxiety and alexithymia.Patients and methodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of 264 asthmatic patients and 111 controls. Both groups completed the following questionnaires: quality of life (AQLQ), alexithymia (TAS-20), anxiety (STAI) and FD (Nijmegen). In asthmatics were evaluated: asthma severity, dyspnoea, exacerbation and control of the disease (ACT test).Results38% of asthmatics and 5.5% of non-asthmatics had FD. Asthmatics had more anxiety and were more alexithymic. Asthmatics with FD had significantly more anxiety, more alexithymia, poor control of asthma, more exacerbations and poorer quality of life, that asthma without DD. Asthmatics with an ACT<19, a score >3 in the emotion subscale of the AQLQ, who were being treated for anxiety and scored >19 on the alexithymia subscale that assesses difficulty in identifying emotions, showed ORs for FD of 2.6 (1.1-5.9), 6.8 (2.9-15.8), 4.4 (1.9-9.8) and 3.3 (1.5-7), respectively. A predictive model of FD was constructed.ConclusionsWe demonstrated the close relationship between anxiety, alexithymia and DD in asthmatics, as well as the significant impact of FD on the control and quality of life of this asthmatics(AU)

Respuesta inflamatoria de la exacerbación asmática de instauración rápida / Inflammatory Response of Rapid Onset Asthma Exacerbation

No se ha estudiado suficientemente la asociación entre la rapidez de instauración de la crisis de asma y la respuesta inflamatoria desencadenada.ObjetivoDeterminar los mecanismos inflamatorios que caracterizan la exacerbación asmática de instauración rápida.MétodoSe diseñó un estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarias, que evaluó a 34 pacientes que se distribuyeron en tres grupos en función de las horas de instauración de la exacerbación asmática: (menos de 24h), instauración intermedia (25–144h), e instauración lenta (145 o más horas). Se recogieron datos clínicos, de esputo, sangre y orina en el momento de la primera atención y pasadas 24h, determinándose celularidad inflamatoria y marcadores solubles.ResultadosLos pacientes con exacerbación rápida presentaron una significativa mayor concentración de elastasa (1.028±1.140; 310±364; 401±390ng/ml) y albúmina (46,2± 4,3; 42±3,4; 39,9±4,8g/l) en sangre. El número de neutrófilos, eosinófilos, (tanto en sangre como en esputo), los niveles de proteína catiónica del eosinófilo (PCE) (sangre), interleuquina 8 (IL8) (sangre) y leucotrieno E4 (LTE4) (orina) estaban elevadas en los tres grupos (p>0,05). Se constataron asociaciones lineales entre el tiempo de instauración de la exacerbación y la intensidad de la obstrucción (FEV1) (r=−0,360; p=0,037), los eosinófilos en esputo (r=−0,399; p=0,029), la albúmina (r=−0,442; p=0,013); y con la IL8 (r=0,357; p=0,038).ConclusionesLos resultados sugieren una activación precoz de la respuesta neutrofílica y eosinofílica en la exacerbación asmática. No obstante, es posible que el edema bronquial juegue un papel importante en la respuesta inicial inflamatoria de las exacerbaciones dependiendo del tiempo de instauración(AU)

The association between onset of asthma exacerbation and the inflammatory response has not been sufficiently studied.ObjectiveTo determine the differential mechanisms of the rapid onset (RO) asthma exacerbation.MethodsWe designed a prospective, multicentre study that included 34 patients who suffered from asthma exacerbation. They were distributed into three groups of asthmatics, depending of the time of onset: from 0 to 24h, from 25 to 144h and more than 145h. We collected clinical data, sputum, blood and urine samples when first seen at the clinic and the next 24h later, and differential cell counts and biomarkers were determinedResultsThe asthmatics who suffered a RO exacerbation showed a higher elastase concentration, (1.028±1.140; 310±364; 401±390ng/ml) (P<0.05) and albumin (46.2±4.3; 42±3.4; 39.9±4.8g/l) (P<0.05) in the blood sample. Neutrophils, eosinophils (blood or sputum), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) (blood), interleukin 8 (IL8) (blood) and leukotriene E4 (LTE4) (urine) were high in the three groups (P>0.05). We demonstrated an association between the onset of exacerbation and the severity of obstruction (FEV1) (r=−0.360; P=0.037), eosinophils in sputum (r=−0.399; P=0.029), albumin (r=−0.442; P=0.013), and IL8 in sputum (r=0.357; P=0.038).ConclusionsThe results suggest a rapid inflammatory response, both neutrophilic and eosinophilic, in the asthmatic exacerbation. However, the swelling in the bronchi may play an important role in the initial inflammatory response in the exacerbations depending of time of onset(AU)

[Inflammatory response of rapid onset asthma exacerbation]. / Respuesta inflamatoria de la exacerbación asmática de instauración rápida.

UNLABELLED: The association between onset of asthma exacerbation and the inflammatory response has not been sufficiently studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine the differential mechanisms of the rapid onset (RO) asthma exacerbation. METHODS: We designed a prospective, multicentre study that included 34 patients who suffered from asthma exacerbation. They were distributed into three groups of asthmatics, depending of the time of onset: from 0 to 24h, from 25 to 144h and more than 145h. We collected clinical data, sputum, blood and urine samples when first seen at the clinic and the next 24h later, and differential cell counts and biomarkers were determined RESULTS: The asthmatics who suffered a RO exacerbation showed a higher elastase concentration, (1.028±1.140; 310±364; 401±390ng/ml) (P<0.05) and albumin (46.2±4.3; 42±3.4; 39.9±4.8g/l) (P<0.05) in the blood sample. Neutrophils, eosinophils (blood or sputum), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) (blood), interleukin 8 (IL(8)) (blood) and leukotriene E4 (LTE(4)) (urine) were high in the three groups (P>0.05). We demonstrated an association between the onset of exacerbation and the severity of obstruction (FEV(1)) (r=-0.360; P=0.037), eosinophils in sputum (r=-0.399; P=0.029), albumin (r=-0.442; P=0.013), and IL(8) in sputum (r=0.357; P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a rapid inflammatory response, both neutrophilic and eosinophilic, in the asthmatic exacerbation. However, the swelling in the bronchi may play an important role in the initial inflammatory response in the exacerbations depending of time of onset.

[The shuttle run test is not valid for the detection of asthma in school physical education programs]. / La prueba course-navette no es válida para detectar asma en programas de educación física escolar.

OBJECTIVE: Certain sporting activities may trigger asthma exacerbations of varying intensity in children. Such exacerbations may lead to limitations in and rejection of such activities. During school hours, teachers are in a good position to observe these phenomena. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the shuttle run, a test of physical fitness used in school physical education programs, as a way of detecting asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional observational study of school children between the ages of 6 and 12 years using the asthma symptom questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), a shuttle run test, and a free running test at maximum effort in order to study bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The principal measure of bronchial hyperresponsiveness used in both physical fitness tests was peak expiratory flow rate as measured with a peak flow meter. In comparing the results of the shuttle run test with those of the free running test and the ISAAC questionnaire we used the chi(2) test to measure association and the Cohen kappa coefficient to measure agreement. RESULTS: We distributed the ISAAC questionnaire (n=919) to 460 (50.1%) boys and 459 (49.9%) girls between the ages of 6 and 12 years. All the tests were completed by 826 children. The level of agreement between the shuttle run test and free running test was positive but low for decreases in peak expiratory flow rate compared to baseline of 15% (chi(2)=5.6; P< .05; kappa=0.093; SE, 0.042) and of 20% (chi(2)=4.5; P< .05; kappa=0.08; SE, 0.046). For 10% decreases association was not significant and agreement was low (kappa=0.05; SE, 0.04). There was no agreement between the ISAAC questionnaire and the shuttle run test (kappa=0.095; SE, 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: The shuttle run test using peak expiratory flow rate as the principal measure of bronchial hyperresponsiveness is not valid for the detection of asthma in schoolchildren.

La prueba course-navette no es válida para detectar asma en programas de educación física escolar / The shuttle run test is not valid for the detection of asthma in school physical education programs

Objetivo: Determinadas actividades deportivas pueden desencadenar en el niño agudizaciones de asma de intensidad variable, limitaciones y rechazo de las actividades deportivas. Durante el horario escolar los profesores son observadores privilegiados de estos fenómenos. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido evaluar la prueba course-navette ("carrera de ida y vuelta", PCN), prueba de rendimiento físico de los programas de educación física escolar, como medida para detectar asma. Pacientes y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio observacional y transversal en escolares de 6 a 12 años de edad, mediante cuestionario de síntomas relacionados con el asma (ISAAC) y pruebas de rendimiento físico (PCN) y de carrera libre con esfuerzo máximo para estudiar la hiperrespuesta bronquial, utilizando en ambas como medida principal el flujo espiratorio máximo (FEM) determinado con medidor del ápice de flujo espiratorio. En la comparación de los resultados de la PCN con los del test de carrera libre y el cuestionario ISAAC se midió el grado de asociación (con la prueba de la χ²) y de acuerdo (estadístico kappa de Cohen). Resultados: Se distribuyó el cuestionario ISAAC (n = 919) a 460 niños (50,1%) y 459 niñas (49,9%) de 6 a 12 años de edad (mediana ± desviación estándar: 8 ± 1,87 años). Completaron todas las pruebas 826. Se observó una asociación con bajo acuerdo entre la PCN positiva y el test de carrera libre positivo para descensos del FEM, en relación con el basal, del 15% χ² = 5,6; p < 0,05; kappa = 0,093; error estándar [EE] = 0,042) y del 20% (χ² = 4,5; p < 0,05; kappa = 0,08; EE = 0,046). Para descensos del FEM del 10% la asociación no fue significativa y el acuerdo resultó débil (kappa = 0,05; EE = 0,04). No hubo acuerdo entre ISAAC y la PCN (kappa = 0,095; EE = 0,63). Conclusiones: La PCN con el FEM como medida principal del efecto no es válida para detectar asma en escolares

Objective: Certain sporting activities may trigger asthma exacerbations of varying intensity in children. Such exacerbations may lead to limitations in and rejection of such activities. During school hours, teachers are in a good position to observe these phenomena. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the shuttle run, a test of physical fitness used in school physical education programs, as a way of detecting asthma. Patients and methods: We carried out a cross-sectional observational study of school children between the ages of 6 and 12 years using the asthma symptom questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), a shuttle run test, and a free running test at maximum effort in order to study bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The principal measure of bronchial hyperresponsiveness used in both physical fitness tests was peak expiratory flow rate as measured with a peak flow meter. In comparing the results of the shuttle run test with those of the free running test and the ISAAC questionnaire we used the χ² test to measure association and the Cohen κ coefficient to measure agreement. Results: We distributed the ISAAC questionnaire (n=919) to 460 (50.1%) boys and 459 (49.9%) girls between the ages of 6 and 12 years. All the tests were completed by 826 children. The level of agreement between the shuttle run test and free running test was positive but low for decreases in peak expiratory flow rate compared to baseline of 15% (χ²=5.6; P<.05; κ=0.093; SE, 0.042) and of 20% (χ²=4.5; P<.05; κ=0.08; SE, 0.046). For 10% decreases association was not significant and agreement was low (κ=0.05; SE, 0.04). There was no agreement between the ISAAC questionnaire and the shuttle run test (κ=0.095; SE, 0.63). Conclusions: The shuttle run test using peak expiratory flow rate as the principal measure of bronchial hyperresponsiveness is not valid for the detection of asthma in schoolchildren

[Is the incidence of near-fatal asthma decreasing in Spain?]. / Disminuye la incidencia de asma de riesgo vital en España?

OBJECTIVE: A number of studies have shown that both mortality and hospital admissions due to severe asthma have decreased in recent years in many parts of the world. However, the situation is Spain has not yet been analyzed. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of very severe, near-fatal asthma in recent years in various Spanish hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of hospital records from 6 hospitals in 5 Spanish autonomous communities was conducted for the period 1997 to 2004 to determine the annual number of patients who required orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to an asthma attack. RESULTS: Of the 130 patients included in the study, 81 (62%) were women and 61 (47%) were aged between 51 and 75 years. The number of cases observed for the periods 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 (32 and 18, respectively) was significantly lower than that observed for the 1997-1998 and 1999-2000 periods (40 in both cases; P=.019). A significant increase in the incidence was observed in autumn and winter (n=81 [62%]; P=.018). Seventeen patients (13%) died and 8 (6%) developed serious sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Although our sample of 6 hospitals is not widely representative of the entire population of hospitals in Spain, our findings strongly suggest a decrease in the incidence of near-fatal asthma in Spain in recent years.

¿Disminuye la incidencia de asma de riesgo vital en España? / Is the incidence of near-fatal asthma decreasing in Spain?

Objetivo: Estudios recientes muestran un descenso de la mortalidad y del número de los ingresos hospitalarios por asma grave en los últimos años en diferentes lugares del mundo. Se desconoce la situación en nuestro país. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido determinar la frecuencia anual de las crisis de asma de riesgo vital muy grave en los últimos años en diversos centros hospitalarios españoles. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente los registros hospitalarios de los pacientes que precisaron intubación orotraqueal y ventilación mecánica por una crisis de asma en 6 hospitales pertenecientes a 5 comunidades autónomas. El estudio recogió el número anual de casos observado durante el período comprendido entre 1997 y 2004. Resultados: De los 130 pacientes incluidos, 81 (62%) eran mujeres y 61 (47%) tenían entre 51 y 75 años de edad. En los 2 últimos bienios (2001-2002 y 2003-2004) el número de pacientes recogidos (32 y 18, respectivamente) fue significativamente inferior al observado en los 2 primeros (1997-1998 y 1999-2000, con 40 cada bienio; p = 0,019). Se constató una incidencia significativamente mayor de casos (n = 81; 62%) durante las estaciones de otoño e invierno (p = 0,018). Fallecieron 17 pacientes (13%) y 8 (6%) presentaron secuelas graves. Conclusiones: Si bien 6 centros hospitalarios no son lo bastante representativos de la totalidad de los centros españoles, los resultados del presente estudio podrían orientar hacia un muy probable descenso en nuestro país de los casos de asma de riesgo vital en los últimos años

Objective: A number of studies have shown that both mortality and hospital admissions due to severe asthma have decreased in recent years in many parts of the world. However, the situation is Spain has not yet been analyzed. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of very severe, near-fatal asthma in recent years in various Spanish hospitals. Patients and methods: A retrospective review of hospital records from 6 hospitals in 5 Spanish autonomous communities was conducted for the period 1997 to 2004 to determine the annual number of patients who required orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to an asthma attack. Results: Of the 130 patients included in the study, 81 (62%) were women and 61 (47%) were aged between 51 and 75 years. The number of cases observed for the periods 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 (32 and 18, respectively) was significantly lower than that observed for the 1997-1998 and 1999-2000 periods (40 in both cases; P=.019). A significant increase in the incidence was observed in autumn and winter (n=81 [62%]; P=.018). Seventeen patients (13%) died and 8 (6%) developed serious sequelae. Conclusions: Although our sample of 6 hospitals is not widely representative of the entire population of hospitals in Spain, our findings strongly suggest a decrease in the incidence of near-fatal asthma in Spain in recent years