The effectiveness of a pictorial asthma action plan for improving asthma control and the quality of life in illiterate women

Background: Written asthma action plans are an important part of asthma management, but cannot be used for illiterate people. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of a pictorial asthma action plan on asthma control, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and asthma morbidity in a population of illiterate women with asthma. Methods: Forty illiterate women with moderate-severe persistent asthma were assigned alternatively to receive either asthma education alone (control group) or asthma education and a pictorial asthma action plan (study group). Asthma control was assessed using the asthma control test (ACT), HRQoL was assessed using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the frequency of non-scheduled hospital or emergency visits was monitored. Results: Thirty-four patients completed the study. The ACT and SGRQ scores of both groups improved at every follow-up time point compared with baseline (p?p?=?0.034) and 2 months (23.28 versus 21.81, p?=?0.010) were higher in the study group than in the control group, but this was not maintained at 6 months (24.00 versus 23.25, p?=?0.069). The SGRQ scores at 6 months were better in the study group (18.12) than in the control group (23.96, p?=?0.033). No hospital admissions were recorded for either group. Conclusion: Education provides a significant improvement in asthma control and HRQoL while managing illiterate asthma patients, additionally the pictorial asthma action plan can be a helpful tool for self-medication.     

Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessed using GOLD 2016 and GOLD 2018 classifications: a cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundIn 2017, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) removed spirometry as a criterion for classifying GOLD risk groups (A–D, low–high risk).MethodsIn this cross-sectional observational study in China, we used the GOLD 2016 (spirometry included) and 2018 (spirometry eliminated) criteria for classifying GOLD risk groups to describe: the proportion of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in each GOLD risk group; disease severity; demographics and comorbidities. Patients aged ≥40 years with a clinical COPD diagnosis for ≥1 year were included. During a single study visit, patients completed the COPD assessment test, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale assessment, and spirometry tests. Demographics, medical history, and treatment data were recorded.ResultsIn total, 838 patients were included. Most patients were male (86.4%), ≥65 years old (58.6%), and current or former smokers (78.5%). By GOLD 2016, the highest proportion of patients were Group D (42.8%), followed by B (28.2%). By GOLD 2018, the highest proportion of patients were Group B (57.3%), followed by A (25.5%). A total of 296 patients (35.3%) were reclassified, either from Group C to Group A or from Group D to Group B. Overall, 36.2% of patients were receiving treatment concordant with GOLD 2016 recommendations; 34.1% were not receiving any inhaled medication.ConclusionsThe distribution of COPD severity shifted from a high-risk category (by GOLD 2016) to a low-risk category (by GOLD 2018). The high proportion of patients not receiving maintenance medication reflects a high level of under-treatment of the disease.     

Development of a questionnaire to evaluate asthma control in Japanese asthma patients

Background

The asthma control questionnaires used in Japan are Japanese translations of those developed outside Japan, and have some limitations; a questionnaire designed to optimally evaluate asthma control levels for Japanese may be necessary. The present study was conducted to validate the Japan Asthma Control Survey (JACS) questionnaire in Japanese asthma patients.

Respiratory symptoms and health-related quality of life in post-tuberculosis subjects with physician-diagnosed bronchiectasis: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevalence, respiratory symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) in post-tuberculosis (TB) subjects with bronchiectasis are not well elucidated.MethodsSubjects who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2007–2009 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We evaluated the prevalence of physician-diagnosed bronchiectasis among post-TB subjects. We compared respiratory symptoms, physical activity limitations, and QoL between post-TB subjects with and without bronchiectasis.ResultsThe prevalence of bronchiectasis was 3.3% among 963 post-TB subjects. Post-TB subjects with bronchiectasis showed a higher rate of asthma (29.6% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001) than those without bronchiectasis. Post-TB subjects with bronchiectasis showed more cough (23.9% vs. 6.7%, P=0.033) and physical activity limitations due to respiratory diseases (35.0% vs. 8.9%, P=0.033) than those without bronchiectasis. Furthermore, compared with post-TB subjects without bronchiectasis, those with bronchiectasis had lower QoL measured by the EuroQoL five-dimension (EQ-5D) index (0.84 vs. 0.93, P=0.048). Linear regression analysis found that the EQ-5D index in post-TB subjects with bronchiectasis was significantly lower than in those without bronchiectasis (difference estimate =–0.089, P=0.030), especially in the anxiety/depression component.ConclusionsPost-TB subjects with bronchiectasis had more cough and physical activity limitations and lower health-related QoL than those without bronchiectasis.     

Global burden of medication non-adherence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma: a narrative review of the clinical and economic case for smart inhalers

Medication non-adherence to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy poses a significant burden for patients and societies. Non-adherence encompasses poor initiation, implementation (including poor inhalation technique) and non-persistence. Globally, non-adherence is associated with poor clinical outcomes, reduced quality of life and high healthcare and societal costs. Costs are mainly caused by excess hospitalizations and impaired work productivity. Multiple intervention programs to increase adherence in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been conducted. However, these intervention programs are generally not as effective as intended. Additionally, adherence outcomes are mostly examined with non-objective or non-granular measures (e.g., self-report, dose count, pharmacy records). Recently developed smart inhalers could be the key to objectively diagnose and manage non-adherence effectively in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smart inhalers register usage of the inhaler, record time and date, send reminders, give feedback about adherence and some are able to assess inhaler technique and predict exacerbations. Still, some limitations need to be overcome before smart inhalers can be incorporated in usual care. For example, their cost-effectiveness and budget impact need to be examined. It is likely that smart inhalers are particularly cost-effective in specific asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subgroups, including patients with asthma eligible for additional GINA-5 therapy (oral corticosteroids or biologics), patients with severe asthma in GINA-5, patients with asthma with short-acting beta2 agonists overuse, patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with frequent exacerbations and patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of working-age. While there is high potential and evidence is accumulating, a final push seems needed to cost-effectively integrate smart inhalers in the daily management of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.     

吸入糖皮质激素(布地奈德)/长效β2受体激动剂(福莫特罗)复合制剂治疗中、重度持续支气管哮喘的疗效研究

目的 观测联合吸入糖皮质激素(布地奈德)/长效β2受体激动剂(福莫特罗)干粉吸入剂治疗期间支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)患者诱导痰嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)计数、肺功能与哮喘临床症状的关系.方法 本院健康呼吸中心就诊的中、重度持续哮喘患者33例(哮喘组)联合吸入糖皮质激素/长效β2受体激动剂复合制剂治疗6个月,测定肺功能(FEV1、FEV1/FVC、PEF),诱导痰中EOS计数,记录哮喘控制得分(ACT)及患者哮喘生命质量评分.哮喘组在治疗开始后1个月,2个月,3个月和6个月时进行重复测定.且以10名健康者做为对照组,同期测定上述观察指标.同时记录吸入用药后的不良反应.结果 研究共纳入38例患者,共有33例完成6个月或更长的随访观察.吸入糖皮质激素/长效β2受体激动剂复合制剂治疗后1个月,FEV1值明显改善[分别为(2.53±0.46)L,(2.89±0.62)L,P<0.01];3个月后上述变化更为显著达(3.19±0.47)L,与治疗1个月后相比发生显著变化(P<0.05);哮喘组诱导痰中EOS显著升高达(0.156±0.047)×10<'6>(P<0.05),激素吸入治疗过程中可见显著性变化,3个月降至(0.072±0.015)×10<'6>,6个月后痰中EOS计数明显减少,与治疗前相比较差异有统计学意义(q=6.58,P<0.05).吸入治疗后ACT评分明显改善,从治疗前(8±5)分增加至治疗后2个月(15±6)分,治疗后3个月到(20±4)分,与治疗前相比较差异有统计学意义(F=5.72,P<0.05).治疗6个月后,患者哮喘生命质量评分明显提高(P<0.05).哮喘组中共有12例患者(36.36%)获得完全控制.结论 联合吸入糖皮质激素/长效β2受体激动剂复合制剂治疗哮喘明显改善患者肺功能,减少痰EOS计数,有较好的临床疗效,且应至少连用6个月或以上.     

Efficacy and safety of mepolizumab in Japanese patients with severe eosinophilic asthma

Background

The MENSA trial assessed the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. This report describes the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab in Japanese patients from MENSA.

Social outcomes and quality of life of childhood cancer survivors in Japan: a cross-sectional study on marriage, education, employment and health-related QOL (SF-36)

Social outcomes and quality of life (QOL) of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) remain unknown in Japan. We investigated these outcomes in young adult CCSs compared to those of their siblings in Japan, and analyzed the association between social outcome and SF-36 health survey subscale scores. Between 2007 and 2009, we performed a cross-sectional survey using self-rating questionnaires. We estimated social outcomes and health-related QOL by performing the SF-36 in each group: CCSs with or without stem cell transplantation (SCT)/radiotherapy (RT) and their siblings. Adjusted odds ratios for outcomes of interest were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Questionnaires from 185 CCSs and 72 CCS's siblings were analyzed. There were no differences in educational attainment or annual income. The SF-36 subscale scores of CCSs with SCT and RT were significantly lower than those of siblings in physical functioning (PF) (p < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) and general health (GH) (both p = 0.001). Lower PF scores correlated with recurrence (p = 0.041) and late effects (p = 0.010), and poor GH scores with late effects (p = 0.006). The CCSs had made efforts to attain educational/vocational goals; however, a significant proportion of CCSs who had experienced late effects remain at increased risk of experiencing diminished QOL.     

Classifications of moderate to severe asthma phenotypes in Japan and analysis of serum biomarkers: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Japan (NHOM Asthma Study)

BackgroundAsthma is a heterogeneous disease, and phenotyping can facilitate understanding of disease pathogenesis and direct appropriate asthma treatment. This nationwide cohort study aimed to phenotype asthma patients in Japan and identify potential biomarkers to classify the phenotypes.MethodsAdult asthma patients (n = 1925) from 27 national hospitals in Japan were enrolled and divided into Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) steps 4 or 5 (GINA 4, 5) and GINA Steps 1, 2, or 3 (GINA 1–3) for therapy. Clinical data and questionnaires were collected. Biomarker levels among GINA 4, 5 patients were measured. Ward's minimum variance hierarchical clustering method and tree analysis were performed for phenotyping. Analysis of variance, the Kruskal–Wallis, and chi-square tests were used to compare cluster differences.ResultsThe following five clusters were identified: 1) late-onset, old, less-atopic; 2) late-onset, old, eosinophilic, low FEV₁; 3) early-onset, long-duration, atopic, poorly controlled; 4) early-onset, young, female-dominant, atopic; and 5) female-dominant, T1/T2-mixed, most severe. Age of onset, disease duration, blood eosinophils and neutrophils, asthma control questionnaire Sum 6, number of controllers, FEV₁, body mass index (BMI), and hypertension were the phenotype-classifying variables determined by tree analysis that assigned 79.5% to the appropriate cluster. Among the cytokines measured, IL-1RA, YKL40/CHI3L1, IP-10/CXCL10, RANTES/CCL5, and TIMP-1 were useful biomarkers for classifying GINA 4, 5 phenotypes.ConclusionsFive distinct phenotypes were identified for moderate to severe asthma and may be classified using clinical and molecular variables (Registered in UMIN-CTR; UMIN000027776.)     

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)     

Clinical and molecular cytogenetic characteristics of dic(9;20) in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report of three patients

Dicentric (9;20) [dic(9;20)] is a rare recurring chromosome abnormality in leukemia patients. In this study, we report three adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with dic(9;20) anomaly. All three patients were diagnosed as cluster of differentiation 10 (CD10) positive B cell ALL, achieved complete remission after induction chemotherapy, and died of leukemia relapse within 1 year after diagnosis. Specimens for chromosome analysis were prepared by direct method and/or short-time culture of bone marrow cells. Karyotyping was performed by R-banding technique. Dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using chromosome 9 and chromosome 20-specific centromeric probes. Karyotype analysis showed that all three patients had dic(9;20)(p11–13;q11), in which the dicentric nature of the derived chromosome was confirmed by interphase FISH. Dicentric (9;20)(p11–13;q11) may be specifically associated with ALL, and monosomy 20 may be a pointer to dic(9;20) in ALL. The prognostic significance of dic(9;20) in adult patients with ALL remains to be determined.     

Efficacy and tolerability of tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients seen in daily clinical practice in Japan: results from a retrospective study (REACTION study)

Abstract

Tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to the interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor, was approved for use as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy in Japan in 2008, but its efficacy and tolerability in daily practice has not yet been reported. We report the results of a multicenter retrospective study on the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab involving all patients (n = 229) who were started on tocilizumab therapy at three rheumatology institutes in Japan from April 2008 through to March 2009. Tocilizumab was infused every 4 weeks at a dose of 8 mg/kg according to the drug labeling. Among the 229 patients, 55% concomitantly received methotrexate (MTX) and 63% had previously received anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. Average disease activity score (DAS) 28 of all 229 patients significantly decreased from 5.70 to 3.25 after 24 weeks of therapy. A European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good response and DAS28 remission was achieved in 57.4 and 40.7% of the patients, respectively, at 24 weeks. White blood cell counts significantly decreased and liver enzymes and total cholesterol slightly but significantly increased; however, liver enzyme levels did not increase in patients without MTX. Tocilizumab was discontinued in 47 cases (20.5%) due to lack of efficacy (5.2%), adverse events (11.4%), and other reasons (3.9%). The overall retention rate at 24 weeks was 79.5%. Based on these results, we conclude that tocilizumab therapy in daily rheumatology practice appears to be highly efficacious and well tolerated among active RA patients, including the anti-TNF therapy-refractory population. Tocilizumab infusion is therefore applicable not only as an alternative approach for anti-TNF therapy-resistant patients, but also as primary biologic therapy for active RA patients.     

The effect of loneliness and change in loneliness on self-rated health (SRH): a longitudinal study among aging people

The association between adverse health and loneliness among aging people is known, but most of the studies are cross-sectional. In addition, the associations between changes in loneliness with health are less well known, especially in the case of aging people. The present study examined whether absence of loneliness in 2005 predicted subsequent good SRH in 2008, and whether changes in loneliness were associated with SRH in 2008. Longitudinal, questionnaire-based data were collected from three age cohorts (born in 1926-30, 1936-40, and 1946-50) living in southern Finland. Baseline data was collected in 2002 (n = 2815, 66%); the follow-ups were done in 2005 (n = 2476, 60%) and 2008 (n = 2064, 73%). Logistic regression analyses were used to derive the results. Never or seldom experiencing loneliness was a strong predictor for good SRH. In addition, good health was common among those who never felt lonely. Among men the group experiencing decreasing loneliness had the highest OR of good health. Thus, loneliness is a significant contributor to poor SRH among aging people. In addition, favorable SRH is indicated not only by the absence of loneliness at both measurement points, but also by decreased loneliness. Preventing loneliness is important for health promotion.     

Association of longitudinal changes in quality of life with comorbidities and exacerbations in patients with severe asthma

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) assessment is important in the management of severe asthma, and comorbidities and/or exacerbations may affect longitudinal QoL. However, there are few reports on the longitudinal assessment of QoL in patients with asthma over multiple years and its related factors. This study aimed to clarify the relationship of longitudinal changes in QoL with comorbidities and/or exacerbations during a prolonged observation period in patients with severe asthma.MethodsA total of 105 subjects who participated in the Hokkaido-based Investigative Cohort Analysis for Refractory Asthma (Hi-CARAT) with a six-year follow-up were analyzed. QoL was assessed annually, using the Standardized Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the subjects were divided into three groups: (1) persistently good QoL, (2) persistently poor QoL, and (3) fluctuating QoL. Assessed comorbidities comprised depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a key symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.ResultsOf 105 subjects with severe asthma, 53 (50%) were classified in the persistently good QoL group, 10 (10%) in the persistently poor QoL group, and 42 (40%) in the fluctuating QoL group. The persistently poor QoL group was associated with shorter time to hospitalization due to exacerbation and the presence of multiple comorbidities. In addition, the presence of EDS was an independent contributor to the fluctuating QoL group compared to the persistently good QoL group.ConclusionsThe presence of multiple comorbidities and hospitalization due to exacerbation contribute to longitudinal changes in QoL in patients with severe asthma.     

Retrospective clinical study on the notable efficacy and related factors of infliximab therapy in a rheumatoid arthritis management group in Japan: one-year clinical outcomes (RECONFIRM-2)

Abstract

Biologics targeting TNF have brought about a paradigm shift in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and infliximab, anti-TNF-α chimeric monoclonal antibody, was marketed in 2003 in Japan. We previously reported on the RECONFIRM study, a retrospective clinical study on the efficacy of infliximab therapy in a RA management group in Japan, where we evaluated the clinical response after 22 weeks of the therapy in 258 patients. The study reported here was aimed at reconfirming the clinical efficacy of the infliximab therapy and demographic factors related to the efficacy over a 54-week study period in 410 RA patients in the same study group. Infliximab was infused according to the domestically approved method, and the clinical response was evaluated following 54 weeks of infliximab therapy using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. Disease activity was assessed by DAS28-CRP (Disease Activity Score including a 28-joint count/C-reactive protein). Infliximab was discontinued in 24.4% of the 410 patients at 54 weeks and 9.3% and 8.1% discontinued the therapy due to adverse events and inefficiency, respectively. Average DAS28-CRP decreased from 5.5 at week 0 to 3.1 at week 54 after the therapy. Patients in remission and those showing low-, moderate-, and high-disease activity changed from 0.0, 1.0, 9.0 and 90.0%, respectively, at the start of the study to 27.6, 11.7, 34.4 and 26.3%, respectively, at week 54. Younger age, RF-negativity and low scores of DAS28-CRP showed significant correlations with remission at week 54. EULAR response criteria—good, moderate, and no response to infliximab—were 37.0, 41.7 and 21.2%, respectively. In conclusion, we reconfirmed the clinical efficacy of infliximab and demographic factors related to the efficacy over a 54-week study period in 410 Japanese patients with RA using DAS28-CRP and EULAR response criteria.