Trial of nurse-run asthma clinics based in general practice versus usual medical care

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the ability of nurse-run asthma clinics based in general practice compared with usual medical care to produce at least a moderate improvement in the quality of life of adults with asthma. METHODOLOGY: A randomized controlled trial involving 80 asthma clinic and 90 usual medical care asthma participants, aged 18 years and older was conducted in 11 general practices in Adelaide. The main outcome measure was the St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), from which quality-of-life scores were used to assess therapeutic benefit. Lung function measurements and health services utilization data were also collected. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three participants (90%) were reviewed at follow up after 6-9 months. There was little difference between groups in baseline measures or for the 6-month follow-up outcomes, including the mean difference in total SGRQ scores (-0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.0, 2.9) and the mean difference in percentage predicted FEV(1) (2.3%, 95% CI -0.7, 5.3 pre-bronchodilator; 0.4%, 95% CI -5.1, 5.9 post-bronchodilator). Trends in health services utilization were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-run asthma clinics based in general practice and usual medical care were similar in their effects on quality of life and lung function in adults. These findings cannot be generalized to hospital outpatients and other clinics that manage more severe asthmatic patients.     

Limited treatment adaptation despite poor asthma control in asthma patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids

Objective: Current asthma guidelines recommend use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with persistent disease. This study was designed to investigate (1) the proportion of patients prescribed ICS-containing maintenance treatment who achieve asthma control, (2) determinants of control and (3) how physicians adapt treatment to the level of control. Methods: General practitioners (GPs) and chest physicians (CPs) in France recruited patients consulting for asthma and prescribed an ICS. Over a 2-year follow-up period, asthma symptoms in the previous 3 months and treatments prescribed were documented at each visit. Variables independently associated with asthma control were determined by multiple logistic regression. Results: Data were available for 924 patients recruited by GPs and 455 recruited by CPs. Asthma control was acceptable in only 24% of patients at inclusion, and in 33.6% at the last follow-up visit. Five factors were independently associated with asthma control: age (or time since diagnosis), gender, smoking status, allergic aetiology of asthma and treatment. Most patients (56.3%) were prescribed the same ICS dose regimen at the end of follow-up as at inclusion. The intensity of controller therapy had been increased in only 12.2% of patients unacceptably controlled at inclusion. Conclusions: Asthma was unacceptably controlled in most patients receiving ICS-containing maintenance treatment and remained so during follow-up. Despite this, treatment adaptations by GPs and CPs were very infrequent. This unsatisfactory situation may be improved by adopting a more dynamic approach to tailoring controller therapy to the needs of the patient.     

Limitations of questioning asthma to assess asthma control in general practice

BACKGROUND: The monitoring of children with asthma in primary care is based on the occurrence and frequency of asthma symptoms. We questioned whether the current approach is adequate to identify all children in whom a sufficient level of asthma control is not achieved. AIM: The aim of this study is to illustrate that in some children asthma was incorrectly considered controlled, because the children failed to report current symptoms of asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and nineteen children were identified with recent wheezing plus moderate or severe airway hyperresponsiveness. We analyzed whether these children reported current symptoms of asthma (as normally questioned during a routine visit). RESULTS: In 20 children (18%) current asthma symptoms were absent despite moderately or severe airway hyperresponsiveness and wheezing in the last year. In addition, the usage of controller medication was very poor. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the general practitioner has insufficient tools to adequately assess asthma control in all children. The assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness as an additional guide to manage asthma in children in general practice is recommended. In this way, better asthma control can be achieved.     

Uncontrolled asthma and its risk factors in Chinese children: A cross-sectional observational study

Objective: Asthma afflicts many children in China but information about asthma management among Chinese pediatric asthma patients is limited. This study aims to evaluate asthma control among Chinese pediatric patients and identify risk factors associated with uncontrolled asthma. Methods: A total of 4223 patients with persistent asthma aged 2–16 years from 42 tertiary hospitals across all regions of mainland China except Tibet were surveyed. Asthma Control Test (ACT), Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria were used to assess asthma control for children aged 12–16 years, 4–11 years and 2–3 years, respectively. Uncontrolled asthma was defined as ACT or C-ACT score ≤19 or GINA-defined uncontrolled asthma. Risk factors associated with uncontrolled asthma were identified using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Asthma was uncontrolled in 19.9% of the subjects. High rates of uncontrolled asthma were found in subjects with treatment non-adherence (44.1%), concomitant allergic rhinitis (AR) (23.3%), disease duration ≥ 1.5 years (22.8%), and first-degree relatives with AR (21.5%). The risk of uncontrolled asthma was much higher in the treatment non-adherence group compared to the complete adherence group (OR = 5.79, p < 0.001). Concomitant AR, disease duration ≥ 1.5 years, and first-degree relatives with AR were also confirmed as risk factors associated with uncontrolled asthma. Conclusions: About 20% of Chinese pediatric asthma patients had uncontrolled asthma. Treatment adherence and AR were the most significant risk factors. Tailored measures aimed at improving treatment adherence and diagnosis and treatment of AR should be adopted to improve the level of asthma control in Chinese children.     

Effectiveness of an asthma integrated care program on asthma control and adherence to inhaled corticosteroids

Objective: To measure the effectiveness of an integrated care program for individuals with asthma aged 12–45 years, on asthma control and adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Methods: Researchers used a theoretical model to develop the program and assessed effectiveness at 12 months, using a pragmatic controlled clinical trial design. Forty-two community pharmacists in Quebec, Canada recruited participants with either uncontrolled or mild-to-severe asthma. One group was exposed to the program; another received usual care. Asthma control was measured with the Asthma Control Questionnaire; ICS adherence was assessed with the Morisky medication adherence scale and the medication possession ratio. Program effectiveness was assessed with an intention-to-treat approach using multivariate generalized estimating equation models. Results: Among 108 exposed and 241 non-exposed, 52.2% had controlled asthma at baseline. At 12-months, asthma control had improved in both groups but the interaction between study groups and time was not significant (p?=?0.09). The proportion of participants with good ICS adherence was low at baseline. Exposed participants showed improvement in adherence and the interaction between study groups and time was significant (p?=?0.02). Conclusion: An integrated intervention, with healthcare professionals collaborating to optimize asthma control, can improve ICS adherence.     

肺功能及哮喘控制测试(ACT)在哮喘患者管理中的价值

目的探讨肺功能及哮喘控制测试在支气管哮喘患者管理中的价值。方法将肺功能及ACT应用于支气管哮喘患者136例。每月填写1次ACT,在哮喘患者应用ACT前药物治疗时、应用ACT 6个月结束时测定第1秒用力呼气量(FEV1)、FEV1占预计值百分比(FEV1%预计值)和用力肺活量(FVC)、FVC占预计值百分比(FVC%预计值),同时测定ACT评分观察哮喘患者在药物治疗、肺功能检查,应用ACT 6个月末时ACT使用率、治疗的依从性、哮喘控制情况。结果每月1次坚持应用ACT 132例,使用率97%;坚持使用规范的治疗128例,治疗依从性达94%;症状完全控制率达47%,良好控制率达74.2%。ACT评分治疗6个月后较入选时升高,肺功能指标亦有明显改善,FEV1与ACT评分呈正相关(r=0.82,P<0.01)。结论肺功能及ACT用于支气管哮喘患者的管理能提高患者对治疗的依从性和哮喘控制率。     

哮喘控制测试对成人哮喘控制水平的实际检测效能评价

目的 评价哮喘控制测试(asthma control test,ACT)对哮喘患者控制水平的实际检测效能.方法 前瞻性选取2010年1月至2015年4月来我院就诊哮喘患者2880例进行ACT测试,由医师根据2008年GINA哮喘控制水平分级表进行患者哮喘控制水平分级,分为控制、部分控制与未控制;患者ACT测试由患者回答后ACT总分与控制水平由计算机统计判断,ACT总分25分为控制;20～24分为部分控制;19分及以下为未控制.以医师的哮喘控制水平分级为“金标准”对ACT在成人哮喘控制水平的检测效能进行研究评价,计算ACT对哮喘控制水平的灵敏度、特异度、预测值、似然比及符合率等指标.ACT内部一致性以Cronbach's α值表示.结果 根据ACT总分判断,达到哮喘控制者383例(13.3％)、部分控制者1040例(36.1％)和未控制者1457例(50.6％).ACT中5个问题内部一致性(Cronbach's α值)为0.85.控制、部分控制和未控制哮喘患者ACT评分分别为(22.84±3.10)分、(18.78±3.85)分和(18.69±4.94)分,3组间差异有统计学意义(F=1095.93,P＜0.01).ACT哮喘控制水平判断与医师哮喘控制水平判断有一定的相关性与一致性,差异有统计学意义.ACT检测对控制哮喘的灵敏度最低,特异度最高,而对未控制哮喘的灵敏度最高但特异性最低;对控制哮喘的阳性预测值及阳性似然比最高,对未控制哮喘的阴性预测值最高且阴性似然比最低;对控制与未控制的哮喘ACT与医师控制水平判断有中度一致性,差异有统计学意义.结论 ACT对不同的哮喘控制水平检测效能并不一致,医师应根据ACT对不同哮喘控制水平的检测效能并结合临床实际情况进行哮喘控制水平判断.     

Effect of spirometry and medical review on asthma control in patients in general practice: a randomized controlled trial

Background and objective: Although guidelines for asthma emphasize the importance of spirometry for continuity and evaluation of care, it is underused in general practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of spirometry and medical review on asthma control in general practice over 12 months. Methods: Patients were recruited through 31 practices, which were randomly allocated to one of three groups: Group A had 3‐monthly spirometry with medical review, Group B spirometry only before and after the trial, and Group C usual care. Asthma control data were analysed by intention to treat using non‐parametric tests and logistic regression models fitted to allow for confounders, repeated measures and clustering by practice. Results: The trial was completed by 195 patients (Group A 69, Group B 78, Group C 48). Asthma control improved in all groups during the 12 months trial, most impressively in Group A (odds ratio per 3 months = 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.49, P = 0.004), but the difference between the groups' respective 3‐monthly changes was not significant. At 6 months, asthma control in Group A had increased more from baseline than in Groups B + C (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Regular spirometry with medical review was associated with improved asthma control in general practice patients, while there was less improvement in either the spirometry only or usual care group. The mechanisms of this improvement may include appropriate adjustment of medication and improved compliance.     

哮喘控制测试前三项在判断支气管哮喘控制水平的价值

目的评价哮喘控制测试（ACT）前三项（ACT-3）与ACT在判断支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）控制水平时的一致性,以获得更为简便的哮喘控制评估方法。方法研究对象为南方医院门诊诊断为哮喘的患者102例,患者正在接受或未接受规范化哮喘治疗。所有患者完成ACT评分及肺功能检查。ACT评分≤19分定义为哮喘未控制,ACT评分≥20分定义为良好控制。分析ACT与ACT-3两者的相关性及与肺功能各指标的相关性,分析ACT与ACT-3判断哮喘未控制的价值,并通过kappa系数评价ACT-3与ACT判断的吻合度。结果入选的患者ACT-3与ACT的相关系数为0.919（P=0.000）。ACT-3、ACT分别于肺功能指标第1秒用力呼气容积（FEV1）、FEV1占预计值百分比（FEV1%pred）等肺功能指标呈正相关,相关系数差异均有统计学意义。ACT-3判断哮喘未控制的ROC曲线下面积（AUC）为0.974（P=0.000）。当ACT-3≤11分时,为最佳截断点,判断哮喘未控制的敏感性为94.52%,特异性为93.10%。ACT-3≤11分和ACT≤19分判断哮喘未控制的一致性检验：kappa系数=0.858（P=0.000）。结论 ACT-3能用于评价哮喘患者控制水平,以ACT-3≤11识别哮喘未控制时与ACT≤19有极高的一致性。当ACT无法完整获取时可以考虑使用ACT-3。     

哮喘控制测试前三项在判断支气管哮喘控制水平的价值

目的 评价哮喘控制测试(ACT)前三项(ACT-3)与ACT在判断支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)控制水平时的一致性,以获得更为简便的哮喘控制评估方法.方法 研究对象为南方医院门诊诊断为哮喘的患者102例,患者正在接受或未接受规范化哮喘治疗.所有患者完成ACT评分及肺功能检查.ACT评分≤1 9分定义为哮喘未控制,ACT评分≥20分定义为良好控制.分析ACT与ACT-3两者的相关性及与肺功能各指标的相关性,分析ACT与ACT-3判断哮喘未控制的价值,并通过kappa系数评价ACT 3与ACT判断的吻合度.结果 入选的患者ACT-3与ACT的相关系数为0.919(P =0,000).ACT-3、ACT分别于肺功能指标第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)、FEV1占预计值百分比(FEV1％pred)等肺功能指标呈止相关,相关系数差异均有统计学意义.ACT-3判断哮喘未控制的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)为0.974(P=0.000).当ACT-3≤11分时,为最佳截断点,判断哮喘未控制的敏感性为94.52％,特异性为93.10％.ACT-3≤11分和ACT≤19分判断哮喘未控制的一致性检验:kappa系数=0.858(P=0.000).结论 ACT-3能用于评价哮喘患者控制水平,以ACT-3≤11识别哮喘未控制时与ACT≤19有极高的一致性.当ACT无法完整获取时可以考虑使用ACT-3.     

Nebulized flunisolide in infants and young children with asthma: A pilot study

The role of nebulized flunisolide solution in controlling recurrent respiratory symptoms was assessed in a double-blind placebo-controlled parallel study on 23 infants and small children (mean age, 14 2 months) with bronchial asthma. Five of the 12 children in the placebo group and 1 of the 11 patients on active treatment had to be withdrawn from the study. Flunisolide significantly improved symptom scores of wheezing and cough. The rescue treatments with salbutamol did not differ between the two groups during the study. Parents considered the active treatment effective in all the patients, while the placebo was considered useful in 4 of 7 children. No side effects were detected with either treatments. This study indicates that nebulized flunisolide may be an effective treatment for infants with recurrent wheezing and cough. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1996; 21:310–315. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

哮喘控制测试在社区基层医院老年支气管哮喘患者中的应用价值

目的评估哮喘控制测试(asthma control test,ACT)在社区基层医院老年支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）患者中的应用价值。方法对我院128例老年哮喘患者随诊监测,在患者进行肺功能测试时进行ACT,同时由医师根据2009年我国《支气管哮喘防治指南》的评估标准,对患者的哮喘控制水平进行评估。根据评估结果评价ACT方法...     

Problematic severe asthma in children treated at high altitude: tapering the dose while improving control

Background: Multidisciplinary treatment at high altitude is a possible treatment option for problematic severe asthma (PSA) in children. This management can result in the tapering of inhaled corticosteroids. Aim: Our aim was to analyze the effect of multidisciplinary treatment at high altitude, notably the ability to taper corticosteroids. To get an insight into possible factors influencing tapering, we examined whether demographic variables, disease control and quality of life at treatment entrance could predict the tapering of corticosteroids. Methods: This prospective open-phase cohort study analyzed the data of 43 children aged 8–17 years referred to a specialized high altitude treatment centre. Lung function (FEV₁, FEV₁/VC), inflammation (FeNO), medication level, asthma control (ACT) and quality of life [PAQLQ(S)] were evaluated on admission and at discharge. Results: Thirty-two (74%) children fulfilled PSA criteria. Three (7%) children used daily oral steroids. After 72?±?30 (mean?±?SD) days of treatment, the mean dosage of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) could be significantly reduced from 1315?μg?±?666 budesonide equivalent to 1132 μg?±?514. Oral steroid maintenance therapy could be stopped in all patients. FeNO, asthma control and quality of life improved (p?1 was in the normal range on both occasions. Apart from ICS levels at entrance, multiple regression analyses did not show any associated factor predicting the reduction of ICS dosage during treatment. Conclusion: The results indicate that high altitude treatment may be a treatment option for children with PSA, but it is not possible to predict ICS tapering off from health status variables at treatment entrance.     

ACT在基层医院支气管哮喘管理中的应用

目的观察并评估哮喘控制测试（asthma control test,ACT）在基层医院支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）患者管理中的应用情况。方法选取在烟台市烟台山医院哮喘门诊定期就诊的哮喘患者181例应用ACT测试,每月1次,观察哮喘患者的控制情况及治疗的依从性。在哮喘患者应用ACT前、应用ACT6个月后测定第1秒用力呼气容积（FEV1）、FEV1占预计值百分比（FEV1％pred）和用力肺活量（FVC）、FVC占预计值百分比（FVC％pred）,并同时进行ACT评分。结果每月1次坚持应用ACT 181例,使用率100％：坚持规范化治疗170例,治疗依从性93．9％：症状完全控制率48．6％,部分控制率28．2％。应用ACT前FEV1％pred为51．57±17．46,ACT评分16．33±3．51。应用ACT6个月后,FEV1％pred为73．41±15．02,ACT评分22．40±3．13。治疗前与治疗后差异有统计学意义（t分别为25．651、35．536,P〈0．01）;ACT与FEV1具有良好相关性（r=0．80,P〈0．01）。结论ACT是一种简单且可信度高评估工具,能提高患者哮喘控制率及治疗的依从性,值得在基层医院中广泛推广应用。     

哮喘控制测试在社区基层医院老年支气管哮喘患者中的应用价值

目的评估哮喘控制测试（asthma control test,ACT）在社区基层医院老年支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）患者中的应用价值。方法对我院128例老年哮喘患者随诊监测,在患者进行肺功能测试时进行ACT,同时由医师根据2009年我国《支气管哮喘防治指南》的评估标准,对患者的哮喘控制水平进行评估。根据评估结果评价ACT方法的有效性。结果老年哮喘患者全部能够完成ACT,128例患者在随诊研究期间同时进行ACT及医师哮喘控制情况评估共482例次。ACT得分与医师评估结果的相关系数为0.647,一致性检验Kappa值为0.354,P〈0.05;在第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比、哮喘控制水平和治疗调整方案不同的患者之间ACT的得分差异有统计学意义。结论 ACT方法简单、经济、有效,可以用于我国基层医院的哮喘控制评估,同样适用对社区基层老年哮喘患者的哮喘控制水平监测。     

北京市城区支气管哮喘患者的控制现状及对疾病认知程度的调查

目的了解北京市城区支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）患者的控制现状和对疾病的认知程度，为进一步开展本地区的哮喘防治工作提供参考依据。方法由6个城区所在的6所大型教学医院完成。调查开始前对参与调查的医师进行集中统一培训。采用与患者面对面的调查方法。结果完成此次问卷调查的患者共527例，87．1％（459／527）的患者享受医疗保障体系。根据全球哮喘防治创议（GINA）的严重度分级标准，其中间歇状态、轻度持续、中度持续和重度持续的比例分别为19．2％（101／527），26．0％（137／527），36．8％（194／527）和18．0％（95／527）。19．5％（103／527）的患者在过去的一年中因疾病加重而住院，29．2％（154／527）的患者因疾病加重需要看急诊。在职上班者中，因疾病加重请假误工者为33．8％（76／225）。22例学生中休病假4例（18．2％）。参照获得哮喘最佳控制研究（GOAL）制定的完全控制和良好控制标准，完全控制率为25．2％（133／527），良好控制率为27．7％（146／527）。在过去的1年中进行肺功能随访的患者仅46．1％（243／527）。拥有峰流速仪者为23．1％（122／527），每日规律使用峰流速仪者仅6．1％（32／527）。患者每日规律吸入糖皮质激素的比例为59．6％（314／527）。患者对疾病的认知程度较前有明显提高。结论随着近年来对哮喘长期管理工作的重视以及哮喘规范化治疗的推广，哮喘总体控制水平有明显改善，患者对疾病的认知程度也有较大程度的提高。