Asthma control in Switzerland: a general practitioner based survey

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_38546F2682C1
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Asthma control in Switzerland: a general practitioner based survey
Journal
Current Medical Research and Opinion
Author(s)
Leuppi J. D., Steurer-Stey C., Peter M., Chhajed P. N., Wildhaber J. H., Spertini F.
ISSN
1473-4877 (Electronic)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2006
Volume
22
Number
11
Pages
2159-66
Notes
Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Achievement of optimal asthma control is the goal of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. METHODS: In a survey involving 281 physicians, asthma control was assessed using the Juniper asthma control questionnaire (ACQ); physicians were also asked to judge patients' asthma control subjectively. RESULTS: In total, 2127 patients were included. Follow-up was available in 1893 (89%) patients (885 females). The mean time between visits was 62 +/- 29.3 days; mean age was 45 years (+/- 19 years) and 30% were smokers. Well-controlled asthma was found in 298 patients (16%). Smokers were less likely to have well-controlled asthma (smokers 12% vs. non-smokers 18%). Physicians assessed asthma control to be good in 292 patients (15%), sufficient in 504 (27%), insufficient in 954 (50%) and poor in 137 (7%) patients. Of the 292 patients assessed by their physicians as 'good asthma control', only 142 (49%) were confirmed as 'well-controlled' by the ACQ. At the first visit, 1308 (69%) patients were pre-treated with any inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Pretreatment with leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) was reported in 127 patients (7%). Add-on therapy with the LTRA montelukast was the most frequent treatment adjustment at the first visit. Out of 1893 patients who had a follow-up visit, 298 (16%) were well controlled at the first visit and 1170 (62%) at the follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Asthma control is insufficient in the majority of patients. Improvement of asthma control can be achieved by using objective measures such as the ACQ in regular clinical practice and adapting therapy.
Keywords
Administration, Inhalation Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage/therapeutic use Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use Adult Asthma/*drug therapy/physiopathology Female Follow-Up Studies Forced Expiratory Volume Humans Leukotriene Antagonists/therapeutic use Male Middle Aged Physicians, Family Questionnaires Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/antagonists & inhibitors Switzerland Treatment Outcome
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
25/01/2008 15:20
Last modification date
20/08/2019 13:27
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