Anti-leukotriene agents compared to inhaled corticosteroids in the management of recurrent and/or chronic asthma in adults and children

Asthma in Cystic Fibrosis: Definitions and Implications of This Overlap Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem, autosomal recessive disease that leads to progressive loss of lung function. Respiratory symptoms for both CF and asthma include cough, wheezing, and dyspnea. There is debate within the CF community on how to best define and distinguish CF-asthma overlap syndrome (CFAOS) from asthma-like features, though CFAOS is well-recognized. We aim to review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of asthma in CF and explore areas where further research is needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been considerable improvement in the understanding and treatment of asthma over the past two decades leading to novel therapies such as biologic agents that target the airway inflammation in asthmatics based on their asthma phenotype. These therapies are being studied in CFAOS and are promising treatments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the definition, epidemiology, diagnosis, and current treatment of CFAOS.

Comparative effectiveness of long term drug treatment strategies to prevent asthma exacerbations: network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the comparative effectiveness and safety of current maintenance strategies in preventing exacerbations of asthma.

DESIGN

Systematic review and network meta-analysis using Bayesian statistics.

DATA SOURCES

Cochrane systematic reviews on chronic asthma, complemented by an updated search when appropriate. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TRIALS OF Adults with asthma randomised to maintenance treatments of at least 24 weeks duration and that reported on asthma exacerbations in full text. Low dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment was the comparator strategy. The primary effectiveness outcome was the rate of severe exacerbations. The secondary outcome was the composite of moderate or severe exacerbations. The rate of withdrawal was analysed as a safety outcome.

RESULTS

64 trials with 59,622 patient years of follow-up comparing 15 strategies and placebo were included. For prevention of severe exacerbations, combined inhaled corticosteroids and long acting β agonists as maintenance and reliever treatment and combined inhaled corticosteroids and long acting β agonists in a fixed daily dose performed equally well and were ranked first for effectiveness. The rate ratios compared with low dose inhaled corticosteroids were 0.44 (95% credible interval 0.29 to 0.66) and 0.51 (0.35 to 0.77), respectively. Other combined strategies were not superior to inhaled corticosteroids and all single drug treatments were inferior to single low dose inhaled corticosteroids. Safety was best for conventional best (guideline based) practice and combined maintenance and reliever therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies with combined inhaled corticosteroids and long acting β agonists are most effective and safe in preventing severe exacerbations of asthma, although some heterogeneity was observed in this network meta-analysis of full text reports.

Anti-leukotriene agents compared to inhaled corticosteroids in the management of recurrent and/or chronic asthma in adults and children

BACKGROUND

Anti-leukotrienes (5-lipoxygenase inhibitors and leukotriene receptors antagonists) serve as alternative monotherapy to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in the management of recurrent and/or chronic asthma in adults and children.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and efficacy of anti-leukotrienes compared to inhaled corticosteroids as monotherapy in adults and children with asthma and to provide better insight into the influence of patient and treatment characteristics on the magnitude of effects.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (1966 to Dec 2010), EMBASE (1980 to Dec 2010), CINAHL (1982 to Dec 2010), the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Dec 2010), abstract books, and reference lists of review articles and trials. We contacted colleagues and the international headquarters of anti-leukotrienes producers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised trials that compared anti-leukotrienes with inhaled corticosteroids as monotherapy for a minimum period of four weeks in patients with asthma aged two years and older.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the methodological quality of trials and extracted data. The primary outcome was the number of patients with at least one exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids. Secondary outcomes included patients with at least one exacerbation requiring hospital admission, lung function tests, indices of chronic asthma control, adverse effects, withdrawal rates and biological inflammatory markers.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty-five trials met the inclusion criteria for this review. Fifty-six trials (19 paediatric trials) contributed data (representing total of 10,005 adults and 3,333 children); 21 trials were of high methodological quality; 44 were published in full-text. All trials pertained to patients with mild or moderate persistent asthma. Trial durations varied from four to 52 weeks. The median dose of inhaled corticosteroids was quite homogeneous at 200 µg/day of microfine hydrofluoroalkane-propelled beclomethasone or equivalent (HFA-BDP eq). Patients treated with anti-leukotrienes were more likely to suffer an exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids (N = 6077 participants; risk ratio (RR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17, 1.96). For every 28 (95% CI 15 to 82) patients treated with anti-leukotrienes instead of inhaled corticosteroids, there was one additional patient with an exacerbation requiring rescue systemic corticosteroids. The magnitude of effect was significantly greater in patients with moderate compared with those with mild airway obstruction (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.41, 2.91 versus RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.97, 1.61), but was not significantly influenced by age group (children representing 23% of the weight versus adults), anti-leukotriene used, duration of intervention, methodological quality, and funding source. Significant group differences favouring inhaled corticosteroids were noted in most secondary outcomes including patients with at least one exacerbation requiring hospital admission (N = 2715 participants; RR 3.33; 95% CI 1.02 to 10.94), the change from baseline FEV(1) (N = 7128 participants; mean group difference (MD) 110 mL, 95% CI 140 to 80) as well as other lung function parameters, asthma symptoms, nocturnal awakenings, rescue medication use, symptom-free days, the quality of life, parents' and physicians' satisfaction. Anti-leukotriene therapy was associated with increased risk of withdrawals due to poor asthma control (N = 7669 participants; RR 2.56; 95% CI 2.01 to 3.27). For every thirty one (95% CI 22 to 47) patients treated with anti-leukotrienes instead of inhaled corticosteroids, there was one additional withdrawal due to poor control. Risk of side effects was not significantly different between both groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

As monotherapy, inhaled corticosteroids display superior efficacy to anti-leukotrienes in adults and children with persistent asthma; the superiority is particularly marked in patients with moderate airway obstruction. On the basis of efficacy, the results support the current guidelines' recommendation that inhaled corticosteroids remain the preferred monotherapy. 

Clinical effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids versus montelukast in children with asthma: prescription patterns and patient adherence as key factors

OBJECTIVES

To examine the real-life effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) monotherapy in children with mild or moderate asthma.

METHODS

Using medical and drug records, we accrued a cohort of 227 children aged 2-17 years, prescribed daily LTRA or ICS monotherapy. LTRA-treated children were matched on age, gender, and previous acute-care visits in a 1:3 ratio to ICS-treated children. Outcomes included rescue oral corticosteroids, prescription duration and dispensing, acute-care visits, hospital admissions, and β(2)-agonist use.

RESULTS

More ICS- than montelukast-treated children had persistent asthma (73 vs. 50%) and fewer had good asthma control (35 vs. 61%) at baseline, suggesting residual confounding by indication. Physician prescriptions covered 62% of the follow-up period for ICS compared to 97% for montelukast (mean group difference [MGD]: -17%, 95% CI: -28%, -7%). In pharmacies, patients claimed 51 vs. 74% of prescribed ICS and montelukast, respectively (MGD = -12% [-20%, -4%]). Consequently, dispensed ICS and montelukast covered 24% and 38% of follow-up period, respectively (MGD = -14% [-22%, -6%]). No group differences in oral corticosteroids (RR = 1.10 [0.66, 1.84]) and acute-care visits (RR = 1.79 [0.96, 3.34]) were observed. ICS-treated children experienced more hospital admissions (RR = 3.63 [1.20, 11.03]) and needed more frequently rescue β(2)-agonist use of ≥4 doses per week (RR = 2.54 [1.23, 5.23]).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared to LTRA, the prescription of ICS monotherapy did not significantly reduce rescue oral corticosteroids or acute care visits and was associated with a higher rate of hospital admission for asthma and rescue β(2)-agonist use. The findings may be due to paradoxical shorter ICS prescription duration and lower patient adherence, despite more persistent asthma and poorer control than in LTRA-treated children.

That ICS should be first line therapy for asthma--con

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and it is therefore unrealistic to expect that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) would be appropriate first line preventer therapy for all children with asthma. There is good theoretical and clinical trial evidence demonstrating that leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are more effective than ICS for viral induced wheezing and equivalent to ICS for mild persistent asthma in children. LTRAS do not have the systemic adverse effects of ICS, are generally well tolerated and their once daily oral administration enhances adherence. LTRAs should therefore be first line preventer therapy for children with frequent intermittent or mild persistent asthma while ICS should be reserved as first line treatment for children with moderate to severe persistent asthma. Given the skew in paediatric asthma severity towards the milder end, this effectively means that LTRAs should be tried first in 2 of every 3 children with asthma requiring preventer treatment.

Steroid responsiveness and wheezing phenotypes

Oral corticosteroids are the cornerstone of management of acute moderate or severe asthma whilst preventive inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay of the preventive management of children with asthma. Yet, variation in the magnitude of response to corticosteroids has been observed. There is increasing evidence that preschool-aged children with viral-induced asthma may display a certain degree of corticosteroid resistance, requiring higher doses of corticosteroids to overcome it. The identification of determinants of responsiveness is complicated by design issues, including heterogeneous populations of children with asthma and bronchiolitis or of children with viral-induced and multi-trigger asthma phenotypes in published trials. Potential key determinants of responsiveness may include age, trigger, phenotype, tobacco smoke exposure and genotype. The mechanistic pathway for corticoresistance may originate from a gene-environment interaction, leading to non-eosinophilic airway inflammation. The clinician should carefully confirm the diagnosis of asthma and ascertain the phenotype to select appropriate phenotype-specific therapy.

New approaches to managing asthma: a US perspective

Despite remarkable advances in diagnosis and long-term management, asthma remains a serious public health concern. Newly updated expert guidelines emphasize the intra- and inter-individual variability of asthma and highlight the importance of periodic assessment of asthma control. These guidelines update recommendations for step-wise asthma treatment, address the burgeoning field of asthma diagnostics, and stress the importance of a patient and health care professional partnership, including written action plans and self monitoring. The field of asthma therapeutics is expanding rapidly, with promising new treatment options available or in development that may address some of the existing barriers to successful asthma management. These approaches simplify treatment, use combinations of agents in one delivery device that have complementary actions, or target specific pathways involved in asthma patho-physiology. Considerable activity is taking place in asthma pharmacogenetics. This review provides an overview of these new approaches to managing asthma, including their present status and future potential.

Inhaled corticosteroids in childhood asthma: the story continues

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of persistent asthma in children. Treatment with ICS decreases asthma mortality and morbidity, reduces symptoms, improves lung function, reduces bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reduces the number of exacerbations. The efficacy of ICS in preschool wheezing is controversial. A recent task force from the European Respiratory Society on preschool wheeze defined two different phenotypes: episodic viral wheeze, wheeze that occurs only during respiratory viral infections, and multiple-trigger wheeze, where wheeze also occurs in between viral episodes. Treatment with ICS appears to be more efficacious in the latter phenotype. Small particle ICS may offer a potential benefit in preschool children because of the favourable spray characteristics. However, the efficacy of small particle ICS in preschool children has not yet been evaluated in prospective clinical trials. The use of ICS in school children with asthma is safe with regard to systemic side effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, growth and bone metabolism, when used in low to medium doses. Although safety data in wheezing preschoolers is limited, the data are reassuring. Also for this age group, adverse events tend to be minimal when the ICS is used in appropriate doses.

Addition to inhaled corticosteroids of long-acting beta2-agonists versus anti-leukotrienes for chronic asthma

BACKGROUND

Asthma patients who continue to experience symptoms despite being on regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) represent a management challenge. Long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABA) or anti-leukotrienes (LTRA) are two treatment options that could be considered as add-on therapy to ICS.

OBJECTIVES

We compared the efficacy and safety profile of adding either daily LABA or LTRA in adults and children with asthma who remain symptomatic on ICS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register (up to and including March 2010). We consulted reference lists of all included studies and contacted authors and pharmaceutical manufacturers for other published or unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in adults or children with recurrent asthma that was treated with ICS and where a fixed dose of a long-acting beta(2)-agonist or leukotriene agent was added for a minimum of 28 days.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias of included studies and extracted data. We sought unpublished data and further details of study design, where necessary.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 17 RCTs (7032 participants), of which 16 recruited adults and adolescents (6850) and one recruited children aged 6 to 17 years (182). Participants demonstrated substantial reversibility to short-acting beta-agonist at baseline. The studies were at a low risk of bias. The risk of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids was lower with the combination of LABA and ICS compared with LTRA and ICS, from 11% to 9% (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.97; six studies, 5571 adults). The number needed to treat (NNT) with LABA compared to LTRA to prevent one exacerbation over 48 weeks was 38 (95% CI 22 to 244). The choice of LTRA did not significantly affect the results. The effect appeared stronger in the trials using a single device to administer ICS and LABA compared to those using two devices. In the absence of data from the paediatric trial and the clinical homogeneity of studies, we could not perform subgroup analyses. The addition to ICS of LABA compared to LTRA was associated with a statistically greater improvement from baseline in several of the secondary outcomes, including lung function, functional status measures and quality of life. Serious adverse events were more common with LABA than LTRA, although the estimate was imprecise (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.82), and the NNT to harm for one additional patient to suffer a serious adverse event on LABA over 48 weeks was 78 (95% CI 33 to infinity). The risk of withdrawal for any reason in adults was significantly lower with LABA and ICS compared to LTRA and ICS (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In adults with asthma that is inadequately controlled on low doses of inhaled steroids and showing significant reversibility with beta(2)-agonists, LABA is superior to LTRA in reducing oral steroid treated exacerbations. Differences favouring LABA in lung function, functional status and quality of life scores are generally modest. There is some evidence of increased risk of SAEs with LABA. The findings support the use of a single inhaler for the delivery of LABA and inhaled corticosteroids. We are unable to draw conclusions about which treatment is better as add-on therapy for children.

Inhaled corticosteroids vs. leukotriene-receptor antagonists and asthma exacerbations in children

BACKGROUND

Compared to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), better use of leukotriene-receptor antagonists (LTRA) may lead to a greater reduction in exacerbations among asthmatic children in real-life settings.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, we used the Quebec administrative databases and identified a cohort of 27,355 asthmatic children aged 5-15 years in whom ICS or LTRA monotherapy was initiated in 1998-2005. The primary outcome was the rate of moderate-or-severe asthma exacerbations (emergency department visit or hospitalization for asthma or a dispensed prescription of oral corticosteroids) over the subsequent year. The adjusted rate ratios (RR) of asthma exacerbations were estimated with Poisson regression models. To minimize confounding by indication, all analyses were stratified by the presence or not of an asthma exacerbation in the year before treatment initiation. We also measured the proportion of days with supply prescribed and patient's adherence with the Proportion of Prescribed Days Covered (PPDC).

RESULTS

The risk of exacerbations was significantly higher in the ICS than the LTRA group among children with no previous exacerbation (RR = 2.3; 95% CI:1.3-4.0), but not in those with ≥1 exacerbations (RR = 1.6; 0.8-3.1). The PPDC was similar between the groups (66%) but the proportion of days with supply prescribed was significantly higher in the LTRA than the ICS group (52% vs. 34%), resulting in higher use.

CONCLUSIONS

While confounding by indication cannot be firmly ruled out, ICS appears to be more frequently prescribed as an intermittent than a daily controller therapy resulting in less use, which may contribute to the apparent lower effectiveness compared to LTRA.

Comparative effectiveness of medical interventions in adults versus children

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the comparative effectiveness of medical interventions in adults versus children.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Issue 1, 2007) meta-analyses with data on at least 1 adult and 1 pediatric randomized trial with binary primary efficacy outcome. For each meta-analysis, we calculated the summary odds ratio of the adult trials and the pediatric trials, respectively; the relative odds ratio (ROR) of the adult versus pediatric odds ratios per meta-analysis; and the summary ROR across all meta-analyses. ROR <1 means that the experimental intervention is more unfavorable in children than adults.

RESULTS

Across 128 eligible meta-analyses (1051 adult and 343 pediatric trials), the summary ROR did not show a statistically significant difference between adults and children (0.96; 95% confidence intervals, 0.86 to 1.08). However, in all meta-analyses except for 1, the individual ROR's 95% confidence intervals could not exclude a relative difference in efficacy over 20%. In two-thirds, the relative difference in observed point estimates exceeded 50%. Nine statistically significant discrepancies were identified; 4 of them were also clinically important.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment effects are on average similar in adults and children, but available evidence leaves large uncertainty about their relative efficacy. Clinically important discrepancies may occur.

Achieving asthma control in patients with moderate disease

Patients with moderate asthma are symptomatic on an ongoing basis. They are usually treated initially with low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) supplemented with a short-acting bronchodilator as a rescue medication. Most steroid-naive patients will achieve good control with this strategy. For patients in whom adherence, inhaler technique, environmental control, and comorbidities have been addressed but who still have uncontrolled symptoms, the addition of a long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist should be considered. Some patients might require a higher dose of ICS. Leukotriene receptor antagonists might be considered as alternate initial therapy or as an add-on to maintenance therapy with an ICS. All patients should receive a structured education program emphasizing the need for ongoing maintenance treatment, even when control is achieved. Patients should also be provided with a written action plan that clearly explains which additional anti-inflammatory therapy should be taken if asthma symptoms worsen. The most effective strategy in this situation has been shown to be the quadrupling of the maintenance dose of ICS.

Canadian Thoracic Society Asthma Management Continuum--2010 Consensus Summary for children six years of age and over, and adults

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

To integrate new evidence into the Canadian Asthma Management Continuum diagram, encompassing both pediatric and adult asthma.

METHODS

The Canadian Thoracic Society Asthma Committee members, comprised of experts in pediatric and adult respirology, allergy and immunology, emergency medicine, general pediatrics, family medicine, pharmacoepidemiology and evidence-based medicine, updated the continuum diagram, based primarily on the 2008 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, and performed a focused review of literature pertaining to key aspects of asthma diagnosis and management in children six years of age and over, and adults.

RESULTS

In patients six years of age and over, management of asthma begins with establishing an accurate diagnosis, typically by supplementing medical history with objective measures of lung function. All patients and caregivers should receive self-management education, including a written action plan. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) remain the first-line controller therapy for all ages. When asthma is not controlled with a low dose of ICS, the literature supports the addition of long-acting beta2-agonists in adults, while the preferred approach in children is to increase the dose of ICS. Leukotriene receptor antagonists are acceptable as second-line monotherapy and as an alternative add-on therapy in both age groups. Antiimmunoglobulin E therapy may be of benefit in adults, and in children 12 years of age and over with difficult to control allergic asthma, despite high-dose ICS and at least one other controller.

CONCLUSIONS

The foundation of asthma management is establishing an accurate diagnosis based on objective measures (eg, spirometry) in individuals six years of age and over. Emphasis is placed on the similarities and differences between pediatric and adult asthma management approaches to achieve asthma control.

Leukotriene modifiers in the treatment of asthma in children

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory disorders in clinical practice, affecting up to 13% of people worldwide. Inflammation is the most important component of asthma and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are recommended as the first line controller treatment for patients of all ages. Treatment with corticosteroids is often unable to fully control asthma symptoms and progression. Recently, leukotrienes have come to the forefront of research as they have been found play a pivotal role in the airway inflammatory process, and specific drugs have been developed to target them. Cysteiny leukotriene antagonists (LTRAs) have recently emerged as important therapeutic options that show a large potential clinical utility. Three specific LTRAs are licensed for clinical use: montelukast, zafirlukast and pranlukast, although montelukast is the only drug approved in the paediatric age range. It is well tolerated (although adverse effects such as headaches, abdominal pain, rashes, angioedema, pulmonary eosinophilia and arthralgia have been reported) and shows many positive effects in asthmatic patients. Current Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines recommend LTRAs as: (1) a second choice treatment to ICS for patients with mild persistent asthma, (2) an add-on therapy to reduce the dose of ICS in patients with moderate or severe asthma, due to the different and complementary mechanisms of action of these agents. LTRAs may be particularly appropriate choices in a number of clinical situations, including the following: patients with concomitant rhinitis; patients with viral-induced wheeze; patients with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and, in children aged 2-5 years, to reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations.

Outcomes and costs of patients with persistent asthma treated with beclomethasone dipropionate hydrofluoroalkane or fluticasone propionate

OBJECTIVE

Examine outcomes and costs of patients with persistent asthma who initiated treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate hydrofluoroalkane (BDP-HFA) or fluticasone propionate (FP).

METHODS

MedStat's Commercial Claims and Encounters database (July 1, 2002-June 30, 2007) was utilized. Patients (n=13,968) were included if they initiated treatment with BDP-HFA or FP (first use=index date). Patients also met these criteria: (a) no receipt of other study medication in the 1-year post-period; (b) persistent asthma in the 1-year pre-period; (c) age 5-64 years; (d) no diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and (e) continuous insurance coverage from 1 year pre-period to 1 year post-period. Multivariate regressions examined the probability of an ER visit or hospitalization, probability of reaching alternative adherence thresholds, and costs.

RESULTS

Receipt of BDP-HFA, compared with FP, was associated with a 17% reduction in the odds of an ER visit (OR=0.834, 95% CI 0.751 to 0.925), a 30% reduction in the odds of an asthma-related ER visit (OR=0.697, 95% CI 0.571 to 0.852), and an increase in the odds of obtaining a medication possession ratio (MPR) of at least 50% (OR=1.324; 95% CI 1.164 to 1.506) or 75% (OR=1.311; 95% CI 1.072 to 1.604). Total medical costs ($5063 vs. $5377, P=0.0042), prescription drug costs ($2336 vs. $2581, P<0.0001), and ER costs ($185 vs. $249, P<0.0001) were significantly lower among the BDP-HFA cohort. Asthma-related outpatient ($191 vs. $224, P<0.0001) and ER costs ($28 vs. $45, P<0.001) were significantly lower in the BDP-HFA group, while asthma-related inpatient ($101 vs. $59, P<0.0001) and drug costs ($451 vs. $540, P<0.0001) were significantly lower in the FP cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that receipt of BDP-HFA, compared with receipt of FP, is associated with a decreased probability of ER visits or asthma-related ER visits and higher odds of reaching a medical possession ratio threshold of 50% or 75%. Receipt of BDP-HFA was also associated with lower total drug costs and lower total medical costs.

Impact of asthma controller medications on clinical, economic, and patient-reported outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively evaluate clinical, economic, and patient-reported outcomes associated with various therapeutic classes of asthma controller medications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This observational study, which used administrative claims data from US commercial health plans, included patients with asthma aged 18 through 64 years who filled a prescription for at least 1 asthma controller medication from September 1, 2003, through August 31, 2005. Outcome metrics included the use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), the use of oral corticosteroids, inpatient (INP)/emergency department (ED) visits, and asthma-related health care costs. A subset of 5000 patients was randomly selected for a survey using the Mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, and the Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of 56,168 eligible patients, 823 returned completed questionnaires. Compared with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), leukotriene modifiers (LMs) were associated with lower odds of INP/ED visits (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; P<.001), lower odds of using 6 or more SABA canisters (OR, 0.81; P<.001), and higher annual cost ($193; P<.001). In the subgroup analysis of adherent patients, LMs were associated with higher odds of INP/ED visits (OR, 1.74; P=.04), lower odds of using 6 or more SABA canisters (OR, 0.46; P<.001), and higher annual cost ($235; P<.001). Inhaled corticosteroids and LMs had a comparable impact on all patient-reported outcomes. For combination therapy, ICS plus a long-acting beta-agonist consistently showed at least equivalent or better outcomes in the use of SABAs and oral corticosteroids, the risk of INP/ED visits, cost, asthma control level, quality of life, and impairment in productivity and activity.

CONCLUSION

Inhaled corticosteroids were associated with a lower risk of INP/ED visits, and a lower cost if adherence was achieved. When adherence cannot be achieved, LMs may be a reasonable alternative. Combination therapy with ICS plus a long-acting beta-agonist was associated with better or equivalent clinical, economic, and patient-reported outcomes.

Role of add-on zileuton on total exhaled, large airway, and small airway/alveolar nitric oxide in moderate-severe persistent adult asthmatics on fluticasone 250 microg/Salmeterol 50 microg

BACKGROUND

Measuring non-invasive exhaled biomarkers of inflammation may be important in monitoring asthma therapy.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate exhaled nitric oxide with add-on leukotriene synthesis inhibitor in moderate-severe persistent asthmatics on combination controllers.

METHODS

In a non-randomized, non-placebo, single-blind, fixed sequence, pilot study, we evaluated 22 non-smoking, stable, moderate-severe adult asthmatics on maintenance inhaled fluticasone 250 microg/salmeterol 50 microg (F/S) via MDI bid> or =1 yr, with add-on oral zileuton 600 mg qid. Exhaled fractional nitric oxide (FENO) gas exchange, large airway NO, small airway/alveolar NO concentration (CANO), Juniper score and lung function were measured. Asthmatics were studied at baseline only on F/S bid (visit 1), on F/S bid pre and 2 h post first dose zileuton 600 mg (visit 2), and post 4 weeks (visit 3) F/S bid plus zileuton 600 mg qid. Values were compared at each visit and to healthy non-smoking age matched healthy controls with normal lung function.

RESULTS

Three asthmatics stopped zileuton prematurely (headache and/or nausea) and 19 (12F) age 55+/-17 yr (mean+/-SD) completed the 4-week study. Baseline forced expiratory lung volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)) was 1.6+/-0.7L (53+/-19% pred) (mean+/-SD), FEV(1) over FVC ratio was 64+/-11% and post 180 microg albuterol FEV(1) was 1.8+/-0.7L (56+/-21% pred), and FEV(1) over FVC ratio was 67+/-12%. Baseline Juniper scores were mild (10+/-10) and similar (p=ns) at all visits. Baseline FENO@50 mL/s was 48+/-27 ppb (mean+/-SD), and FENO@100 mL/s was 29+/-16ppb, and were similar (p=ns) at all visits. Large airway NO flux was 2.0+/-1.3 nL/s (52% asthmatics abnormal) and small airway/alveolar NO was 8.0+/-4.0 ppb (79% asthmatics abnormal) and were similar (p=ns) at all visits. Compared to baseline, post 26+/-6 days Zileuton, mean FEV(1) (L)% predicted increased 3.3% predicted (p=0.03), and FEV(1) over FVC ratio increased 2.2% (p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

In stable, moderate-severe persistent adult asthmatics, large airway NO flux, small airway/alveolar CANO, and Juniper airway scores, were not significantly different on F/S bid vs F/S bid plus Zileuton for 4 weeks, despite significant small increase in FEV(1) over FVC ratio and FEV(1)% predicted.

Asthma in childhood

Management decisions for pediatric asthma (in patients younger than 12 years of age) based on extrapolation from available evidence in adolescents and adults (age 12 years and older) is common but rarely appropriate. This article addresses the disparity in response between the two age groups, presents the available pediatric evidence, and highlights the important areas in which further research is required. Evidence-based recommendations for acute and interval management of pediatric asthma are provided.

Tolerance and rebound with zafirlukast in patients with persistent asthma

BACKGROUND

The potential for tolerance to develop to zafirlukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptor antagonist (LRA) in persistent asthma, has not been specifically examined.

OBJECTIVE

To look for any evidence of tolerance and potential for short-term clinical worsening on LRA withdrawal. Outcome measures included changes in; airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine (PD20FEV1), daily symptoms and peak expiratory flows (PEF), sputum and blood cell profiles, sputum CysLT and prostaglandin (PG)E2 and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels.

METHODS

A double blind, placebo-controlled study of zafirlukast, 20 mg twice daily over 12 weeks in 21 asthmatics taking beta2-agonists only (Group I), and 24 subjects treated with ICS (Group II).

RESULTS

In Group I, zafirlukast significantly improved morning PEF and FEV1compared to placebo (p < 0.01), and reduced morning waking with asthma from baseline after two weeks (p < 0.05). Similarly in Group II, FEV1 improved compared to placebo (p < 0.05), and there were early within-treatment group improvements in morning PEF, beta2-agonist use and asthma severity scores (p < 0.05). However, most improvements with zafirlukast in Group I and to a lesser extent in Group II deteriorated toward baseline values over 12 weeks. In both groups, one week following zafirlukast withdrawal there were significant deteriorations in morning and evening PEFs and FEV1 compared with placebo (p < or = 0.05) and increased nocturnal awakenings in Group II (p < 0.05). There were no changes in PD20FEV1, sputum CysLT concentrations or exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels. However, blood neutrophils significantly increased in both groups following zafirlukast withdrawal compared to placebo (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Tolerance appears to develop to zafirlukast and there is rebound clinical deterioration on drug withdrawal, accompanied by a blood neutrophilia.

Costs and resource use of mild persistent asthma patients initiated on controller therapy

BACKGROUND

The treatment of mild persistent asthma is controversial.

OBJECTIVES

A retrospective database approach was used to evaluate different alternatives to treating mild persistent asthma. We hypothesized that treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) would result in lowest costs than treatment with leukotriene modifiers (LM) and combination therapy with ICS long-acting inhaled beta(2)-agonists (LABA) because it would be associated with fewer acute care visits and hospitalizations than LM and it would have lower drug acquisition costs than both ICS+LABA and LM.

METHODS

Costs and resource utilization were compared in 1,283 mild persistent asthma patients initiating regular use of either ICS, ICS+LABA, or LM. Mild persistent asthma patients were identified from a privately insured claims database (1999-2005) using an established algorithm. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and generalized linear models were used to compare costs.

RESULTS

Of the total patients who met study criteria, 319 patients (24.9%) initiated regular ICS use, 414 (32.3%) ICS+LABA use, and 550 (42.9%) LM use. Over the 1 year after controller therapy initiation, asthma-related direct costs were significantly lower with ICS compared with ICS+LABA or LM ($819 for ICS, $1,094 for ICS+LABA, and $869 for LM, p < 0.001 for all comparisons). There were no significant differences in resource use.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, physicians, despite guideline recommendations, chose to treat patients with mild persistent asthma more often with LM and ICS+LABA than with ICS. However, therapy with ICS was less costly than treatment with either LM or ICS+LABA, primarily due to differences in drug costs, and provided similar outcomes.

Exposure to tobacco smoke increases leukotriene E4-related albuterol usage and response to montelukast

BACKGROUND

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are important mediators of asthma in children. Predictors of susceptibility to CysLT effects have not been developed.

OBJECTIVES

To identify susceptibility markers to CysLT effects and montelukast response.

METHODS

Twenty-seven schoolchildren were followed for 5 months with measurements of urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE(4)), cotinine, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and monitoring of albuterol use. After a baseline run-in, children were randomized to receive daily montelukast or placebo without change in their current controller medications.

RESULTS

At baseline, a significant (P = .003) positive association was observed between LTE(4) levels and albuterol use 2 days later. LTE(4)-related albuterol usage (ie, change per interquartile increase in LTE(4)) declined significantly after montelukast treatment (12% decline; P = .0005 for relative difference between intervals) but not placebo (2% increase; P = .80). Declines in LTE(4)-related albuterol usage between intervals tended to be greater in girls (P = .01 for girls; P = .21 for boys; P = .07 for interaction) and were greater among children with higher cotinine levels (P = .01 for high cotinine group; P = .17 for low cotinine group; P = .04 for interaction). Children with high LTE(4) levels relative to FENO demonstrated significant (P = .05) declines in LTE(4)-related albuterol usage between intervals (P = .89 for low ratio group; P = .25 for interaction).

CONCLUSION

Increased individual CysLT levels are associated with subsequent albuterol usage. CysLT-related albuterol usage and montelukast responsiveness are increased in children exposed to tobacco smoke and tend to be greater in girls than boys. Measurement of LTE(4) to FENO ratios may help predict susceptibility to montelukast.

Many asthma patients experience persistent symptoms despite appropriate clinical and guideline-based treatment with inhaled corticosteroids

PURPOSE

To review possible reasons for persistence of asthma symptoms despite appropriate use of clinical and guideline-based treatments, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids.

DATA SOURCES

Review of the worldwide scientific literature on factors related to persistent symptoms in patients with asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with asthma may not respond as expected to therapy because of factors that include poor adherence, improper inhaler technique, persistent exposure to symptom triggers, and limitations of current standard therapy, including steroid insensitivity or the steroid plateau effect. Persistent symptoms may also be associated with IgE-mediated airway inflammation, as current standard asthma therapies do not directly address the IgE-mediated component of the inflammatory cascade. Asthma is a complex disease and its treatment requires the full cooperation and participation of the patient.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Healthcare professionals can play a key role by educating patients and their family members about the nature of asthma and rationale for treatment, supporting the importance of strict adherence to prevention measures and the prescribed treatment regimen.

Executive summary: asthma and the unified airway

Asthma is a common comorbid disorder that will be seen by otolaryngologists in their treatment of patients with rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and otitis media. Among otolaryngologists, however, a diagnosis of asthma is infrequently considered in this patient population. Otolaryngologists, however, may be in an important position to recognize this potential diagnosis and provide treatment or appropriate referral. To further develop this relationship among upper and lower airway inflammation, and to provide important information to otolaryngologists regarding this relationship, a multidisciplinary workgroup was impaneled by the American Academy of Otolaryngologic Allergy in August 2006. The full report of this meeting is published separately as a Supplement to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This Executive Summary provides a brief synopsis of that document, with a focus on comorbid respiratory inflammation for otolaryngologists. In the treatment of their patients with allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, otolaryngologists must be aware of the possible presence of asthma so that appropriate treatment and/or referral can be initiated. The impact of this practice will allow more comprehensive treatment of patients with upper and lower airway disease, and will improve patient symptoms, function, and quality of life.

Treatment with 400 microg of inhaled budesonide vs 200 microg of inhaled budesonide and oral montelukast in children with moderate persistent asthma: randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Montelukast is reported to be beneficial in asthma as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids and may reduce the need for the latter.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether a combination of oral montelukast and 200 microg of inhaled budesonide has comparable efficacy to 400 microg of inhaled budesonide alone in children with moderate persistent asthma.

METHODS

In this prospective, blinded, hospital-based randomized controlled trial, 71 children with moderate persistent asthma were randomized to receive either montelukast, 5-mg chewable tablet, with 200 microg of inhaled budesonide or only 400 microg of inhaled budesonide daily for 12 weeks. Baseline and serial measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow rate, and Asthma Symptom Score were performed; the frequency and severity of exacerbations were also recorded.

RESULTS

Measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow rate, and Asthma Symptom Score showed no significant differences between the 2 groups at baseline, during the serial follow-up visits, and at the end of the study. However, children who received montelukast had a greater frequency of exacerbations vs those who did not (33.3% vs 9.1%; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

The overall control of asthma with 5 mg of oral montelukast and 200 microg of inhaled budesonide is inferior to that with 400 microg of inhaled budesonide in children with moderate persistent asthma.

Long-acting beta2-agonists versus anti-leukotrienes as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids for chronic asthma

BACKGROUND

Patients who continue to experience asthma symptoms despite taking regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) represent a management challenge. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) and long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABA) agents may both be considered as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

OBJECTIVES

We compared the efficacy and safety profile of adding either daily LABA or LTRA in asthmatic patients who remained symptomatic on ICS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register was searched for randomised controlled trials up to and including March 2006. Reference lists of all included studies and reviews were screened to identify potentially relevant citations. Inquiries regarding other published or unpublished studies supported by the authors of the included studies or pharmaceutical companies who manufacture these agents were made. Conference proceedings of major respiratory meetings were also searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials conducted in adults or children with recurrent asthma where a LABA (for example, salmeterol or formoterol) or LTRA (for example, montelukast, pranlukast, zafirlukast) was added to ICS for a minimum of 28 days were considered for inclusion. Inhaled short-acting beta(2)-agonists and short courses of oral steroids were permitted as rescue medications. Other daily asthma treatments were permitted, providing the dose remained constant during the intervention period. Two reviewers independently reviewed the literature searches.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extraction and trial quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. Whenever possible, primary study authors were requested to confirm methodology and data extraction and to provide additional information and clarification when needed. Where necessary, expansion of graphic reproductions and estimation from other data presented in the paper was performed.

MAIN RESULTS

Fifteen randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria; eleven trials including 6,030 participants provided data in sufficient detail to permit aggregation. All eleven trials pertained to adults with moderate airway obstruction (% predicted FEV(1) 66-76%) at baseline. Montelukast (n=9) or Zafirlukast (n=2) was compared to Salmeterol (n=9) or Formoterol (n=2) as add-on therapy to 400-565 mcg of beclomethasone or equivalent. Risk of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids was significantly lower with LABA+ICS when compared to LTRA+ICS (RR= 0.83, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI): 0.71, 0.97): the number needed to treat with LABA compared to LTRA, to prevent one exacerbation over 48 weeks, was 38 (95% CI: 23 to 247). The following outcomes also improved significantly with the addition of LABA compared to LTRA to inhaled steroids (Weighted Mean Difference; 95%CI): morning PEFR (16 L/min; 13 to 18), evening PEFR (12 L/min; 9 to 15), FEV(1) (80 mL; 60 to 100), rescue-free days (9%; 5% to 13%), symptom-free days (6%; 2 to 11), rescue beta(2)-agonists (-0.5 puffs/day; -0.2 to -1), quality of life (0.1; 0.05 to 0.2), symptom score (Standard Mean Difference -0.2; -0.1 to -0.3), night awakenings (-0.1/week; -0.06 to -0.2) and patient satisfaction (RR 1.12; 1.07 to 1.16). Risk of withdrawals due to any reason was significantly lower with LABA+ICS compared to LTRA+ICS (Risk Ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.95). Withdrawals due to adverse events or due to poor asthma control, hospitalisation, osteopenia, serious adverse events, overall adverse events, headache or cardiovascular events were not significantly different between the two study groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In asthmatic adults inadequately controlled on low doses of inhaled steroids, the addition of LABA is superior to LTRA for preventing exacerbations requiring systemic steroids, and for improving lung function, symptoms, and the use of rescue beta(2)-agonists.

Oral xanthines as maintenance treatment for asthma in children

BACKGROUND

Xanthines have been used in the treatment of asthma as a bronchodilator, though they may also have anti-inflammatory effects. The current role of xanthines in the long-term treatment of childhood asthma needs to be reassessed.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of xanthines (e.g. theophylline) in the maintenance treatment of paediatric asthma.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A search of the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register was undertaken with predefined search terms. Searches are current to May 2005.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials,lasting at least four weeks comparing a xanthine with placebo, regular short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), cromoglycate (SCG), ketotifen (KET) or leukotriene antagonist, in children with diagnosed with chronic asthma between 18 months and 18 years old.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently selected each study for inclusion in the review and extracted data. Primary outcome was percentage of symptom-free days.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-four studies (2734 participants) of adequate quality were included. Xanthine versus placebo (17 studies): The proportion of symptom free days was larger with xanthine compared with placebo (7.97% [95% CI 3.41, 12.53]). Rescue medication usage was lower with xanthine, with no significant difference in symptom scores or hospitalisations. FEV1 , and PEF were better with xanthine. Xanthine was associated with non - specific side-effects. Data from behavioural scores were inconclusive. Xanthine versus ICS (four studies) : Exacerbations were less frequent with ICS, but no significant difference on lung function was observed. Individual studies reported significant improvements in symptom measures in favour of steroids, and one study reported a difference in growth rate in favour of xanthine. No difference was observed for study withdrawal or tremor. Xanthine was associated with more frequent headache and nausea. Xanthine versus regular SABA (10 studies): No significant difference in symptoms, rescue medication usage and spirometry. Individual studies reported improvement in PEF with beta-agonist. Beta-agonist treatment led to fewer hospitalisations and headaches. Xanthine was associated with less tremor. Xanthine versus SCG (six studies ): No significant difference in symptoms, exacerbations and rescue medication. Sodium cromoglycate was associated with fewer gastro-intestinal side-effects than xanthine. Xanthine versus KET (one study): No statistical tests of significance between xanthine and ketotifen were reported. Xanthine + ICS versus placebo + same dose ICS (three studies) : Results were conflicting due to clinical/methodological differences, and could not be aggregated.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Xanthines as first-line preventer alleviate symptoms and reduce requirement for rescue medication in children with mild to moderate asthma. When compared with ICS they were less effective in preventing exacerbations. Xanthines had similar efficacy as single preventative agent compared with regular SABA and SCG. Evidence on AEs (adverse effects) was equivocal: there was evidence for increased AEs overall, but no evidence that any specific AE (including effects on behaviour and attention) occurred more frequently than with placebo. There is insufficient evidence from available studies to make firm conclusions about the effectiveness of xanthines as add-on preventative treatment to ICS, and there are no published paediatric studies comparing xanthines with alternatives in this role. Our data suggest that xanthines are only suitable as first-line preventative asthma therapy in children when ICS are not available. They may have a role as add-on therapy in more severe asthma not controlled by ICS, but further studies are needed to examine this, and to define the risk-benefit ratio compared with other agents.

Childhood asthma: breakthroughs and challenges

As we move forward, our goal is to control and eliminate asthma and other allergic disorders. This may come through broadly applied manipulation of environmental, dietary, and infectious risk factors, possibly during the perinatal period. Or we may learn to identify genetically susceptible children and to intervene with individualized genotype-specific treatment before the onset of disease. Maybe we'll learn how to block the mechanisms that give rise to chronic inflammation, or how to subdue Th2 activation. However, as the Swedish proverb says--Don't throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water. To continue using the old bucket, we have to fix the leaks. One approach to reducing asthma disparities is through traditional disease prevention stages. Primary prevention targets asthma incidence; secondary prevention mitigates established disease and involves disease detection, management, and control; and tertiary prevention is the reduction of complications caused by severe disease. Once causative factors at each level of disease prevention are understood, this knowledge can be translated into clinical practice and public health policy. We need reliable diagnostic criteria to provide correct treatment for infants and toddlers. This will require longitudinal cohort studies supported by assessment of pulmonary function and inflammatory markers. We must find ways to convince more physicians to embrace controller therapy for more severe disease, and to identify the patients with less severe disease who also require ongoing controller therapy. We need to close the gap between what we know and what we do in practice. We need to link basic research to healthcare delivery, and to gain acceptance and support from the intended recipients of new interventions. We need better strategies for improving adherence. We need accountability, foresight, and imagination.