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Jayasooriya S, Stolbrink M, Khoo EM, Sunte IT, Awuru JI, Cohen M, Lam DC, Spanevello A, Visca D, Centis R, Migliori GB, Ayuk AC, Buendia JA, Awokola BI, Del-Rio-Navarro BE, Muteti-Fana S, Lao-Araya M, Chiarella P, Badellino H, Somwe SW, Anand MP, Garcí-Corzo JR, Bekele A, Soto-Martinez ME, Ngahane BHM, Florin M, Voyi K, Tabbah K, Bakki B, Alexander A, Garba BL, Salvador EM, Fischer GB, Falade AG, ŽivkoviĆ Z, Romero-Tapia SJ, Erhabor GE, Zar H, Gemicioglu B, Brandão HV, Kurhasani X, El-Sharif N, Singh V, Ranasinghe JC, Kudagammana ST, Masjedi MR, Velásquez JN, Jain A, Cherrez-Ojeda I, Valdeavellano LFM, Gómez RM, Mesonjesi E, Morfin-Maciel BM, Ndikum AE, Mukiibi GB, Reddy BK, Yusuf O, Taright-Mahi S, Mérida-Palacio JV, Kabra SK, Nkhama E, Filho NR, Zhjegi VB, Mortimer K, Rylance S, Masekela RR. Clinical standards for the diagnosis and management of asthma in low- and middle-income countries. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:658-667. [PMID: 37608484 PMCID: PMC10443788 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.23.0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to aid the diagnosis and management of asthma in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).METHODS: A panel of 52 experts in the field of asthma in LMICs participated in a two-stage Delphi process to establish and reach a consensus on the clinical standards.RESULTS: Eighteen clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, Every individual with symptoms and signs compatible with asthma should undergo a clinical assessment; Standard 2, In individuals (>6 years) with a clinical assessment supportive of a diagnosis of asthma, a hand-held spirometry measurement should be used to confirm variable expiratory airflow limitation by demonstrating an acute response to a bronchodilator; Standard 3, Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry should be performed in individuals (>6 years) to support diagnosis before treatment is commenced if there is diagnostic uncertainty; Standard 4, Individuals with an acute exacerbation of asthma and clinical signs of hypoxaemia or increased work of breathing should be given supplementary oxygen to maintain saturation at 94-98%; Standard 5, Inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) should be used as an emergency reliever in individuals with asthma via an appropriate spacer device for metered-dose inhalers; Standard 6, Short-course oral corticosteroids should be administered in appropriate doses to individuals having moderate to severe acute asthma exacerbations (minimum 3-5 days); Standard 7, Individuals having a severe asthma exacerbation should receive emergency care, including oxygen therapy, systemic corticosteroids, inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol with or without ipratropium bromide) and a single dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate should be considered; Standard 8, All individuals with asthma should receive education about asthma and a personalised action plan; Standard 9, Inhaled medications (excluding dry-powder devices) should be administered via an appropriate spacer device in both adults and children. Children aged 0-3 years will require the spacer to be coupled to a face mask; Standard 10, Children aged <5 years with asthma should receive a SABA as-needed at step 1 and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to cover periods of wheezing due to respiratory viral infections, and SABA as-needed and daily ICS from step 2 upwards; Standard 11, Children aged 6-11 years with asthma should receive an ICS taken whenever an inhaled SABA is used; Standard 12, All adolescents aged 12-18 years and adults with asthma should receive a combination inhaler (ICS and rapid onset of action long-acting beta-agonist [LABA] such as budesonide-formoterol), where available, to be used either as-needed (for mild asthma) or as both maintenance and reliever therapy, for moderate to severe asthma; Standard 13, Inhaled SABA alone for the management of patients aged >12 years is not recommended as it is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It should only be used where there is no access to ICS.The following standards (14-18) are for settings where there is no access to inhaled medicines. Standard 14, Patients without access to corticosteroids should be provided with a single short course of emergency oral prednisolone; Standard 15, Oral SABA for symptomatic relief should be used only if no inhaled SABA is available. Adjust to the individual's lowest beneficial dose to minimise adverse effects; Standard 16, Oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) can be used as a preventive medication and is preferable to the use of long-term oral systemic corticosteroids; Standard 17, In exceptional circumstances, when there is a high risk of mortality from exacerbations, low-dose oral prednisolone daily or on alternate days may be considered on a case-by-case basis; Standard 18. Oral theophylline should be restricted for use in situations where it is the only bronchodilator treatment option available.CONCLUSION: These first consensus-based clinical standards for asthma management in LMICs are intended to help clinicians provide the most effective care for people in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jayasooriya
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, University of Sheffield, Sheffield
| | - M Stolbrink
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - E M Khoo
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - I T Sunte
- Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform, Vienna, Austria
| | - J I Awuru
- Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Cohen
- Hospital Centro Médico, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Mexico, Asociación Latinoamericana de Tórax, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - D C Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, Hong Kong, China
| | - A Spanevello
- Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Tradate, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Diseases, University of Insubria, Varese-Como
| | - D Visca
- Asociación Latinoamericana de Tórax, Montevideo, Uruguay, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - R Centis
- Servizio di Epidemiologia Clinica delle Malattie Respiratorie, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Tradate, Italy
| | - G B Migliori
- Servizio di Epidemiologia Clinica delle Malattie Respiratorie, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Tradate, Italy
| | - A C Ayuk
- College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - J A Buendia
- Affiliation Departamento de Farmacologia y Tóxicologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - B I Awokola
- Medical Research Council, The Gambia at the London School of Tropical Medicine, The Gambia
| | | | - S Muteti-Fana
- Department of Primary Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - M Lao-Araya
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Chian Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - P Chiarella
- Health Sciences School, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - H Badellino
- Head Pediatric Respiratory Medicine Department, Clinica Regional del Este, San Francisco, Argentina
| | - S W Somwe
- Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - M P Anand
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysore, India
| | - J R Garcí-Corzo
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Santander, Colombia
| | - A Bekele
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - M E Soto-Martinez
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - B H M Ngahane
- Douala General Hospital, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - M Florin
- Institute of Pneumology M. Nasta, Bucharest, Romania
| | - K Voyi
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - K Tabbah
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - B Bakki
- University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri
| | - A Alexander
- Deparment of Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja
| | - B L Garba
- Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo, University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - E M Salvador
- Deparment of Biological Sciences, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - G B Fischer
- University of Medical Sciences, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - A G Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Zorica ŽivkoviĆ
- Dragiša Mišovic, Childrens Hsopital for Lung Disease and TB, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - S J Romero-Tapia
- Health Sciences, Academic Division, Juarez Autononous, University of Tabasco, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | - G E Erhabor
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - H Zar
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health & SA MRC Unit on Children & Adolescent Health, Red Cross Childrens Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - B Gemicioglu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Turkey
| | - H V Brandão
- State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | - X Kurhasani
- UBT Higher Education Institution, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | | | - V Singh
- MJ Rajasthan Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | | | - S T Kudagammana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - M R Masjedi
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - J N Velásquez
- Medical School, Santander Industrial, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - A Jain
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore
| | | | - L F M Valdeavellano
- Asociación Latinoamericana de Tórax, Montevideo, Uruguay, Francisco Morroguín University, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - R M Gómez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - E Mesonjesi
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Centre "Mother Teresa", Tirana, Albania
| | | | - A E Ndikum
- The University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - B K Reddy
- Shishuka Children's Speciality Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - O Yusuf
- The Allergy and Asthma Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - S Taright-Mahi
- Medecin Faculty, Mustapha Universitary Hospital Algiers, Algeria
| | - J V Mérida-Palacio
- Centrode Investigación de Enfermedades Alérgicas y Respiratorias SC, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - S K Kabra
- Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - E Nkhama
- Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, School of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - N R Filho
- Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PA, Brazil
| | - V B Zhjegi
- Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - K Mortimer
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Imperial College, London, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - S Rylance
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R R Masekela
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Md Khairi LNH, Gnanasan S. Emerging Roles of Malaysian Pharmacists in Asthma Management Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Malays J Med Sci 2023; 30:33-47. [PMID: 37655143 PMCID: PMC10467601 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.4.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 adversely affected every aspect of human life, including the management of asthma. The pandemic has forced clinicians to revisit the application of high-risk aerosol-generating procedures in asthma management, including spirometry and nebuliser therapy. The use of commercial spacers with pressurised metered-dose inhalers to replace nebulisation is limited by the high cost and pandemic-induced stock unavailability of these inhalers. The need for social distancing, healthcare reserves reallocation, and scarce personal protective equipment has promote increased telemedicine uptake for patients' asthma control and monitoring. Malaysian pharmacists have been providing long-term care of asthma through the introduction of the respiratory Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (MTAC) to empower patients' general health literacy, train and regularly evaluate their inhalation technique, and reinforce the importance of medication compliance. To minimise the use of unplanned healthcare resources and avoidable COVID-19 infection exposure, Malaysian pharmacists need to better support asthma self-management via increased uptake of written Asthma Action Plans (AAPs). Pharmacist-led asthma treatment step-down to attain the lowest effective dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has become increasingly relevant during the pandemic, as its prolonged use carries risk of numerous side effects and possible hospitalisation. Telepharmacy offers a promising model for exploration and an alternative to the traditional service delivery of asthma education. Despite not being authorised as vaccinators, Malaysian pharmacists hold strong positions in COVID-19 immunisation programmes for pharmacovigilance and advocacy. The pandemic demands an increased role for pharmacists within medication management to prevent patients from the stockpiling that can cause adverse effects on pharmaceutical supply chain. This review intends to summarise the impact of COVID-19 on asthma management, with a focus on the transitional roles of Malaysian pharmacists before and after the pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukman Nul Hakim Md Khairi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Shubashini Gnanasan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
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Cheong AT, Lee PY, Shariff-Ghazali S, Salim H, Hussein N, Ramli R, Pinnock H, Liew SM, Hanafi NS, Abu Bakar AI, Mohd Ahad A, Pang YK, Chinna K, Khoo EM. Implementing asthma management guidelines in public primary care clinics in Malaysia. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2021; 31:47. [PMID: 34845205 PMCID: PMC8630037 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-021-00257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementing asthma guideline recommendations is challenging in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to explore healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives on the provision of recommended care. Twenty-six HCPs from six public primary care clinics in a semi-urban district of Malaysia were purposively sampled based on roles and experience. Focus group discussions were guided by a semi-structured interview guide and analysed thematically. HCPs had access to guidelines and training but highlighted multiple infrastructure-related challenges to implementing recommended care. Diagnosis and review of asthma control were hampered by limited access to spirometry and limited asthma control test (ACT) use, respectively. Treatment decisions were limited by poor availability of inhaled combination therapy (ICS/LABA) and free spacer devices. Imposed Ministry of Health programmes involving other non-communicable diseases were prioritised over asthma. Ministerial policies need practical resources and organisational support if quality improvement programmes are to facilitate better management of asthma in public primary care clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Theng Cheong
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ping Yein Lee
- UM eHealth Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazlina Shariff-Ghazali
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing™, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Hani Salim
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE), Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Norita Hussein
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rizawati Ramli
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hilary Pinnock
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE), Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Su May Liew
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nik Sherina Hanafi
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Azainorsuzila Mohd Ahad
- Klinik Kesihatan Lukut, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Yong Kek Pang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Karuthan Chinna
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Ee Ming Khoo
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Levin M, Ansotegui IJ, Bernstein J, Chang YS, Chikhladze M, Ebisawa M, Fiocchi A, Heffler E, Martin B, Morais-Almeida M, Papadopoulos NG, Peden D, Wong GWK. Acute asthma management during SARS-CoV2-pandemic 2020. World Allergy Organ J 2020; 13:100125. [PMID: 32411315 PMCID: PMC7221365 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed many medical practices in order to provide additional protection to both our patients and healthcare providers. In many cases this includes seeing patients through electronic means such as telehealth or telephone rather than seeing them in person. Asthma exacerbations cannot always be treated in this way. Problem Current emergency unit asthma guidelines recommend bronchodilators be administered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) and spacer for mild-moderate asthma and include it as a choice even in severe asthma, but many emergency units continue to prefer nebulised therapy for patients who urgently require beta-agonists. The utilization of nebulised therapy potentially increases the risk of aerosolization of the coronavirus. Since nosocomial transmission of respiratory pathogens is a major threat in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, use of nebulised therapy is of even greater concern due to the potential increased risk of infection spread to nearby patients and healthcare workers. Practical implications We propose a risk stratification plan that aims to avoid nebulised therapy, when possible, by providing an algorithm to help better delineate those who require nebulised therapy. Protocols that include strategies to allow flexibility in using MDIs rather than nebulisers in all but the most severe patients should help mitigate this risk of aerosolised infection transmission to patients and health care providers. Furthermore, expedient treatment of patients with high dose MDI therapy augmented with more rapid initiation of systemic therapy may help ensure patients are less likely to deteriorate to the stage where nebulisers are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yoon-Seok Chang
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Motohiro Ebisawa
- National Hospital Organization, Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Kanagwa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David Peden
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Abstract
Asthma still causes considerable morbidity and mortality globally and minimal improvement has been seen in key outcomes over the last decade despite increasing treatment costs. This review summarizes recent advances in the management of asthma in children and adolescents. It focuses on the need for personalized treatment plans based on heterogenous asthma pathophysiology, the use of the terminology 'asthma attack' over exacerbation to instill widespread understanding of severity, and the need for every attack to trigger a structured review and focused strategy. The authors discuss difficulties in diagnosing asthma, accuracy and use of Fractional exhaled nitric oxide both as second line test and as a method to monitor treatment adherence or guide the choice of pharmacotherapy. The authors discuss acute and long-term management of asthma. Asthma treatment goals are to minimize symptom burden, prevent attacks and (where possible) reduce risk and impact of progressive pathophysiology and adverse outcomes. The authors discuss pharmacological management; optimal use of short acting β2 agonists, long acting muscarinic antagonist (tiotropium), use of which is relatively new in pediatrics, allergen specific immunotherapy, biological monoclonal antibody treatment, azalide antibiotic azithromycin, and the use of vitamin D. They also discuss electronic monitoring and adherence devices, direct observation of therapy via mobile device, temperature controlled laminar airflow device, and the importance of considering when symptoms may actually result from dysfunctional breathing rather than asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Gupta
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
- King's College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Paolo Pianosi
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
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Lenney W, Bush A, Fitzgerald DA, Fletcher M, Ostrem A, Pedersen S, Szefler SJ, Zar HJ. Improving the global diagnosis and management of asthma in children. Thorax 2018. [PMCID: PMC6035489 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-211626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children worldwide. It affects daytime activities, sleep and school attendance and causes anxiety to parents, families and other carers. The quality of asthma diagnosis and management globally still needs substantial improvement. From infancy to the teenage years, there are age-specific challenges, including both underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis with stigma-related barriers to treatment in some cultures and in adolescents. Guidelines are increasingly evidence based, but their impact on improving outcomes has been negligible in many parts of the world, often due to lack of implementation. New thinking is needed to enable substantial improvements in outcomes. The disease varies globally and plans will need to differ for individual countries or places where region-specific barriers prevent optimal care. A wide selection of educational activities is needed, including community-targeted initiatives, to engage with families. The Paediatric Asthma Project Plan has been initiated to strengthen diagnosis and management of asthma. This encompasses a vision for the next 10–15 years, building on the knowledge and experience from previous educational projects. It will take into account the educational needs of patients, carers and healthcare professionals as well as the accessibility and affordability of medication, particularly in low and middle-income countries where the prevalence of asthma is rising more rapidly. This overview presents a first step for those involved in the diagnosis and management of childhood asthma to strengthen care for children globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Lenney
- Department of Child Health, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Department of Child Health, Royal Stoke University Hospital (RSUH), Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Global Respiratory Franchise, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bush
- Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Paediatrics, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
- Paediatrics, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dominic A Fitzgerald
- Sydney Medical School, Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Monica Fletcher
- Global Respiratory Franchise, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, London, UK
- Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Soren Pedersen
- Pediatric Research Unit, Kolding Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Stanley J Szefler
- Pediatric Asthma Research Program, Section of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Breathing Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Beran D, Zar HJ, Perrin C, Menezes AM, Burney P. Burden of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and access to essential medicines in low-income and middle-income countries. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2016; 3:159-170. [PMID: 25680912 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(15)00004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Demographic and epidemiological transitions are changing the age structure of the population and the most common diseases. Non-communicable respiratory diseases are an increasing problem at both ends of the age range in low-income and middle-income countries. In children, who represent a large proportion of the total population, the increasing problem of asthma is a strain on health services. Improved survival of the older population is increasing the proportion of morbidity and mortality attributable to chronic lung diseases. Health services in low-resource countries are poorly adapted to treating chronic diseases. Designed to respond episodically to acute disease, almost all historical investment has focused on infectious diseases. Crucial to the successful management of chronic diseases is an infrastructure designed to support pro-active management, providing not only an accurate diagnosis, but also a secure supply of cost effective drugs at an affordable price. The absence of such an infrastructure in many countries and the market failure that makes drugs generally more expensive in low-resource regions means that many people with chronic non-communicable lung diseases are not given effective treatment. This has damaging economic consequences. The common causes of poor lung health in low-income countries are not the same as those in richer countries, and there is a need to study why they are so common and how best to manage them.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Beran
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Lung Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christophe Perrin
- Asthma Drug Facility, International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | - Ana M Menezes
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Peter Burney
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.
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A Rationale for Going Back to the Future: Use of Disposable Spacers for Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers. Pulm Med 2015; 2015:176194. [PMID: 26491563 PMCID: PMC4600499 DOI: 10.1155/2015/176194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of pressurised metered dose inhalers (MDIs) in the mid-1950s completely transformed respiratory treatment. Despite decades of availability and healthcare support and development of teaching aids and devices to promote better use, poor pMDI user technique remains a persistent issue. The main pMDI user aid is the spacer/valved holding chamber (VHC) device. Spacer/chamber features (size, shape, configuration, construction material, and hygiene considerations) can vie with clinical effectiveness (to deliver the same dose as a correctly used pMDI), user convenience, cost, and accessibility. Unsurprisingly, improvised, low-cost alternatives (plastic drink bottles, paper cups, and paper towel rolls) have been pressed into seemingly effective service. A UK law change permitting schools to hold emergency inhalers and spacers has prompted a development project to design a low-cost, user-friendly, disposable, and recyclable spacer. This paper spacer requires neither preuse priming nor washing, and has demonstrated reproducible lung delivery of salbutamol sulphate pMDI, comparable to an industry-standard VHC, an alternative paperboard VHC, and pMDI alone. This new device appears to perform better than these other VHC devices at the low flow rates thought achievable by paediatric patients. The data suggest that this disposable spacer may have a place in the single-use emergency setting.
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Abstract
Asthma is usually treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and bronchodilators generated from pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), or nebulizers. The target areas for ICS and beta 2-agonists in the treatment of asthma are explained. Drug deposition not only depends on particle size, but also on inhalation manoeuvre. Myths regarding inhalation treatments lead to less than optimal use of these delivery systems. We discuss the origin of many of these myths and provide the background and evidence for rejecting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart L Rottier
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology and Paediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
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10
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Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children in many low- and middle-income countries. In these settings, the burden of childhood asthma is increasing and is associated with severe disease. There are a number of challenges to providing optimal management of childhood asthma in such settings. These include under-diagnosis of childhood asthma, access to care, ability of healthcare workers to manage asthma, availability and affordability of inhaled therapy, environmental control of potential triggers, education of healthcare providers and of the public, and cultural or language issues. International and national guidelines for childhood asthma have been produced, but implementation remains a real challenge. Access to and affordability of essential inhaled asthma drugs, especially low-dose inhaled corticosteroids and short-acting bronchodilators, are major challenges to effective asthma control in many countries. A low-cost spacer made from a plastic bottle is effective for use with a metered-dose inhaler, but use must be included in asthma educational initiatives. Educational programs for healthcare personnel and for the public that are culturally and language appropriate are needed for effective implementation of asthma guidelines. Socioeconomic and structural barriers to care within health services remain obstacles to achieving optimal treatment of asthma for many children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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11
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Rodriguez-Martinez CE, Sossa-Briceño MP, Castro-Rodriguez JA. Comparison of the bronchodilating effects of albuterol delivered by valved vs. non-valved spacers in pediatric asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012; 23:629-35. [PMID: 23005919 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhaled therapy using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with attached valved holding chamber has been increasingly recognized as the optimal method for delivering bronchodilators for asthma treatment. However, mainly due to the high cost of these valved holding chambers in many developing countries, the use of non-valved spacers is frequent, despite the scarce evidence that supports their efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the bronchodilator response to albuterol administered by MDI with and without a valved spacer. METHODS In a randomized, two-period, two-sequence crossover clinical trial, we analyzed 31 stable asthmatic children (6-18 yrs of age) on two consecutive days, who were randomly assigned to receive 100 μg of albuterol MDI through either a locally produced valved spacer or a non-valved spacer. The next day, a crossover treatment was employed through the use of the other spacer. Spirometry was recorded before and after each albuterol administration. RESULTS As we were not able to identify any sequence or carryover effect, we tested for treatment effects in both periods. No significant differences in the absolute change in FEV(1) (0.20 ± 0.17 vs. 0.18 ± 0.16, p = 0.63), FVC (0.07 ± 0.13 vs. 0.07 ± 0.16, p = 0.88), or MMEF (0.49 ± 0.31 vs. 0.43 ± 0.39, p = 0.53) after bronchodilator administration were found between the use of valved and non-valved spacers. CONCLUSIONS In stable asthmatic children, albuterol administered through MDI using a non-valved spacer produces a bronchodilator response similar to that of a spacer with a valve that requires an inhalatory opening pressure (with flows between 2 and 32 l/min) that even toddlers with bronchial obstruction can easily generate.
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of all types of spacers commonly available to children in India. METHODS 150 children 5-14 yr of age with persistent asthma presenting with peak expiratory flow (PEF) < 70% of personal best were randomized to receive 200 mg salbutamol through one of five spacers: A) 750 ml spacer with valve, B) 165 ml spacer with valve, C) 250 ml spacer without valve, D) 1000 ml indigenously made spacer without valve and E) 500 ml indigenously made spacer without valve. PEF measurement was repeated 15 minutes later. Children> 8 yr old performed spirometry in addition to PEF. Absolute change and percentage improvement of PEF and FEV1 were compared among the groups. RESULTS Subjects in all groups had comparable baseline demographic characteristics and PEF. All showed significant improvement in PEF and FEV1 over baseline values. The change in PEF and percentage improvement were comparable among all five groups (p=0.780 and p=0.955 respectively). Likewise change in FEV1 and percentage improvement were also comparable. The five groups showed no difference in efficacy, irrespective of severity of baseline airway obstruction. CONCLUSION The five spacers were equally efficacious for the delivery of bronchodilator in children with moderate persistent asthma presenting with airway obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baljit Dahiya
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
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