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Xiao Y, Zhang H, Liu Y, Mo L, Liao Y, Huang Q, Yang L, Zhou C, Liu J, Sun X, Yu H, Yang P. Endoplasmic reticulum stress drives macrophages to produce IL-33 to favor Th2 polarization in the airways. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:893-901. [PMID: 38517856 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-33 is a key driver of T helper 2 (Th2) cell polarization. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a role in the skewed T cell activation. The objective of this project is to elucidate the role of IL-33 derived from macrophages in inducing Th2 polarization in the airways. In this study, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) were collected from patients with asthma and healthy control subjects. Macrophages were isolated from the BALF by flow cytometry cell sorting. An asthmatic mouse model was established using the ovalbumin/alum protocol. The results showed that increased IL33 gene activity and ER stress-related molecules in BALF-derived M2a macrophages was observed in asthmatic patients. Levels of IL33 gene activity in M2a cells were positively correlated with levels of asthma response in asthma patients. Sensitization exacerbated the ER stress in the airway macrophages, which increased the expression of IL-33 in macrophages of airway in sensitized mice. Conditional ablation of Il33 or Perk or Atf4 genes in macrophages prevented induction of airway allergy in mice. In conclusion, asthma airway macrophages express high levels of IL-33 and at high ER stress status. Inhibition of IL-33 or ER stress in macrophages can effectively alleviate experimental asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xiao
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Huangping Zhang
- Department of Allergy Medicine, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of General Medicine and Respirology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lihua Mo
- Department of General Medicine and Respirology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Regional Disease Key Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases Allergy Division at Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yun Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Regional Disease Key Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases Allergy Division at Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qinmiao Huang
- Department of General Medicine and Respirology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liteng Yang
- Department of General Medicine and Respirology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Caijie Zhou
- Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518016, China
| | - Jiangqi Liu
- Institute of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases Allergy Division at Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xizhuo Sun
- Department of General Medicine and Respirology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Haiqiong Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Pingchang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Regional Disease Key Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases Allergy Division at Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Kankaanranta H, Viinanen A, Ilmarinen P, Hisinger-Mölkänen H, Mehtälä J, Ylisaukko-Oja T, Idänpään-Heikkilä JJ, Lehtimäki L. Comorbidity Burden in Severe and Nonsevere Asthma: A Nationwide Observational Study (FINASTHMA). THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:135-145.e9. [PMID: 37797715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma, affecting more than 330 million people worldwide, is associated with a high level of morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic costs. OBJECTIVE In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the comorbidity burden in patients with severe asthma compared with nonsevere asthma and investigated the role of corticosteroid use on the risk of comorbidities. METHODS All adults (≥18 y) with a diagnosis of asthma (International Classification of Diseases-10th revision code J45.x) between 2014 and 2017 were identified and data were collected until 2018 from Finnish nationwide registers. Asthma was defined as continuously or transiently severe or nonsevere based on annual dispensed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), oral corticosteroids (OCS), and hospitalizations. RESULTS Of 193,730 adult identified patients diagnosed with asthma, 86.3% had nonsevere, 8.1% transiently severe, and 5.6% continuously severe asthma. Excess prevalence of pneumonia was observed in continuously (22%) and transiently severe (14%) compared with nonsevere patients after adjusting for age and sex. Cataract, osteoporosis, obesity, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were also more frequent in severe asthma patients. The ICS and/or OCS use contributed to the risk of several comorbidities in a dose-dependent manner, particularly pneumonia, osteoporosis, obesity, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. High OCS use and the presence of comorbidities were associated with increased health care resource use. CONCLUSIONS Patients with severe asthma have a high burden of comorbidities, especially pneumonia. Many of the comorbidities have a strong dose-dependent association with ICS and OCS treatment, suggesting that corticosteroid doses should be carefully evaluated in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Kankaanranta
- Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Arja Viinanen
- Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Xu X, Schaefer C, Szende A, Genofre E, Katial R, Chung Y. A cost comparison of benralizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab in patients with severe asthma: A US third-party payer perspective. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2023; 29:1193-1204. [PMID: 37796731 PMCID: PMC10776277 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2023.23034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Clinical trials and real-world evidence (RWE) studies of biologics have demonstrated reduced exacerbations, decreased use of oral corticosteroids (OCS), and improvements in daily symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). OBJECTIVE: To compare direct health care costs associated with biologic use for the treatment of SEA from a US third-party payer perspective. METHODS: We developed a cost-minimization model to compare costs and cost offsets associated with 3 biologics-benralizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab-for 2- and 4-year periods. The model relied on longitudinal data from clinical trials to inform the primary (base case) analysis cost comparison and RWE study data, in a separate scenario, to compare costs in nonclinical trial settings. Primary model outcomes included exacerbations (including hospitalizations), OCS-dependent years (including associated complications), and total direct health care biologic costs. Results were calculated at the per patient and population level (per 1,000 patients). Sensitivity analyses with key model parameters were performed. RESULTS: Benralizumab had the lowest total biologic costs per patient for both the 2- and 4-year periods. Over 4 years, the marginal cost difference in total biologic costs per patient was $23,061 lower for benralizumab vs mepolizumab and $17,242 lower for benralizumab vs dupilumab. The 4-year population level analysis of benralizumab vs mepolizumab revealed $4.8 million in marginal cost offsets due to 582 fewer exacerbations and 153 fewer OCS-dependent years and a marginal total cost savings of $27.9 million per 1,000 patients for benralizumab. The 4-year population level analysis of benralizumab vs dupilumab revealed $2.3 million in marginal cost offsets due to 291 fewer exacerbations and 64 fewer OCS-dependent years and marginal total cost savings of $19.5 million per 1,000 patients for benralizumab. RWE data were available for a 2-year cost comparison scenario of benralizumab vs mepolizumab, which showed similar results to the base case analysis. Sensitivity analyses varying assumptions on key model parameter estimates confirmed results, with benralizumab having lower total direct health care costs in all scenarios tested, and showed that model results were most sensitive to changes in biologic costs and exacerbation reduction rates. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving benralizumab had higher nonbiologic cost offsets because of reductions in exacerbations and OCS-dependent years, leading to greater cost savings for third-party payers compared with patients receiving mepolizumab or dupilumab. Taken together with biologic costs, benralizumab presents greater savings in health care costs for payers than patients with SEA who use mepolizumab or dupilumab. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by AstraZeneca (Cambridge, UK). Drs Xu, Chung, Genofre, and Katial are or were AstraZeneca employees at the time this research was conducted and may be shareholders of AstraZeneca. Ms Schaefer and Dr Szende are employees of Labcorp Drug Development, which received funding from AstraZeneca to perform this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xu
- BioPharmaceuticals Market Access and Pricing, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
- BioPharmaceuticals Global Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Caroline Schaefer
- Product Development & Market Access Consulting, Labcorp Drug Development, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Agota Szende
- Product Development & Market Access Consulting, Labcorp Drug Development, Leeds, UK
| | - Eduardo Genofre
- BioPharmaceuticals US Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE
| | - Rohit Katial
- BioPharmaceuticals Global Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Yen Chung
- BioPharmaceuticals US Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE
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Udeze C, Evans KA, Yang Y, Lillehaugen T, Manjelievskaia J, Mujumdar U, Li N, Andemariam B. Economic and Clinical Burden of Managing Sickle Cell Disease with Recurrent Vaso-Occlusive Crises in the United States. Adv Ther 2023; 40:3543-3558. [PMID: 37332020 PMCID: PMC10329958 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02545-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to describe the clinical complications, treatment use, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in the US. METHODS Merative MarketScan Databases were used to identify patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs from March 1, 2010, to March 1, 2019. Inclusion criteria were ≥ 1 inpatient or ≥ 2 outpatient claims for SCD and ≥ 2 VOCs per year in any 2 consecutive years after the first qualifying SCD diagnosis. Individuals without SCD in these databases were used as matched controls. Patients were followed for ≥ 12 months, from their second VOC in the 2nd year (index date) to the earliest of inpatient death, end of continuous enrollment in medical/pharmacy benefits, or March 1, 2020. Outcomes were assessed during follow-up. RESULTS In total, 3420 patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs and 16,722 matched controls were identified. Patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs had a mean of 5.0 VOCs (standard deviation [SD] = 6.0), 2.7 inpatient admissions (SD 2.9), and 5.0 emergency department visits (SD 8.0) per patient per year during follow-up. Compared to matched controls, patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs incurred higher annual ($67,282 vs. $4134) and lifetime ($3.8 million vs. $229,000 over 50 years) healthcare costs. CONCLUSION Patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs experience substantial clinical and economic burden driven by inpatient costs and frequent VOCs. There is a major unmet need for treatments that alleviate or eliminate clinical complications, including VOCs, and reduce healthcare costs in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuka Udeze
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Yoojung Yang
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Urvi Mujumdar
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nanxin Li
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Biree Andemariam
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Connecticut Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
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Udeze C, Evans KA, Yang Y, Lillehaugen T, Manjelievskaia J, Mujumdar U, Li N, Andemariam B. Economic and clinical burden of managing transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia in the United States. J Med Econ 2023; 26:924-932. [PMID: 37432699 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2023.2235928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To describe clinical complications, treatment use, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs among patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS Merative MarketScan Databases were used to identify patients with β-thalassemia between 1 March 2010, and 1 March 2019. Patients were eligible for inclusion with ≥1 inpatient claim or ≥2 outpatient claims for β-thalassemia and ≥8 red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) during any 12-month period after and including the date of the first qualifying β-thalassemia diagnosis code. Matched controls consisted of individuals without β-thalassemia. Clinical and economic outcomes of patients were assessed during ≥12 months of follow-up, defined as the period from the index date (i.e. the first RBCT) to either the end of continuous enrollment in benefits, inpatient death, or 1 March 2020. RESULTS Overall, 207 patients with TDT and 1035 matched controls were identified. Most patients received iron chelation therapy (ICT) (91.3%), with a mean of 12.1 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.3) ICT claims per-patient-per-year (PPPY). Many also received RBCTs, with a mean of 14.2 (SD = 4.7) RBCTs PPPY. TDT was associated with higher annual ($137,125) and lifetime ($7.1 million) healthcare costs vs. matched controls ($4183 and $235,000, respectively). Annual costs were driven by ICT (52.1%) and RBCT use (23.6%). Patients with TDT had 7-times more total outpatient visits/encounters, 3-times more prescriptions, and 33-times higher total annual costs than matched controls. LIMITATIONS This analysis may underestimate the burden of TDT, as indirect healthcare costs (e.g. absenteeism, presenteeism, etc.) were not included. Results may not be generalizable to patients excluded from this analysis, including those with other types of insurance or without insurance. CONCLUSIONS Patients with TDT have high HCRU and direct healthcare costs. Treatments that eliminate the need for RBCTs could reduce the clinical and economic burden of managing TDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuka Udeze
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristin A Evans
- Real World Data Research & Analytics, Merative, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yoojung Yang
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Urvi Mujumdar
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nanxin Li
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Biree Andemariam
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
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6
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Bleecker ER, Al-Ahmad M, Bjermer L, Caminati M, Canonica GW, Kaplan A, Papadopoulos NG, Roche N, Ryan D, Tohda Y, Yáñez A, Price D. Systemic corticosteroids in asthma: A call to action from World Allergy Organization and Respiratory Effectiveness Group. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100726. [PMID: 36582404 PMCID: PMC9761384 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are a highly effective treatment for acute exacerbations and long-term symptom control in asthma. Long-term SCS use is highly prevalent across all asthma severities, occurring in over 20% of patients with severe or uncontrolled disease globally. It is now well known that exposure to both long-term and repeated acute courses of SCS is associated with a high risk of serious adverse effects (AEs), such as osteoporosis, and metabolic and cardiovascular complications, especially when prescribed onto a background of other corticosteroids. The aim of this call-to-action article, endorsed by the World Allergy Organization and the Respiratory Effectiveness Group, is to review the accumulating evidence on the burden of SCS on patients with asthma and provide an overview of potential strategies for implementing SCS Stewardship. Primary prevention of exacerbations and improvement of asthma control is a key first step in achieving SCS Stewardship, by optimizing maintenance asthma medications and addressing modifiable risk factors, such as adherence and inhaler technique. Other key elements of SCS Stewardship include increasing appropriate specialist referrals for multidisciplinary review, assessment of biomarkers, and consideration of oral corticosteroid-sparing add-on therapies (eg, biologics). In cases where SCS use is deemed clinically justified, it should be tapered to the lowest possible dose. In addition, patients receiving long-term SCS or frequent acute courses should be closely monitored for emergence of SCS-related AEs. Because of the extensive data available on the costly and burdensome AEs associated with SCS use, as well as the range of treatment options now available, there is a need for healthcare providers (HCPs) to carefully evaluate whether the benefits of SCS outweigh the potential harms, to adopt SCS-sparing and Stewardship strategies, and to consider alternative therapies where possible. Development of a structured and collaborative SCS Stewardship approach is urgently required to protect patients from the potential harm of SCS use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene R. Bleecker
- Division of Genetics, Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mona Al-Ahmad
- Microbiology Department, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marco Caminati
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Alan Kaplan
- Family Physician Airways Group of Canada, Stouffville, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Athens General Children's Hospital ‘P&A Kyriakou’, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicolas Roche
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, APHP. Centre Université Paris Cité, Cochin Hospital (AP-HP) and Institute (UMR1016), Paris, France
| | - Dermot Ryan
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yuji Tohda
- Kindai University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anahí Yáñez
- Center for Research on Allergies and Respiratory Diseases (InAER), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore
- Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Corresponding author. Professor David B Price, Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, 22 Sin Ming Lane, #06 Midview City, Singapore 573969
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7
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Davis GE, Zeiger RS, Emmanuel B, Chung Y, Tran TN, Evans KA, Chen S, Katial R, Kreindler JL, Tkacz J. Systemic Corticosteroid–related Adverse Outcomes and Health Care Resource Utilization and Costs Among Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis. Clin Ther 2022; 44:1187-1202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Domingo C, Maspero JF, Castro M, Hanania NA, Ford LB, Halpin DMG, Jackson DJ, Daizadeh N, Djandji M, Mitchell CP, Crikelair N, Jacob-Nara JA, Deniz Y, Rowe PJ, Ortiz B. Dupilumab Efficacy in Steroid-Dependent Severe Asthma by Baseline Oral Corticosteroid Dose. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:1835-1843. [PMID: 35398549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4/-13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation in multiple diseases. In the phase 3 LIBERTY ASTHMA VENTURE (VENTURE) study (NCT02528214), dupilumab versus placebo reduced oral corticosteroid (OCS) dose and improved clinical outcomes in patients with OCS-dependent severe asthma. Dupilumab efficacy in patients with varying disease burden (defined by baseline OCS dose) has not been assessed. OBJECTIVE This post hoc analysis of VENTURE evaluated dupilumab efficacy across subgroups defined by baseline OCS dose. METHODS The OCS dose, proportion no longer needing OCS at week 24, annualized severe exacerbation rate, and least squares mean change from baseline in pre- and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second at week 24 were evaluated in VENTURE patients with OCS-dependent severe asthma receiving dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks versus placebo, categorized by a baseline OCS dose of less than 10 mg/d or 10 or more mg/d. RESULTS Dupilumab reduced daily OCS dose from baseline at week 24 in both dose groups. In dupilumab-/placebo-treated patients with a baseline OCS dose of less than 10 mg/d and 10 or more mg/d, 72%/42% and 37%/23% stopped OCS by week 24 (P < .01/P < .05), respectively. Dupilumab significantly reduced the annualized severe exacerbation rate by 71% and 48% (P < .01/P < .05). At week 24, dupilumab improved pre- and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second in patients in both dose groups. CONCLUSIONS In patients with OCS-dependent severe asthma receiving lower or higher baseline OCS doses, dupilumab significantly reduced the OCS dose and improved the likelihood of no longer requiring OCS while also reducing exacerbations and improving lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Domingo
- Pulmonary Service, Parc Taulí Corporation, Sabadell, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Mario Castro
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kan
| | - Nicola A Hanania
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - David M G Halpin
- University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David J Jackson
- King's College London, London, UK; Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yamo Deniz
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY
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9
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Tay TR, van Boven JFM, Chan A, Hew M. Electronic Inhaler Monitoring for Chronic Airway Disease: Development and Application of a Multidimensional Efficacy Framework. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:1189-1201.e1. [PMID: 34915225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Inhaled therapy is the cornerstone of chronic airway disease therapy, but poor adherence to controller inhalers worsens clinical outcomes and increases cost. Monitoring of controller use is needed to improve adherence, and monitoring of reliever use can predict impending exacerbations. Both can be accurately achieved by electronic inhaler monitoring (EIM). However, evidence for EIM use in clinical practice is limited and varied, and knowledge gaps remain across different outcomes and health settings. We aimed to develop a framework to assess EIM systematically across all aspects of efficacy, apply this framework to the current literature, and identify gaps in efficacy to inform future development in the field. We adapted an existing framework for diagnostic tests, consisting of six levels of efficacy with ascending clinical relevance: technical, diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic thinking, therapeutic, patient outcome, and societal efficacy. Tailoring this framework to EIM, we incorporated expert feedback and applied it to the EIM efficacy literature. We found that EIM has good diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic thinking, and therapeutic efficacies, but evidence is lacking for specific aspects of technical, patient outcome, and societal efficacies. Further development of EIM requires improved reliability, usability, and data security for patients, and optimal integration with electronic medical records and overall patient care. Defining appropriate target patient groups and pairing EIM data with effective interventions, in conjunction with reducing costs through technological innovation and economies of scale, will enhance patient and societal outcome efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tunn Ren Tay
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Job F M van Boven
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Medication Adherence Expertise Center of the Northern Netherlands, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Amy Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Hew
- Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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10
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Yokoyama A, Okazaki H, Makita N, Fukui A, Piao Y, Arita Y, Itoh Y, Tashiro N. Regional differences in the incidence of asthma exacerbations in Japan: A heat map analysis of healthcare insurance claims data. Allergol Int 2022; 71:47-54. [PMID: 34493447 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, regional differences in asthma mortality have been reported; however, regional differences in asthma exacerbations have not been studied extensively. Therefore, using a health insurance claims database, we investigated the regional differences in the incidence of asthma exacerbations in Japan. METHODS This study used data from Medi-Scope (Japan Medical Information Research Institute Inc., Japan)-a nationwide health insurance claims database. Patients with asthma at the index date (the latest date of an asthma-related prescription with an asthma diagnosis before October 1, 2018) were included in the analysis. The pre-index period was defined as 1 year before the index date, and the follow-up period as 1 year after the index date. The incidence of asthma exacerbation events was analyzed for each region. RESULTS The primary analysis population comprised 24,883 patients who were continuously prescribed ICS or ICS/LABA at least four times during the pre-index period. The incidence rate of asthma exacerbations with hospitalization was the highest in Chugoku (2.95/100 person-years [95% CI, 1.97-4.43]) and the lowest in Kanto (1.52/100 person-years [95% CI, 1.26-1.83]). The incidence rate of asthma exacerbations for the composite outcome of hospitalization, injectable corticosteroid prescription, and oral corticosteroid burst was the highest in Fukui (105.00/100 person-years [95% CI, 64.53-170.85]) and the lowest in Nagasaki (15.69/100 person-years [95% CI, 10.84-22.72]). CONCLUSIONS Regional differences in the incidence of asthma exacerbations as well as their treatments were observed in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihito Yokoyama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
| | | | | | | | - Yi Piao
- AstraZeneca K.K., Osaka, Japan
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11
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Menzella F, Ghidoni G, Fontana M, Capobelli S, Livrieri F, Castagnetti C, Facciolongo N. The role of systemic corticosteroids in severe asthma and new evidence in their management and tapering. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:1283-1299. [PMID: 34761712 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.2004123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Based on the latest literature evidence, between 30% and 60% of adults with severe refractory asthma (SRA) are systemic corticosteroid (SCS) dependent. There are numerous therapeutic options in asthma, which are often not effective in severe forms. In these cases, SCS should be considered, but it is increasingly recognized that their regular use is often associated with significant and potentially serious adverse events. AREAS COVERED The aim of this article is to provide an update about the recent and significant literature on SCS and to establish their role in the management of SRA. We summarized the most important and recent evidence and we provided useful indications for clinicians. EXPERT OPINION There is now strong evidence supporting the increased risk of comorbidities and complications with long-term SCS therapies, regardless of the dose. New evidence on SCS tapering and withdrawal will allow to define protocols to address SCS management with greater safety and effectiveness, after starting efficient steroid-sparing strategies. In the next 5years, it will be necessary to implement corrective actions to address these unmet needs, to reduce the inappropriate use of SCS by maximizing the application of more innovative and effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Menzella
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pulmonology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL Di Reggio Emilia - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulia Ghidoni
- University Hospital of Modena, 208968,Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Fontana
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pulmonology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL Di Reggio Emilia - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Capobelli
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pulmonology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL Di Reggio Emilia - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Livrieri
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pulmonology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL Di Reggio Emilia - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Claudia Castagnetti
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pulmonology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL Di Reggio Emilia - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Nicola Facciolongo
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pulmonology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL Di Reggio Emilia - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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12
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Menzies-Gow A, Gurnell M, Heaney LG, Corren J, Bel EH, Maspero J, Harrison T, Jackson DJ, Price D, Lugogo N, Kreindler J, Burden A, de Giorgio-Miller A, Padilla K, Martin UJ, Garcia Gil E. Oral corticosteroid elimination via a personalised reduction algorithm in adults with severe, eosinophilic asthma treated with benralizumab (PONENTE): a multicentre, open-label, single-arm study. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2021; 10:47-58. [PMID: 34619104 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(21)00352-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No consensus exists on how to reduce oral corticosteroids after the initiation of biologics in severe asthma. The PONENTE trial evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a rapid, individualised steroid-reduction algorithm, including adrenal insufficiency monitoring, after benralizumab initiation. METHODS This multicentre, open-label, single-arm study was done at 138 clinical asthma treatment centres across 17 countries. We enrolled adult patients (age ≥18 years) with severe, eosinophilic asthma (blood eosinophil count ≥150 cells per μL at enrolment or ≥300 cells per μL in the previous year) requiring maintenance oral corticosteroids for at least 3 months preceding enrolment. Patients received benralizumab 30 mg (subcutaneous injection) every 4 weeks for three doses, then every 8 weeks thereafter. The oral corticosteroid reduction phase began at week 4 with daily oral corticosteroid dosages reduced by 1-5 mg every 1-4 weeks depending on the starting dosage, asthma control, and adrenal function status. Adrenal function was assessed with an early morning serum cortisol measurement, followed by adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation when required, once patients achieved a daily oral corticosteroid dosage of 5 mg/day for 4 weeks. Repeat cortisol measurements were taken for patients with evidence of adrenal insufficiency at first testing. Asthma control was assessed with the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6) weekly throughout the induction and oral corticosteroid reduction phases. The primary endpoints were the percentage of patients eliminating daily oral corticosteroids, sustained for at least 4 weeks, and the percentage achieving elimination or a daily prednisone or prednisolone dosage of 5 mg or less, for at least 4 weeks, if the reason for no further reduction was adrenal insufficiency. Safety and efficacy analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of benralizumab and were descriptive. We present results after the oral corticosteroid reduction phase; a maintenance phase is ongoing. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03557307. FINDINGS Between April 1, 2018, and Sept 5, 2020, of 705 patients assessed for eligibility, 598 were recruited and all received at least one dose of benralizumab. Overall, 376 (62·88%, 95% CI 58·86-66·76) of 598 patients eliminated oral corticosteroids and 490 (81·94%, 78·62-84·94) of 598 eliminated use or achieved a dosage of 5 mg or less if the reason for stopping the reduction was adrenal insufficiency. Subgroup analysis showed that dosage reductions were achieved irrespective of baseline eosinophil count, baseline oral corticosteroid dosage, or oral corticosteroid treatment duration. Adrenal insufficiency was detected in 321 (60%) of 533 patients at first assessment and in 205 (38%) of 533 patients 2-3 months later. The safety profile was consistent with previous experience. Most patients (448 [75%] of 598) had no asthma exacerbations during the oral corticosteroid reduction phase with an annualised exacerbation rate of 0·63. Of 598 patients, 38 (6%) experienced a total of 46 exacerbations resulting in emergency department or urgent care visits or hospitalisations. INTERPRETATION Despite a high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency, most patients with eosinophilic asthma treated with benralizumab achieved elimination of oral corticosteroids or maximal possible reduction using a personalised dosage-reduction algorithm. FUNDING AstraZeneca.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Gurnell
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Liam G Heaney
- Wellcome-Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Jonathan Corren
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Allergy Medical Clinic, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elisabeth H Bel
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Timothy Harrison
- Respiratory Research Unit, Nottingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, UK; BioPharmaceuticals R&D Digital, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - David J Jackson
- Guy's Severe Asthma Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, UK; Asthma UK Centre, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore; Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Njira Lugogo
- University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James Kreindler
- Global Medical Respiratory, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE; USA
| | - Annie Burden
- Late Respiratory and Immunology and Biometrics, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kelly Padilla
- Late Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ubaldo J Martin
- Late Respiratory and Immunology, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Esther Garcia Gil
- Global Medical Respiratory, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Barcelona, Spain
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Gern JE, Israel E. Mechanisms and Treatment of the Diverse Presentations of Acute Wheezing and Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:2635-2637. [PMID: 34246436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James E Gern
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis
| | - Elliot Israel
- Divisions of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to bring together recent advances in basic, translational and clinical research on the pathogenesis and treatment of orbital inflammatory conditions. RECENT FINDINGS Basic science studies provide mechanistic insights into why the orbit is targeted for inflammation by autoimmune inflammatory disorders. Using Graves' disease as a test case reveals that endocrine pathways, such as the TSH and IGF1 receptor pathways play important roles in stimulating orbital inflammation. Furthermore, orbital tissues contain high concentrations of retinoids - byproducts of the visual pathway that diffuse across the sclera and can activate de novo transcription of inflammatory cytokines. Such cytokine expression places the orbit in a hyper-inflammatory 'resting' state, prone to respond to any additional systemic or local pro-inflammatory signals. The HIF2A--LOX pathway appears important for orbital tissue fibrosis. Lastly, bench-to-bedside studies of the IGF1R pathway have led to an FDA-approved drug, teprotumumab that represents a novel treatment approach for Graves' orbitopathy. Unfortunately, high drug costs and misplaced insurance company 'step-therapy' policies may block patients from receiving therapy that can protect vision and improve quality of life. SUMMARY Improved understanding of orbital inflammatory conditions has led to a new drug and promises additional breakthroughs. Translational research is successful, but requires time, resources, and patience.
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Corlateanu A, Stratan I, Covantev S, Botnaru V, Corlateanu O, Siafakas N. Asthma and stroke: a narrative review. Asthma Res Pract 2021; 7:3. [PMID: 33608061 PMCID: PMC7896413 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-021-00069-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation, bronchial reversible obstruction and hyperresponsiveness to direct or indirect stimuli. It is a severe disease causing approximately half a million deaths every year and thus possessing a significant public health burden. Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Asthma and asthma medications may be a risk factors for developing stroke. Nevertheless, since asthma is associated with a variety of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory, the increased incidence of stroke in asthma patients may be due to a confounding effect. The purpose of this review is to analyze the complex relationship between asthma and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Corlateanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Stefan cel Mare street 165, 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Iu Stratan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Stefan cel Mare street 165, 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - S. Covantev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Stefan cel Mare street 165, 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - V. Botnaru
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Stefan cel Mare street 165, 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - O. Corlateanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Stefan cel Mare street 165, 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - N. Siafakas
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, University General Hospital, Stavrakia, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Sullivan PW, Ghushchyan VH, Skoner DP, LeCocq J, Park S, Zeiger RS. Complications and Health Care Resource Utilization Associated with Systemic Corticosteroids in Children and Adolescents with Persistent Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 9:1541-1551.e9. [PMID: 33290914 PMCID: PMC8393544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Limited comparative data are available on the impact of systemic corticosteroid (SCS) use in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To determine if asthmatic children and adolescents treated with SCS have a higher likelihood of developing complications versus those not receiving SCS and to examine health care resource utilization (HCRU) in this population. METHODS: A retrospective study of data from children and adolescents with persistent asthma retrieved from the MarketScan database, a large US health claims data set, for the period 2000 to 2017 was performed. Propensity score matching was used to pair patients in the SCS and control cohorts. For complications, SCS subgroups (≥4 or 1-3 annual prescriptions) were compared with asthmatic controls without SCS using logistic regression, and for HCRU, cohorts were compared using negative binomial regression. RESULTS: A total of 67,081 patients were included (SCS: 23,898; control: 43,183). The odds of having a complication were 2.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-3.2; P < .001) and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.6-1.7; P < .001) times higher in the ≥4 and 1 to 3 SCS groups, respectively, in the first year of follow-up versus controls. For asthma-related hospitalizations, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 6.9 (95% CI, 5.6-8.6) and 3.1 (95% CI, 2.8-3.4) times greater in the ≥4 SCS and 1 to 3 SCS groups, respectively, versus controls; for asthma-related emergency department visits, IRR was 5.0 (95% CI, 4.4-5.6) and 2.9 (95% CI, 2.7-3.0) times greater, respectively, versus controls (all P < .01). CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents receiving SCS for persistent asthma have an increased risk of developing complications and have greater HCRU in the first year of follow-up versus those without SCS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Regis University School of Pharmacy, Denver, Colo.
| | - Vahram H Ghushchyan
- Center for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo; American University of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - David P Skoner
- Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Jason LeCocq
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ
| | - Siyeon Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Md
| | - Robert S Zeiger
- Department of Allergy, Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Region, San Diego, Calif
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