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SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2006
12/5/06
Asthma controller medication use and patient-centered asthma outcomes
Summary
Background – A number of studies have shown that the consistent use of asthma controller medications, particularly inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), in persistent asthma (PA) is associated with better outcomes. Such outcomes are usually assessed by the frequency/severity of acute asthma exacerbations, asthma related hospitalization, etc. But what is the effect of asthma controller medication use on patient-centered asthma outcomes (symptom scores, quality of life, etc.)?
Findings – Schatz et al of the Kaiser-Permanente Medical Center in San Diego, CA compared medication use patterns to patient- centered outcome measures in 2,250 adults with PA. They found that mean asthma symptom severity, asthma control scores and quality of life were all significantly more favorable in the PA patients in whom asthma controller meds were at least 50% of the total asthma meds used by such patients. These patients had significantly fewer subsequent asthma related hospitalizations or emergency treatment visits than those with PA in whom controller meds were less than 50% of total asthma medication use.
Reference
Chest 2006;130:43-50
Editor's Comments
These findings add substantial support for the premise that regular use of asthma controller medications improves the symptomatic course and quality of life in PA as well as reducing the likelihood of acute asthma exacerbations. I think that this study is an excellent example of how computerized databases in a well-organized HMO can provide important, clinically relevant information.
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