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New Research - April 2009
The importance of adherence to treatment in asthma outcomes
The authors of this investigation carried out a study over 12 months in 122 asthma patients aged 3 to 12 years. Patients were assessed by monitoring symptoms and pulmonary functions. Adherence to the medication regimen was assessed by pharmacy records. All patients were given beclomethasone inhalers free of charge.
The patients were divided into two groups. One group was considered controls (group one) on the basis of asthma symptom scores and pulmonary functions, and the other group was considered uncontrolled using these parameters.
Less than half (40.3%) of the 122 patients maintained asthma control. The adherence rate was much higher in the controlled group. The group in which asthma was controlled had adherence rates of 85.5% in the fourth month, 90% in the eighth month, and 84.4% in the twelfth month. This compared to 33.8%, 48%, and 47% during those periods in the asthmatics who were deemed uncontrolled.
Thus, in all time periods, there were statistically significant differences in adherence rates between those patients who had control of the asthma and those who did not. Optimal asthma control entailed an adherence rate of higher than 80%.
Reference
Lasmar L, et al. Adherence rate to inhaled corticosteroids and their impact on asthma control. Allergy 2009; 64(5):784-789.
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