1. |
- Abdel-Aal, Arwa, et al.
(author)
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Prioritising primary care respiratory research needs : results from the 2020 International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) global e-Delphi exercise
- 2022
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Nature. - 2055-1010. ; 32:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Respiratory diseases remain a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality and primary care plays a central role in their prevention, diagnosis and management. An e-Delphi process was employed to identify and prioritise the current respiratory research needs of primary care health professionals worldwide. One hundred and twelve community-based physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals from 27 high-, middle- and low-income countries suggested 608 initial research questions, reduced after evidence review by 27 academic experts to 176 questions covering diagnosis, management, monitoring, self-management and prognosis of asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions (including infections, lung cancer, tobacco control, sleep apnoea). Forty-nine questions reached 80% consensus for importance. Cross-cutting themes identified were: a need for more effective training of primary care clinicians; evidence and guidelines specifically relevant to primary care, adaption for local and low-resource settings; empowerment of patients to improve self-management; and the role of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
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2. |
- Athlin, Åsa, 1971-, et al.
(author)
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Diagnostic spirometry in COPD is increasing, a comparison of two Swedish cohorts
- 2023
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2055-1010. ; 33:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Spirometry should be used to confirm a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This test is not always performed, leading to possible misdiagnosis. We investigated whether the proportion of patients with diagnostic spirometry has increased over time as well as factors associated with omitted or incorrectly interpreted spirometry. Data from medical reviews and a questionnaire from primary and secondary care patients with a doctors' diagnosis of COPD between 2004 and 2010 were collected. Data were compared with a COPD cohort diagnosed between 2000 and 2003. Among 703 patients with a first diagnosis of COPD between 2004 and 2010, 88% had a diagnostic spirometry, compared with 59% (p < 0.001) in the previous cohort. Factors associated with not having diagnostic spirometry were current smoking (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.36-3.60), low educational level (OR 1.81; 1.09-3.02) and management in primary care (OR 2.28; 1.02-5.14). The correct interpretation of spirometry results increased (75% vs 82%; p = 0.010). Among patients with a repeated spirometry, 94% had a persistent FEV1/FVC or FEV1/VC ratio <0.70.
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3. |
- Bansal, S, et al.
(author)
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Single-inhaler fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) triple therapy versus tiotropium monotherapy in patients with COPD
- 2021
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 31:1, s. 29-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment guidelines do not currently include recommendations for escalation directly from monotherapy to triple therapy. This 12-week, double-blind, double-dummy study randomized 800 symptomatic moderate-to-very-severe COPD patients receiving tiotropium (TIO) for ≥3 months to once-daily fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) 100/62.5/25 mcg via ELLIPTA (n = 400) or TIO 18 mcg via HandiHaler (n = 400) plus matched placebo. Study endpoints included change from baseline in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at Days 85 (primary), 28 and 84 (secondary), health status (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] and COPD Assessment Test [CAT]) and safety. FF/UMEC/VI significantly improved trough FEV1 at all timepoints (Day 85 treatment difference [95% CI] 95 mL [62–128]; P < 0.001), and significantly improved SGRQ and CAT versus TIO. Treatment safety profiles were similar. Once-daily single-inhaler FF/UMEC/VI significantly improved lung function and health status versus once-daily TIO in symptomatic moderate-to-very-severe COPD patients, with a similar safety profile.
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4. |
- Cardell, Lars-Olaf, et al.
(author)
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TOTALL: high cost of allergic rhinitis-a national Swedish population-based questionnaire study.
- 2016
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allergic rhinitis is a global illness with a well-recognised impact on quality of life and work performance. Comparatively little is known about the extent of its economic impact on society. The TOTALL study estimates the total cost of allergic rhinitis using a sample representing the entire Swedish population of working age. A questionnaire focused on allergic rhinitis was mailed out to a random population of Swedish residents, aged 18-65 years. Health-care contacts, medications, absenteeism (absence from work) and presenteeism (reduced working capacity at work) were assessed, and the direct and indirect costs of allergic rhinitis were calculated. Medication use was evaluated in relation to the ARIA guidelines. In all, 3,501 of 8,001 (44%) answered the questionnaire, and 855 (24%) of these reported allergic rhinitis. The mean annual direct and indirect costs because of allergic rhinitis were €210.3 and €750.8, respectively, resulting in a total cost of €961.1 per individual/year. Presenteeism represented 70% of the total cost. Antihistamines appear to be used in excess in relation to topical steroids, and the use of nasal decongestants was alarmingly high. The total cost of allergic rhinitis in Sweden, with a population of 9.5 million, was estimated at €1.3 billion annually. These unexpectedly high costs could be related to the high prevalence of disease, in combination with the previously often underestimated indirect costs. Improved adherence to guidelines might ease the economic burden on society.
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5. |
- Cohen, Joachim, et al.
(author)
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Differences in place of death between lung cancer and COPD patients : a 14-country study using death certificate data
- 2017
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are leading causes of death with comparable symptoms at the end of life. Cross-national comparisons of place of death, as an important outcome of terminal care, between people dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer have not been studied before. We collected population death certificate data from 14 countries (year: 2008), covering place of death, underlying cause of death, and demographic information. We included patients dying from lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions to describe patterns in place of death. Of 5,568,827 deaths, 5.8% were from lung cancer and 4.4% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Among lung cancer decedents, home deaths ranged from 12.5% in South Korea to 57.1% in Mexico, while hospital deaths ranged from 27.5% in New Zealand to 77.4% in France. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, the proportion dying at home ranged from 10.4% in Canada to 55.4% in Mexico, while hospital deaths ranged from 41.8% in Mexico to 78.9% in South Korea. Controlling for age, sex, and marital status, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly less likely die at home rather than in hospital in nine countries. Our study found in almost all countries that those dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as compared with those from lung cancer are less likely to die at home and at a palliative care institution and more likely to die in a hospital or a nursing home. This might be due to less predictable disease trajectories and prognosis of death in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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6. |
- Ekström, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Breathlessness and sexual activity in older adults : The Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing
- 2018
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 28:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sexual activity is important to older adults (65 +). Breathlessness affects about 25% of older adults but impact on sexual activity is unknown. We evaluated the relationships between breathlessness and sexual inactivity and self-reported health among older community-dwelling adults in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Associations between self-reported breathlessness (hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill) at baseline, self-reported sexual activity, overall health and health compared to people of the same age were explored using logistic regression at baseline and 2 years, adjusted for potential confounders (age, sex, marital status, smoking status and co-morbidities). Of 798 participants (mean age 76.4 years [SD, 5.8] 65 to 103; 53% men, 73% married), 688 (86.2%) had 2-year follow-up data. People with breathlessness had higher prevalence and duration of sexual inactivity (77.7% vs. 65.6%; p < 0.001; 12 [IQR, 5-17] vs. 9.5 [IQR, 5-16] years; p = 0.043). Breathlessness was associated with more sexual inactivity, (adjusted OR 1.75; [95% CI] 1.24-2.45), worse health (adjusted OR 2.02; 1.53-2.67) and worse health compared to peers (adjusted OR 1.72; 1.25-2.38). Baseline breathlessness did not predict more sexual inactivity at 2 years. In conclusion, breathlessness contributes to sexual inactivity and worse perceived health in older adults, which calls for improved assessment and management.
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7. |
- Janson, Christer, et al.
(author)
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Difference in resistance to humidity between commonly used dry powder inhalers : an in vitro study
- 2016
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multi-dose dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are commonly used in asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) treatment. A disadvantage is their sensitivity to humidity. In real life, DPIs are periodically exposed to humid conditions, which may affect aerosol characteristics and lung deposition. This study compared DPI aerosol performance after exposure to humidity. Budesonide (BUD) inhalers (Turbuhaler; Novolizer; Easyhaler) and budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FORM) inhalers (Turbuhaler; Spiromax; Easyhaler) were stored in 75% relative humidity (RH) at both ambient temperature and at-0 degrees C. Delivered dose (DD) and fine-particle dose (FPD) were tested in vitro before and after storage. BUD inhalers: Turbuhaler and Novolizer showed only small decreases (<15%) in FPD in 40 degrees C/75% RH, whereas FPD for Easyhaler decreased by >60% (P = 0.01) after 1.5 months of storage. Easyhaler also decreased significantly after 6 months of storage in ambient/75% RH by 25% and 54% for DD and FPD, respectively, whereas only small decreases were seen for Turbuhaler and Novolizer (<15%). BUD/FORM inhalers: Turbuhaler and Spiromax DD were unchanged in 40 degrees C/75% RH, whereas Easyhaler showed a small decrease. FPD (budesonide) decreased for Turbuhaler, Spiromax and Easyhaler by 18%, 10% and 68% (all significant), respectively, at 40 degrees C/75% RH. In ambient/75% RH, DD was unchanged for all inhalers, whereas FPD (budesonide) decreased for Spiromax (7%, P = 0.02) and Easyhaler (34%, (P<0.01)). There are significant differences in device performance after exposure to humid conditions. A clinically relevant decrease of more than half FPD was seen for one of the inhalers, a decrease that may affect patients' clinical outcomes. Prescriber and patient knowledge on device attributes are essential to ensure optimal drug delivery to the lungs.
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8. |
- Jones, Rupert C., et al.
(author)
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Multi-component assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : an evaluation of the ADO and DOSE indices and the global obstructive lung disease categories in international primary care data sets
- 2016
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - London, United Kingdom : Nature Publishing Group. - 2055-1010. ; 26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Suitable tools for assessing the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include multi-component indices and the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) categories. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dyspnoea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation (DOSE) and the age, dyspnoea, obstruction (ADO) indices and GOLD categories as measures of current health status and future outcomes in COPD patients. This was an observational cohort study comprising 5,114 primary care COPD patients across three databases from UK, Sweden and Holland. The associations of DOSE and ADO indices with (i) health status using the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD Assessment test (CAT) and with (ii) current and future exacerbations, admissions and mortality were assessed in GOLD categories and DOSE and ADO indices. DOSE and ADO indices were significant predictors of future exacerbations: incident rate ratio was 1.52 (95% confidence intervals 1.46-1.57) for DOSE, 1.16 (1.12-1.20) for ADO index and 1.50 (1.33-1.68) and 1.23 (1.10-1.39), respectively, for hospitalisations. Negative binomial regression showed that the DOSE index was a better predictor of future admissions than were its component items. The hazard ratios for mortality were generally higher for ADO index groups than for DOSE index groups. The GOLD categories produced widely differing assessments for future exacerbation risk or for hospitalisation depending on the methods used to calculate them. None of the assessment systems were excellent at predicting future risk in COPD; the DOSE index appears better than the ADO index for predicting many outcomes, but not mortality. The GOLD categories predict future risk inconsistently. The DOSE index and the GOLD categories using exacerbation frequency may be used to identify those at high risk for exacerbations and admissions.
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9. |
- Kiotseridis, Hampus, et al.
(author)
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Adherence and quality of life in adults and children during 3-years of SLIT treatment with Grazax-a real life study
- 2018
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 28:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Respiratory allergic disease represents a global health problem, 30% of the population suffers from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 20% suffer from asthma. Allergy immunotherapy induce immunological tolerance and thereby modify the response to allergens and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers the possibility of home administration of allergen therapy, but adherence is more uncertain. The aim of the study was to investigate the adherence with GRAZAX in adults and children ≥ 5 years during three consecutive years of treatment. This was a non-interventional, prospective, observational, multi-center, open-label study to investigate adherence, quality of life, safety and tolerability of GRAZAX in adult and pediatric patients in a real-life setting. During the 3-years study period estimation of adherence was done regularly. Quality of life as well as symptom score was also assessed. In total, 399 patients (236 adults and 163 children) were included in the study. At baseline, 100% suffered from moderate-severe eyes and nose symptoms, and 31% had asthma in the grass pollen season. Overall, 55% completed a 3-years treatment period, whereas 37% stopped before end of study and 8% were lost to follow up. After 3 years, the adherence rate decreased from 98.2% (first month), 93.7% (first year), 93.2% (second year) and 88.9% (third year) and adverse events were the main reason for pre-term termination. The study suggests a good adherence to treatment in a real life setting among the patients finalizing 3-years SLIT therapy. The treatment was effective both on symptoms and HRQL.
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10. |
- Kisiel, Marta, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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Data-driven questionnaire-based cluster analysis of asthma in Swedish adults
- 2020
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Nature Research. - 2055-1010. ; 30:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to identify asthma phenotypes through cluster analysis. Cluster analysis was performed using self-reported characteristics from a cohort of 1291 Swedish asthma patients. Disease burden was measured using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), the mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-AQLQ), exacerbation frequency and asthma severity. Validation was performed in 748 individuals from the same geographical region. Three clusters; early onset predominantly female, adult onset predominantly female and adult onset predominantly male, were identified. Early onset predominantly female asthma had a higher burden of disease, the highest exacerbation frequency and use of inhaled corticosteroids. Adult onset predominantly male asthma had the highest mean score of ACT and mini-AQLQ, the lowest exacerbation frequency and higher proportion of subjects with mild asthma. These clusters, based on information from clinical questionnaire data, might be useful in primary care settings where the access to spirometry and biomarkers is limited.
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11. |
- Kritikos, Vicky, et al.
(author)
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A multinational observational study identifying primary care patients at risk of overestimation of asthma control
- 2019
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. - 2055-1010. ; 29
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Factors related to the discrepancy between patient-perceived and actual disease control remain unclear. Identifying patients at risk of overestimation of asthma control remains elusive. This study aimed to (i) investigate the relationship between patient-reported and actual level of asthma control (ii), compare the characteristics between patients who believe their asthma is well controlled that accurately report 'well-controlled' asthma with those that do not, and (iii) identify factors associated with inaccurately reported 'well-controlled' asthma. A historical, multinational, cross-sectional study using data from the iHARP (initiative Helping Asthma in Real-life Patients) review service for adults with asthma prescribed fixed-dose combination therapy. Data from 4274 patients were analysed. A major discrepancy between patient-reported and Global Initiative for Asthma defined asthma control was detected; 71.1% of patients who reported 'well-controlled' asthma were inaccurate in their perception despite receiving regular maintenance therapy. Significant differences were noted in age, gender, body mass index, education level, medication use, side effects, attitudes to preventer inhaler use, inhaler technique review and respiratory specialist review between patients who accurately reported 'wellcontrolled' asthma and those who did not. Independent risk factors associated with inaccurately reported 'well-controlled' asthma were: having taken a maximum of 5-12 puffs or more of reliever inhaler on at least one day within the previous 4 weeks; being female; having seen a respiratory specialist more than a year ago (rather than in the previous year); and having required oral corticosteroids for worsening asthma in the previous year. The study highlighted the significant hidden burden associated with under-recognition of poor asthma control, on the part of the patient and the need for targeted interventions designed to address the continuing discrepancy between perceived and actual disease control.
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12. |
- Larsson, K, et al.
(author)
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Bringing asthma care into the twenty-first century
- 2020
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 30:1, s. 25-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Despite access to diagnostic tests and effective therapies, asthma often remains misdiagnosed and/or poorly controlled or uncontrolled. In this review, we address the key issues of asthma diagnosis and management, recent evidence for levels of asthma control, the consequences of poor control and, in line with that, explore the potential reasons for poor asthma control and acute exacerbations. Based on recent evidence and current guidelines, we also aim to provide practical answers to the key questions of how to improve asthma management, with the best possible prevention of exacerbations, addressing the basics—adherence, inhaler misuse, obesity and smoking—and how to facilitate a new era of asthma care in the twenty-first century. We hope this review will be useful to busy primary care clinicians in their future interactions with their patients with both suspected and proven asthma.
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13. |
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14. |
- Lisspers, Karin, Docent, 1954-, et al.
(author)
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Gender differences among Swedish COPD patients: results from the ARCTIC, a real-world retrospective cohort study
- 2019
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 29:1, s. 45-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The present study aimed to generate real-world evidence regarding gender differences among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, especially as regards the diagnosis and outcomes in order to identify areas for improvement and management and optimize the associated healthcare resource allocation. ARCTIC is a large, real-world, retrospective cohort study conducted in Swedish COPD patients and a matched reference population from 52 primary care centers in 2000–2014. The incidence of COPD, prevalence of asthma and other comorbidities, risk of exacerbations, mortality rate, COPD drug prescriptions, and healthcare resource utilization were analyzed. In total, 17,479 patients with COPD were included in the study. During the study period, COPD was more frequent among women (53.8%) and women with COPD experienced more exacerbations vs. men (6.66 vs. 4.66). However, the overall mortality rate was higher in men compared with women (45% vs. 38%), but no difference for mortality due to COPD was seen between genders over the study period. Women seemed to have a greater susceptibility to asthma, fractures, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, rhinitis, depression, and anxiety, but appeared less likely to have diabetes, kidney diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, women had a greater risk of COPD-related hospitalization and were likely to receive a significantly higher number of COPD drug prescriptions compared with men. These results support the need to reduce disease burden among women with COPD and highlight the role of healthcare professionals in primary care who should consider all these parameters in order to properly diagnose and treat women with COPD.
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15. |
- Lodin, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Associations between self-rated health, sickness behaviour and inflammatory markers in primary care patients with allergic asthma : a longitudinal study
- 2017
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), serum eosinophilic cationic protein (S-ECP), plasma eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (P-EDN) and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). Poor self-rated health and sickness behaviour has repeatedly been associated with inflammatory markers, but the nature of this relationship in chronic inflammatory disease is not known. Likewise, such findings largely rely on cross-sectional investigations. Self-rated health (How would you rate your general state of health?), sickness behaviour (mean rating of satisfaction with energy, sleep, fitness, appetite and memory), IgE, S-ECP, P-EDN, and FENO were assessed in 181 non-smoking primary care patients with asthma in a 1-year longitudinal study. Associations between repeated measurements were calculated using mixed regression models and Spearman's correlations for change scores. Poor self-rated health was associated with high levels of seasonal IgE (p = 0.05) and food IgE (p = 0.04), but not total IgE or inflammatory markers. An increase over 1 year in perennial IgE was associated with a worsening of self-rated health (rho = 0.16, p = 0.04). Poor self-rated health was associated with more pronounced sickness behaviour (p < 0.001), and a worsening in sickness behaviour was associated with a worsening of self-rated health over time (rho = 0.21, p = 0.007). The study corroborates the importance of sickness behaviour as a determinant of self-rated health by showing that these factors co-vary over a 1-year period in a group of patients with allergic asthma. The importance of specific IgE for perceived health in primary care patients with mild to moderate asthma needs further investigation.
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16. |
- Lundh, L, et al.
(author)
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A new instrument to predict smoking cessation among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an observational longitudinal study of the Trying To Quit smoking questionnaire
- 2016
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 26, s. 16013-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Trying To Quit smoking questionnaire (TTQ), was developed to measure pressure-filled mental states, use of destructive pressure-relief strategies and ambivalent thoughts about quitting smoking among patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the TTQ (available in an extended and in a reduced version) can be used to predict smoking cessation outcomes in smokers with COPD. As higher TTQ scores indicate higher degree of psychological distress, we hypothesised that TTQ scores at baseline would be negatively correlated with the probability of making a quit attempt, reducing the intensity of smoking and achieving complete abstinence during the 3 months. Smokers with COPD were recruited during planned or unplanned visits to primary healthcare centres, and 109 completed the TTQ at baseline and 85% participated in the follow-up after 3 months. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between the original (19 items) and the brief (14 item) version of TTQ scores and three outcomes: making at least one quit attempt, reducing the intensity of smoking and achieving complete abstinence. In a primary analysis among all the participants higher total score in the original version of TTQ was significantly associated with a lower probability of quit attempts. In a secondary analysis of subgroups of patients classified according to their readiness to quit, high TTQ scores at baseline were associated with lower probability of complete abstinence among patients not ready to quit (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.53–0.99). Among patients ready to quit, high score on pressure-filled mental states was associated with lower probability of quit attempts (OR=0.78; 95% CI=0.66–0.94) but with higher probability of reduced smoking (OR=1.32; 95% CI=1.05–1.66). Ambivalent thoughts were associated with lower probability of all outcomes, but estimates were not statistically significant. Destructive coping strategies were inconsistently associated with the outcomes. TTQ in its original version and two of its subscales predicted smoking cessation outcomes in the anticipated direction. Therefore, this instrument may be useful in tailoring smoking cessation counselling for patients with COPD.
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17. |
- Mukherjee, M., et al.
(author)
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High health gain patients with asthma: a cross-sectional study analysing national Scottish data sets
- 2018
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In: Npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 28
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studies have shown that a small proportion of patients have particularly high needs and are responsible for disproportionally high disease burden. Estimates suggest that 2-5% of patients are high users of healthcare for their health gain. Such patients in Scotland are referred to as high health gain (HHG) patients. We wanted to investigate if there were HHG individuals with asthma in Scotland. We analysed data from the Scottish Health Survey (2010-11), and primary and National Health Survey (NHS) secondary healthcare and administrative data sets (2011-12). In all, 1,379,690 (26.0%) and 836,135 (15.8%) people reported to have ever had and currently have symptoms suggestive of asthma, respectively; 369,868 (7.0%) people reported current symptomatic clinician-diagnosed asthma. 310,050 (5.6%) people had clinician-reported-diagnosed asthma; there were 289,120 nurse consultations, 215,610 GP consultations, 9235 accident and emergency visits (0.2% people), 8263 ambulance conveyances (0.2% people), 7744 inpatient episodes (0.1% people), 3600 disability allowance claims (0.1% people), 187 intensive care unit (ICU) episodes and 94 deaths from asthma. From our study a maximum of about 9.4% of asthma patients (n = 29,145), which is 0.5% of the Scottish population, and from the National Review of Asthma Deaths' estimate (10% hospitalised), a minimum of nine people had severe asthma attacks that needed acute hospital attendance/admission. We found that although a high proportion of the Scottish population had symptoms suggestive of asthma and clinician diagnosed asthma, only a small proportion of asthma patients experienced exacerbations that were severe enough to warrant hospital attendance/admission in any given year. Developing risk prediction models to identify these HHG patients has the potential to both improve health outcomes while substantially reducing healthcare expenditure.
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18. |
- Price, DB, et al.
(author)
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UK prescribing practices as proxy markers of unmet need in allergic rhinitis: a retrospective observational study
- 2016
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 26, s. 16033-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Little data on UK prescribing patterns and treatment effectiveness for allergic rhinitis (AR) are available. We quantified unmet pharmacologic needs in AR by assessing AR treatment effectiveness based on the prescribing behaviour of UK general practitioners (GP) during two consecutive pollen seasons (2009 and 2010). We conducted a retrospective observational study with the data from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database. We assessed diagnoses and prescription data for patients with a recorded diagnosis of rhinitis who took rhinitis medication during the study period. We assessed the data from 25,069 patients in 2009 and 22,381 patients in 2010. Monotherapy was the initial prescription of the season for 67% of patients with seasonal AR (SAR) and 77% of patients with nonseasonal upper airways disease (NSUAD), for both years. Initial oral antihistamine (OAH) or intranasal corticosteroid (INS) monotherapy proved insufficient for >20% of SAR and >37% of NSUAD patients. Multiple therapy was the initial prescription for 33% of SAR and 23% of NSUAD in both years, rising to 45% and >50% by season end, respectively. For NSUAD, dual-therapy prescriptions doubled and triple-therapy prescriptions almost tripled during both seasons. Many patients revisited their GP regardless of initial prescription. Initial OAH or INS monotherapy provides insufficient symptom control for many AR patients. GPs often prescribe multiple therapies at the start of the season, with co-prescription becoming more common as the season progresses. However, patients prescribed multiple therapies frequently revisit their GP, presumably to adjust treatment. These data suggest the need for more effective AR treatment and management strategies.
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19. |
- Qvarfordt, Mikaela, et al.
(author)
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Quality and learning aspects of the first 9000 spirometries of the LifeGene study
- 2018
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 28:1, s. 6-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Spirometry requires the patient to cooperate and do the manoeuvre 'right' for reliable results. Algorithms to assess test quality as well as educational recommendations for personnel are defined in guidelines. We compared the quality of forced spirometry tests performed by spirometry technicians with little or no previous experience of spirometry using spirometry systems with different modes of feedback. In both cases, the spirometry technician received general feedback on the screen based on ATS/ERS guidelines, such as 'exhale faster' and 'exhale longer'. The major difference was whether quality grading system of the complete session was available simultaneously on screen, or in the printed report afterwards. Two parts of the same population-based study (LifeGene), the pilot (LG1) and the first part (LG2) of the subsequent study, were compared retrospectively. In LG1 (on-screen grading) approved examination quality was achieved for 88% of the 10 first subjects for each spirometry technician compared to 70% in LG2 (printed grading afterwards). The corresponding values after 40 subjects was 94 % in LG1, compared to 73% in LG2, and after the first ten subjects there was no apparent quality improvement in either LG1 or LG2. The quality for LG1 is among the highest reported in the literature even though the spirometry technician were relatively inexperienced. We conclude that on-screen grading in addition to general technical quality feedback is powerful in enhancing the spirometry test session quality.
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20. |
- Reilev, Mette, et al.
(author)
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Stability of the frequent COPD exacerbator in the general population : A Danish nationwide register-based study
- 2017
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 27:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exacerbation frequency is central in treatment strategies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients from the general population with frequent exacerbations continue to have frequent exacerbations over an extended period of time is currently unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the stability of the frequent exacerbator in a population-based setting. To this end, we conducted a nationwide register-based descriptive study with a 10-year follow-up period of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with at least one medically treated exacerbation in 2003. Each subsequent year, we divided the population into frequent, infrequent and non-exacerbators and quantified the flow between categories. Further, we estimated the percentage of frequent exacerbators at baseline who stayed in this category each year during a 5-year follow-up. We identified 19,752 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an exacerbation in 2003. Thirty percent were frequent exacerbators. Overall, the majority of exacerbators in 2003 were non-exacerbators in the following years (60% in 2004 increasing to 68% in 2012). Approximately half of frequent exacerbators in one year experienced a decrease in exacerbation frequency and had either zero or one exacerbation in the subsequent year. This pattern was stable throughout follow-up. During a 5-year follow-up period, a substantial proportion (42%) of frequent exacerbators in 2003 had no additional years as frequent exacerbators, while the minority (6%) remained in this category each year. In conclusion, the rate of exacerbations shows considerable variation over time among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the general population. This might hold implications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment guidelines and their practical application.CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE: VARIATIONS IN DISEASE PROGRESSION: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who suffer from frequent exacerbations do not necessarily persist with such severity over time. Exacerbations in COPD are defined by worsening respiratory symptoms that result in changes to treatment, hospitalization and, at worst, death. However, clarity is needed on whether frequent exacerbations is a stable feature of some patients' disease. Mette Reilev at the University of Southern Denmark and co-workers followed, over 10 years, 19,752 COPD patients living in Denmark who suffered at least one exacerbation in 2003. By 2004, 60% of patients were classed as infrequent or non-exacerbators, rising to 68% by 2012. Very few patients remained "frequent exacerbators", suggesting the rate of exacerbations changes considerably over time. This could hold implications for COPD treatment and challenge assumptions made about disease progression.
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21. |
- Rosso, Aldana, et al.
(author)
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Annual decline rate in FEV1s in community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD
- 2022
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 32, s. 1-4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Information about the decline rate in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1s) in older adults with COPD is scarce. A total of 4082 community-dwelling older adults from the population-based study Good Aging in Skåne were followed for 12 years and 143 participants developed COPD. The average FEV1s decline is estimated to be 66.3 mL/year, (95% CI [56.4; 76.3]) and 43.3 mL/year (1.7%/year, 95% CI [41.2; 45.5]) for COPD and non-COPD participants, respectively.
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22. |
- Rosso, Aldana, et al.
(author)
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Cognitive decline and risk of dementia in older adults after diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- 2023
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - 2055-1010. ; 33:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cognitive screening has been proposed for older adults diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, we examined the change over time in cognitive function and the risk of incident dementia in older adults after COPD diagnosis. A sample of 3,982 participants from the population-based cohort study Good Aging in Skåne was followed for 19 years, and 317 incident COPD cases were identified. The cognitive domains of episodic memory, executive function, and language were assessed using neuropsychological tests. Mixed models for repeated measures and a Cox model were implemented. Participants performed, on average, worse over time on all neuropsychological tests after COPD diagnosis in comparison to those without COPD, although statistical significance differences were only observed for episodic memory and language. The groups had a comparable risk of developing dementia. In conclusion, our results indicate that cognitive screening in the early stages of COPD may be of limited clinical relevance.
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23. |
- Sandelowsky, H, et al.
(author)
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Patient outcomes following GPs' educations about COPD: a cluster randomized controlled trial
- 2020
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 30:1, s. 44-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aimed to compare patient outcomes following case method learning and traditional lectures as methods for continuing medical education (CME) about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for general practitioners (GPs) in Sweden. In a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial, COPD patients (n = 425; case method group n = 209, traditional lectures group n = 216) from 24 primary health care centers replied to questionnaires prior to and 18 months after a 2 × 2-h CME was given to GPs (n = 255). We measured changes in the scores of the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), symptoms, needs for disease information, exacerbations, smoking, and use of pulmonary rehabilitation. The changes over time were similar for both CME methods. Patients who had used pulmonary rehabilitation increased from 13.2 to 17.8% (P = 0.04), and prevalence of smoking decreased from 28.9 to 25.1% (P = 0.003). In conclusion, neither of the used CME methods was superior than the other regarding patient outcomes. CME’s primary value may lay in improving GPs’ adherence to guidelines, which should lead to long-term positive changes in patient health.
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24. |
- Shah, Syed A, et al.
(author)
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Development and validation of a multivariable mortality risk prediction model for COPD in primary care.
- 2022
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In: NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2055-1010. ; 32:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Risk stratification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is important to enable targeted management. Existing disease severity classification systems, such as GOLD staging, do not take co-morbidities into account despite their high prevalence in COPD patients. We sought to develop and validate a prognostic model to predict 10-year mortality in patients with diagnosed COPD. We constructed a longitudinal cohort of 37,485 COPD patients (149,196 person-years) from a UK-wide primary care database. The risk factors included in the model pertained to demographic and behavioural characteristics, co-morbidities, and COPD severity. The outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. We fitted an extended Cox-regression model to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), used machine learning-based data modelling approaches including k-fold cross-validation to validate the prognostic model, and assessed model fitting and discrimination. The inter-quartile ranges of the three metrics on the validation set suggested good performance: 0.90-1.06 for model fit, 0.80-0.83 for Harrel's c-index, and 0.40-0.46 for Royston and Saurebrei's [Formula: see text] with a strong overlap of these metrics on the training dataset. According to the validated prognostic model, the two most important risk factors of mortality were heart failure (HR 1.92; 95% CI 1.87-1.96) and current smoking (HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.66-1.71). We have developed and validated a national, population-based prognostic model to predict 10-year mortality of patients diagnosed with COPD. This model could be used to detect high-risk patients and modify risk factors such as optimising heart failure management and offering effective smoking cessation interventions.
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25. |
- Smith, Carolina, 1975-, et al.
(author)
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Does multimorbidity result in de-prioritisation of COPD in primary care?
- 2023
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In: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2055-1010. ; 33:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to describe factors associated with having COPD regularly reviewed in primary care by a nurse or physician and assess whether there was de-prioritisation for COPD in multimorbid patients. We defined de-prioritisation as not having at least one check-up by a physician during a two-year period. Among 713 COPD patients in the Swedish PRAXIS study, 473 (66%) had at least one check-up during the study period (ending in 2014). Patients with check-ups were more likely to have three or more comorbid conditions (31.9% vs. 24.6%) and exacerbations (35.1% vs. 21.7%) than those without. Compared with those without comorbidity, those with three or more diagnoses had increased relative risk ratios (and 95% CI) for consultations discussing COPD with only a physician (5.63 (2.68-11.79)), COPD-nurse only (1.67 (0.83-3.37)) or both (2.11 (1.09-4.06)). COPD patients received more frequent check-ups considering COPD if they had comorbidity or a history of exacerbations. We found no evidence of de-prioritisation for COPD in multimorbid patients.
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