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| 3. |
- Accordini, Simone, et al.
(author)
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Incidence trends of airflow obstruction among European adults without asthma : a 20-year cohort study
- 2020
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In: Scientific Reports. - : NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Investigating COPD trends may help healthcare providers to forecast future disease burden. We estimated sex- and smoking-specific incidence trends of pre-bronchodilator airflow obstruction (AO) among adults without asthma from 11 European countries within a 20-year follow-up (ECRHS and SAPALDIA cohorts). We also quantified the extent of misclassification in the definition based on pre-bronchodilator spirometry (using post-bronchodilator measurements from a subsample of subjects) and we used this information to estimate the incidence of post-bronchodilator AO (AO(post-BD)), which is the primary characteristic of COPD. AO incidence was 4.4 (95% CI: 3.5-5.3) male and 3.8 (3.1-4.6) female cases/1,000/year. Among ever smokers (median pack-years: 20, males; 12, females), AO incidence significantly increased with ageing in men only [incidence rate ratio (IRR), 1-year increase: 1.05 (1.03-1.07)]. A strong exposure-response relationship with smoking was found both in males [IRR, 1-pack-year increase: 1.03 (1.02-1.04)] and females [1.03 (1.02-1.05)]. The positive predictive value of AO for AO(post-BD) was 59.1% (52.0-66.2%) in men and 42.6% (35.1-50.1%) in women. AO(post-BD) incidence was 2.6 (1.7-3.4) male and 1.6 (1.0-2.2) female cases/1,000/year. AO incidence was considerable in Europe and the sex-specific ageing-related increase among ever smokers was strongly related to cumulative tobacco exposure. AO(post-BD) incidence is expected to be half of AO incidence.
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| 4. |
- Accordini, Simone, et al.
(author)
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The Cost of Persistent Asthma in Europe : An International Population-Based Study in Adults
- 2013
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In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 160:1, s. 93-101
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: This study is aimed at providing a real-world evaluation of the economic cost of persistent asthma among European adults according to the degree of disease control [as defined by the 2006 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines]. Methods: A prevalence-based cost-of-illness study was carried out on 462 patients aged 30-54 years with persistent asthma (according to the 2002 GINA definition), who were identified in general population samples from 11 European countries and examined in clinical settings in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II between 1999 and 2002. The cost estimates were computed from the societal perspective following the bottom-up approach on the basis of rates, wages and prices in 2004 (obtained at the national level from official sources), and were then converted to the 2010 values. Results: The mean total cost per patient was EUR 1,583 and was largely driven by indirect costs (i.e. lost working days and days with limited, not work-related activities 62.5%). The expected total cost in the population aged 30-54 years of the 11 European countries was EUR 4.3 billion (EUR 19.3 billion when extended to the whole European population aged from 15 to 64 years). The mean total cost per patient ranged from EUR 509 (controlled asthma) to EUR 2,281 (uncontrolled disease). Chronic cough or phlegm and having a high BMI significantly increased the individual total cost. Conclusions: Among European adults, the cost of persistent asthma drastically increases as disease control decreases. Therefore, substantial cost savings could be obtained through the proper management of adult patients in Europe.
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| 5. |
- Calciano, Lucia, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of asthma severity in adults with ever asthma : A continuous score
- 2017
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 12:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In epidemiological studies, continuous measures of asthma severity should be used to catch the heterogeneity of phenotypes. This study aimed at developing and validating continuous measures of asthma severity in adult patients with ever asthma from the general population, to be used in epidemiological studies.Methods: Respiratory symptoms, anti-asthmatic treatment and lung function were measured on 520 patients with ever asthma aged 20-64 years from the general Italian population (GEIRD study; 2007/2010). The variables that represent the same dimension of asthma severity were identified through an exploratory factor analysis and were summarized through a multiple factor analysis.Results: Only respiratory symptoms and anti-asthmatic treatment were summarized in a continuous score (STS). STS ranges from 0 (no symptoms/treatment) to 10 (maximum symptom frequency and treatment intensity). STS was positively correlated with the Global Initiative for Asthma classification of asthma severity computed on the 137 cases with a doctor's diagnosis (Spearman's coefficient = 0.61, p-value<0.0001) (concurrent validity). Furthermore, using a cohort of 1,097 European asthmatics (ECRHS II study; 1999/2002), increasing STS levels at baseline (1991/1993) were positively associated with long-term outcomes (hospitalization and lost workdays for breathing problems, asthma attack frequency and use of asthma controllers) (predictive validity). Finally, the STS scores computed from the GEIRD and ECRHS II data were comparable (Lin's coefficient = 0.95, p-value<0.0001) (replication analysis).Conclusions: STS is a valid and replicable measure of asthma severity in adults, which could be used in association studies.
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| 6. |
- Carsin, Anne-Elie, et al.
(author)
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Spirometric patterns in young and middle-aged adults : a 20-year European study
- 2024
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In: Thorax. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 79:2, s. 153-162
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Understanding the natural history of abnormal spirometric patterns at different stages of life is critical to identify and optimise preventive strategies. We aimed to describe characteristics and risk factors of restrictive and obstructive spirometric patterns occurring before 40 years (young onset) and between 40 and 61 years (mid-adult onset). Methods We used data from the population- based cohort of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were assessed longitudinally at baseline (ECRHS1, 1993-1994) and again 20 years later ( ECRHS3, 2010-2013). Spirometry patterns were defined as: restrictive if FEV1/ FVC >= LLN and FVC<10th percentile, obstructive if FEV1/FVC
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| 7. |
- Cazzoletti, Lucia, et al.
(author)
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Asthma control in Europe : a real-world evaluation based on an international population-based study
- 2007
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In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0091-6749 .- 1097-6825. ; 120:6, s. 1360-1367
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Epidemiologic evidence related to asthma control in patients from the general population is scanty. Objectives: We sought to assess asthma control in several European centers according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines and to investigate its determinants. Methods: In the European Community Respiratory Health Survey 11 (1999-2002), 1241 adults with asthma were identified and classified into inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) users and non-ICS users in the last year. Control was assessed in both groups by using the GINA proposal (controlled, partly controlled, and uncontrolled asthma), and it was related to potential determinants. Results: Only 15% (95% CI, 12% to 19%) of subjects who had used ICSs in the last year and 45% (95% CI, 41% to 50%) of non-ICS users had their asthma under control; individuals with uncontrolled asthma accounted for 49% (95% CI, 44% to 53%) and 18% (95% CI, 15% to 21%), respectively. Among ICS users, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma showed great variability across Europe, ranging from 20% (95% CI, 7% to 41%; Iceland) to 67% (95% CI, 35% to 90%; Italy). Overweight status, chronic cough and phlegm, and sensitization to Cladosporium species were associated with poor control in ICS users. About 65% and 87% of ICS users with uncontrolled and partly controlled asthma, respectively, were on a medication regimen that was less than recommended by the GINA guidelines. Conclusion: Six of 7 European asthmatic adults using ICSs in the last year did not achieve good disease control. The large majority of subjects with poorly controlled asthma were using antiasthma drugs in a suboptimal way. A wide variability in asthma control emerged across Europe. Clinical implications: Greater attention should be paid to asthma management and to the implementation of the GINA guidelines.
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| 8. |
- Cazzoletti, Lucia, et al.
(author)
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Asthma Severity According to Global Initiative for Asthma and Its Determinants : An International Study
- 2010
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In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 151:1, s. 70-79
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The identification of the factors associated with severe asthma may shed some light on its etiology and on the mechanisms of its development. We aimed to describe asthma severity using the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification and to investigate its determinants in a cross-sectional, population-based sample in Europe. Methods: In the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (1999-2002), 1,241 adults with asthma were identified. Severity was assessed using the 2002 GINA classification (intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, severe persistent) and it was related to potential determinants by a multinomial logistic model, using the intermittent group as the reference category for relative risk ratios. Results: About 30% of asthmatic subjects were affected by moderate-to-severe asthma. Sensitization to Cladosporium was associated with a more than 5-fold greater risk of having (mild, moderate or severe) persistent asthma than intermittent asthma. Persistent asthma was positively associated with sensitization to house dust mite, nonseasonal asthma, an older age at asthma onset, and chronic cough and phlegm. Sensitization to cat increased the risk of severe asthma only. Smoking was more strongly associated with asthma severity in men, while rhinitis was more strongly associated with asthma severity in women. Conclusions: One third of the asthmatic population have moderate-to-severe asthma. Sensitization to perennial indoor allergens, particularly Cladosporium, is strongly associated with asthma severity. The role of smoking and rhinitis in determining asthma severity may differ between the sexes, and it should be further investigated. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
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| 9. |
- Cerveri, Isa, et al.
(author)
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The Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Asthma : A Population-Based International Cohort Study
- 2012
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In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 158:2, s. 175-183
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The prevalence rates of smoking in subjects with asthma have frequently been reported as similar to those in the general population; however, available data are not up-to-date. There is only limited and somewhat conflicting information on the long-term effects of smoking on health outcomes among population-based cohorts of subjects with asthma. We aimed to investigate changes in smoking habits and their effects on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) in subjects with asthma in comparison with the rest of the population, focusing on the healthy smoker effect. Methods: We studied 9,092 subjects without asthma and 1,045 with asthma at baseline who participated in both the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I (20-44 years old in 1991-1993) and II (1999-2002). Results: At follow-up, smoking was significantly less frequent among subjects with asthma than in the rest of the population (26 vs. 31%; p < 0.001). Subjects with asthma who were already ex-smokers at the beginning of the follow-up in the 1990s had the highest mean asthma score (number of reported asthma-like symptoms, range 0-5), probably as a result of the healthy smoker effect (2.80 vs. 2.44 in never smokers, 2.19 in quitters and 2.24 in smokers; p < 0.001). The influence of smoking on FEV(1) decline did not depend on asthma status. Smokers had the highest proportion of subjects with chronic cough/phlegm (p < 0.01). Conclusion: One out of 4 subjects with asthma continues smoking and reports significantly more chronic cough and phlegm than never smokers and ex-smokers. This stresses the importance of smoking cessation in all patients with asthma, even in those with less severe asthma.
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| 10. |
- Cerveri, Isa, et al.
(author)
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Underestimation of airflow obstruction among young adults using FEV1/FVC<70% as a fixed cut-off : a longitudinal evaluation of clinical and functional outcomes
- 2008
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In: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 63:12, s. 1040-1045
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Early detection of airflow obstruction is particularly important among young adults because they are more likely to benefit from intervention. Using the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC) <70% fixed ratio, airflow obstruction may be underdiagnosed. The lower limit of normal (LLN), which is statistically defined by the lower fifth percentile of a reference population, is physiologically appropriate but it still needs a clinical validation.Methods: To evaluate the characteristics and longitudinal outcomes of subjects misidentified as normal by the fixed ratio with respect to the LLN, 6249 participants (aged 20-44 years) in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey were examined and divided into three groups (absence of airflow obstruction by the LLN and the fixed ratio; presence of airflow obstruction only by the LLN; presence of airflow obstruction by the two criteria) for 1991-1993. LLN equations were obtained from normal non-smoking participants. A set of clinical and functional outcomes was evaluated in 1999-2002.Results: The misidentified subjects were 318 (5.1%); only 45.6% of the subjects with airflow obstruction by the LLN were also identified by the fixed cut-off. At baseline, FEV1 (107%, 97%, 85%) progressively decreased and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (slope 7.84, 6.32, 5.57) progressively increased across the three groups. During follow-up, misidentified subjects had a significantly higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a significantly higher use of health resources (medicines, emergency department visits/hospital admissions) because of breathing problems than subjects without airflow obstruction (p<0.001).Conclusions: Our findings show the importance of using statistically derived spirometric criteria to identify airflow obstruction.
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| 11. |
- Corsico, Angelo G, et al.
(author)
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Factors affecting adherence to asthma treatment in an international cohort of young and middle-aged adults
- 2007
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In: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0954-6111 .- 1532-3064. ; 101:6, s. 1363-1367
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background A major reason of the poor control of asthma is that patients fail to adhere to their treatment. The aim of the study was to identify factors affecting changes in asthma treatment adherence in an international cohort. Methods A follow-up study was carried out by means of a structured clinical interview in 971 subjects with asthma from 12 countries who participated in both the European Community Respiratory Health Survey: ECRHS-I (1990–94) and ECRHS-II (1998–2002). Subjects were considered adherent if they reported they normally took all the prescribed drugs. A logistic model was used to study the adjusted effect of the determinants. Results The net change in adherence to anti-asthmatic treatment per 10 years of follow-up was −2% (95% CI: −9.5, 5.5), 7.5% (−2.6, 17.6), 15.0% (6.6, 23.5) and 19.8% (4.1, 35.5), respectively, in Nordic, Mediterranean, Continental and extra-European areas. Among the 428 non-adherent subjects in ECRHS-I, having regular consultations with health care professionals was the strongest predictor of increased adherence (OR 3.32; 95% CI: 1.08–10.17). Among the 543 adherent subjects in ECRHS-I, using inhaled corticosteroids significantly predicted a persistence of adherence (OR 2.04; 95% CI: 1.11–3.75). No effect of gender, age, duration of the disease, smoking habit and educational level was observed. Conclusions Our findings highlight the key role of doctors and nurses in educating and regularly reviewing the patients and support the efforts for an improvement of clinical communication.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- de Marco, Roberto, et al.
(author)
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Incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a cohort of young adults according to the presence of chronic cough and phlegm
- 2007
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In: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. - 1073-449X .- 1535-4970. ; 175:1, s. 32-39
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rationale: The few prospective studies aimed at assessing the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in relation to the presence of chronic cough/phlegm have produced contrasting results. Objectives: To assess the incidence of COPD in a cohort of young adults and to test whether chronic cough/phlegm and dyspnea are independent predictors of COPD. Methods: An international cohort of 5,002 subjects without asthma (ages 20-44 yr) with normal lung function (FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 70%) from 12 countries was followed from 1991-2002 in the frame of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II. Incident cases of COPD were those who had an FEV 1/FVC ratio less than 70% at the end of the follow-up, but did not report having had a doctor diagnose asthma during the follow-up. Main Results: The incidence rate of COPD was 2.8 cases/1,000/yr (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-3.3). Chronic cough/phlegm was an independent and statistically significant predictor of COPD (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.17-2.93) after adjusting for smoking habits and other potential confounders, whereas dyspnea was not associated with the disease (IRR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.64-1.50). Subjects who reported chronic cough/phlegm both at baseline and at the follow-up had a nearly threefold-increased risk of developing COPD with respect to asymptomatic subjects (IRR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.44-5.79). Conclusions: The incidence of COPD is substantial even in young adults. The presence of chronic cough/phlegm identifies a subgroup of subjects with a high risk of developing COPD, independently of smoking habits.
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| 14. |
- de Marco, Roberto, et al.
(author)
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Inhaled steroids are associated with reduced lung function decline in subjects with asthma with elevated total IgE
- 2007
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In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0091-6749 .- 1097-6825. ; 119:3, s. 611-617
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the long-term association between inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and lung function decline in asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether prolonged treatment with ICSs is associated with FEV(1) decline in adults with asthma. METHODS: An international cohort of 667 subjects with asthma (20-44 years old) was identified in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (1991-1993) and followed up from 1999 to 2002. Spirometry was performed on both occasions. FEV(1) decline was analyzed according to age, sex, height, body mass index, total IgE, time of ICS use, and smoking, while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: As ICS use increased, the decline in FEV(1) was lower (P trend = .025): on average, decline passed from 34 mL/y in nonusers (half of the sample) to 20 mL/y in subjects treated for 48 months or more (18%). When adjusting for all covariates, there was an interaction (P = .02) between ICS use and total IgE: in subjects with high (>100 kU/L) IgE, ICS use for 4 years or more was associated with a lower FEV(1) decline (23 mL/y; 95% CI, 8-38 compared with nonusers). This association was not seen in those with lower IgE. CONCLUSION: Although confirming a beneficial long-term association between ICSs and lung function in asthma, our study suggests that subjects with high IgE could maximally benefit from a prolonged ICS treatment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study adds further evidence to the beneficial effect of inhaled steroids on lung function in asthma; future studies will clarify whether calibrating the corticosteroid dose according to the level of total IgE is a feasible approach in asthma management.
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| 17. |
- Flexeder, Claudia, et al.
(author)
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Second-hand smoke exposure in adulthood and lower respiratory health during 20 year follow up in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey
- 2019
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In: Respiratory Research. - : BioMed Central. - 1465-9921 .- 1465-993X. ; 20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Early life exposure to tobacco smoke has been extensively studied but the role of second-hand smoke (SHS) for new-onset respiratory symptoms and lung function decline in adulthood has not been widely investigated in longitudinal studies. Our aim is to investigate the associations of exposure to SHS in adults with respiratory symptoms, respiratory conditions and lung function over 20 years. We used information from 3011 adults from 26 centres in 12 countries who participated in the European Community Respiratory Health Surveys I-III and were never or former smokers at all three surveys. Associations of SHS exposure with respiratory health (asthma symptom score, asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD) were analysed using generalised linear mixed-effects models adjusted for confounding factors (including sex, age, smoking status, socioeconomic status and allergic sensitisation). Linear mixed-effects models with additional adjustment for height were used to assess the relationships between SHS exposure and lung function levels and decline. Reported exposure to SHS decreased in all 26 study centres over time. The prevalence of SHS exposure was 38.7% at baseline (1990-1994) and 7.1% after the 20-year follow-up (2008-2011). On average 2.4% of the study participants were not exposed at the first, but were exposed at the third examination. An increase in SHS exposure over time was associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (odds ratio (OR): 2.7; 95% confidence interval (95%-CI): 1.2-5.9), chronic bronchitis (OR: 4.8; 95%-CI: 1.6-15.0), asthma symptom score (count ratio (CR): 1.9; 95%-CI: 1.2-2.9) and dyspnoea (OR: 2.7; 95%-CI: 1.1-6.7) compared to never exposed to SHS. Associations between increase in SHS exposure and incidence of COPD (OR: 2.0; 95%-CI: 0.6-6.0) or lung function (beta: - 49 ml; 95%-CI: -132, 35 for FEV1 and beta: - 62 ml; 95%-CI: -165, 40 for FVC) were not apparent. Exposure to second-hand smoke may lead to respiratory symptoms, but this is not accompanied by lung function changes.
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| 18. |
- Fuertes, Elaine, et al.
(author)
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Leisure-time vigorous physical activity is associated with better lung function : the prospective ECRHS study
- 2018
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In: Thorax. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 73:4, s. 376-384
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: We assessed associations between physical activity and lung function, and its decline, in the prospective population-based European Community Respiratory Health Survey cohort. Methods: FEV1 and FVC were measured in 3912 participants at 27-57 years and 39-67 years (mean time between examinations= 11.1 years). Physical activity frequency and duration were assessed using questionnaires and used to identify active individuals (physical activity >= 2 times and >= 1 hour per week) at each examination. Adjusted mixed linear regression models assessed associations of regular physical activity with FEV1 and FVC. Results: Physical activity frequency and duration increased over the study period. In adjusted models, active individuals at the first examination had higher FEV1 (43.6 mL (95% CI 12.0 to 75.1)) and FVC (53.9 mL (95% CI 17.8 to 89.9)) at both examinations than their non-active counterparts. These associations appeared restricted to current smokers. In the whole population, FEV1 and FVC were higher among those who changed from inactive to active during the follow-up (38.0 mL (95% CI 15.8 to 60.3) and 54.2 mL (95% CI 25.1 to 83.3), respectively) and who were consistently active, compared with those consistently non-active. No associations were found for lung function decline. Conclusion: Leisure-time vigorous physical activity was associated with higher FEV1 and FVC over a 10-year period among current smokers, but not with FEV1 and FVC decline.
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| 19. |
- Fuertes, Elaine, et al.
(author)
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Residential air pollution does not modify the positive association between physical activity and lung function in current smokers in the ECRHS study
- 2018
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In: Environment International. - : Elsevier. - 0160-4120 .- 1873-6750. ; 120, s. 364-372
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Very few studies have examined whether a long-term beneficial effect of physical activity on lung function can be influenced by living in polluted urban areas.OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether annual average residential concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and <10 μm (PM10) modify the effect of physical activity on lung function among never- (N = 2801) and current (N = 1719) smokers in the multi-center European Community Respiratory Health Survey.METHODS: Associations between repeated assessments (at 27-57 and 39-67 years) of being physically active (physical activity: ≥2 times and ≥1 h per week) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were evaluated using adjusted mixed linear regression models. Models were conducted separately for never- and current smokers and stratified by residential long-term NO2, PM2.5 mass and PM10 mass concentrations (≤75th percentile (low/medium) versus >75th percentile (high)).RESULTS: Among current smokers, physical activity and lung function were positively associated regardless of air pollution levels. Among never-smokers, physical activity was associated with lung function in areas with low/medium NO2, PM2.5 mass and PM10 mass concentrations (e.g. mean difference in FVC between active and non-active subjects was 43.0 mL (13.6, 72.5), 49.5 mL (20.1, 78.8) and 49.7 mL (18.6, 80.7), respectively), but these associations were attenuated in high air pollution areas. Only the interaction term of physical activity and PM10 mass for FEV1 among never-smokers was significant (p-value = 0.03).CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity has beneficial effects on adult lung function in current smokers, irrespective of residential air pollution levels in Western Europe. Trends among never-smokers living in high air pollution areas are less clear.
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| 20. |
- Grosso, Amelia, et al.
(author)
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Inhaled corticosteroids and risk of osteoporosis in late-middle age subjects : a multicenter European cohort study
- 2023
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In: Minerva Medica. - : Edizioni Minerva Medica. - 0026-4806 .- 1827-1669. ; 114:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids have been widely used for the regular treatment of asthma and COPD over the past few decades. To date, studies investigating the effects of ICS on bone in populations including asthma and COPD patients, show conflicting results. The skeletal effects of ICS remain poorly understood. We assessed the association between ICS exposure and self-reported osteoporosis diagnosis in a European cohort study.METHODS: The analysis was carried out by using clinical and questionnaire data available for subjects participating in the ECRHS III (European Community Respiratory Health Survey) with age >55 years.RESULTS: Among the 3004 enrolled subjects, 245 were ICS users with an exposure ≥12 months. Osteoporosis was reported by 16 subjects in the ICS group (6.5%) and by 167 in the not exposed group (6.1%). The adjusted risk of osteoporosis in ICS users (≥12 months) was not greater in exposed subjects when compared with the unexposed ones (OR=1.02, 95CI%: 0.51, 2.03). The same result was observed even when considering in the analysis a longer exposure to the ICS use (≥ 36.5 months, the median ICS exposure for all subjects). History of COPD, use of oral corticosteroids, Body Mass Index, smoking and physical activity did not show any evidence of an association with osteoporosis.CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not show any significant association between long- term ICS use and self-reported diagnosis of osteoporosis in subjects aged >55 years. To explore the real effect of ICS on bone status, further studies are needed, especially in the long-term ICS exposure.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Janson, Christer, et al.
(author)
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Pharmacological treatment of asthma in a cohort of adults during a 20-year period : results from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I, II and III
- 2019
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In: ERJ Open Research. - : European Respiratory Society. - 2312-0541. ; 5:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Asthma often remains uncontrolled, despite the fact that the pharmacological treatment has undergone large changes. We studied changes in the treatment of asthma over a 20-year period and identified factors associated with the regular use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment. Changes in the use of medication were determined in 4617 randomly selected subjects, while changes in adults with persistent asthma were analysed in 369 participants. The study compares data from three surveys in 24 centres in 11 countries. The use of ICSs increased from 1.7% to 5.9% in the general population and the regular use of ICSs increased from 19% to 34% among persistent asthmatic subjects. The proportion of asthmatic subjects reporting asthma attacks in the last 12 months decreased, while the proportion that had seen a doctor in the last 12 months remained unchanged (42%). Subjects with asthma who had experienced attacks or had seen a doctor were more likely to use ICSs on a regular basis. Although ICS use has increased, only one-third of subjects with persistent asthma take ICSs on a regular basis. Less than half had seen a doctor during the last year. This indicates that underuse of ICSs and lack of regular healthcare contacts remains a problem in the management of asthma.
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| 23. |
- Jarvis, Debbie, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of asthma-like symptoms with ageing
- 2018
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In: Thorax. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 73:1, s. 37-48
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Change in the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms in populations of ageing adults is likely to be influenced by smoking, asthma treatment and atopy.METHODS: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey collected information on prevalent asthma-like symptoms from representative samples of adults aged 20-44 years (29 centres in 13 European countries and Australia) at baseline and 10 and 20 years later (n=7844). Net changes in symptom prevalence were determined using generalised estimating equations (accounting for non-response through inverse probability weighting), followed by meta-analysis of centre level estimates.FINDINGS: Over 20 years the prevalence of 'wheeze' and 'wheeze in the absence of a cold' decreased (-2.4%, 95% CI -3.5 to -1.3%; -1.5%, 95% CI -2.4 to -0.6%, respectively) but the prevalence of asthma attacks, use of asthma medication and hay fever/nasal allergies increased (0.6%, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.11; 3.6%, 95% CI 3.0 to 4.2; 2.7%, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.7). Changes were similar in the first 10 years compared with the second 10 years, except for hay fever/nasal allergies (increase seen in the first 10 years only). Decreases in these wheeze-related symptoms were largely seen in the group who gave up smoking, and were seen in those who reported hay fever/nasal allergies at baseline.INTERPRETATION: European adults born between 1946 and 1970 have, over the last 20 years, experienced less wheeze, although they were more likely to report asthma attacks, use of asthma medication and hay fever. Decrease in wheeze is largely attributable to smoking cessation, rather than improved treatment of asthma. It may also be influenced by reductions in atopy with ageing.
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| 24. |
- Kirkeleit, Jorunn, et al.
(author)
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Early life exposures contributing to accelerated lung function decline in adulthood – a follow-up study of 11,000 adults from the general population
- 2023
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In: eClinicalMedicine. - : Elsevier. - 2589-5370. ; 66
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: We aimed to assess whether exposure to risk factors in early life from conception to puberty continue to contribute to lung function decline later in life by using a pooled cohort comprising approx. 11,000 adults followed for more than 20 years and with up to three lung function measurements. Methods: Participants (20–68 years) in the ECRHS and NFBC1966 cohort studies followed in the periods 1991–2013 and 1997–2013, respectively, were included. Mean annual decline in maximum forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were main outcomes. Associations between early life risk factors and change in lung function were estimated using mixed effects linear models adjusted for sex, age, FEV1, FVC and height at baseline, accounting for personal smoking. Findings: Decline in lung function was accelerated in participants with mothers that smoked during pregnancy (FEV1 2.3 ml/year; 95% CI: 0.7, 3.8) (FVC 2.2 ml/year; 0.2, 4.2), with asthmatic mothers (FEV1 2.6 ml/year; 0.9, 4.4) (FEV1/FVC 0.04 per year; 0.04, 0.7) and asthmatic fathers (FVC 2.7 ml/year; 0.5, 5.0), and in women with early menarche (FVC 2.4 ml/year; 0.4, 4.4). Personal smoking of 10 pack-years contributed to a decline of 2.1 ml/year for FEV1 (1.8, 2.4) and 1.7 ml/year for FVC (1.3, 2.1). Severe respiratory infections in early childhood were associated with accelerated decline among ever-smokers. No effect-modification by personal smoking, asthma symptoms, sex or cohort was found. Interpretation: Mothers’ smoking during pregnancy, parental asthma and early menarche may contribute to a decline of FEV1 and FVC later in life comparable to smoking 10 pack-years. Funding: European Union's Horizon 2020; Research Council of Norway; Academy of Finland; University Hospital Oulu; European Regional Development Fund; Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; Generalitat de Catalunya.
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- Kirkeleit, Jorunn, et al.
(author)
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Early life origins of lung ageing : A study of lung function decline the ECRHS and NFBC1966 cohorts
- 2020
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In: European Respiratory Journal. - : ERS Publications. - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 56
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Objective: To determine whether early life factors associated with poor lung growth and submaximal attained lung function contribute to accelerated lung function decline later in life.Methods: Participants in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) with lung function measured in a first (n=10,971), second (n=7,981) and third wave (n=4,849), aged 20 – 68 years, were included. Mean annual decline in maximum forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were main outcomes. Information on early life factors was provided by standardized interviews and questionnaires. We estimated the effect of early life factors including maternal age, parental smoking, season of birth, parental asthma and respiratory infections using mixed effects models, adjusted for age, FEV1 and FVC at baseline, height, and smoking habits.Results: Decline in FEV1 was accelerated in women born of a mother with asthma (β = 2.4 ml; 95% CI 0.6-4.3) or who smoked during pregnancy (1.9; 0.2-3.6), and in men having a father with asthma (3.5; 0.2-6.9) or born by Cesarean section (7.9; 1.6-14.2). Accelerated decline in FVC was associated with paternal asthma in men (4.3; 0.1-8.5) and early menarche (<12 years) in women (2.4; 0.4-4.4). No statistically significant effect on lung function decline was found for other investigated early life factors.Conclusion: Early life risk factors contribute to an accelerated lung function decline with ageing, following sex-specific patterns. Decline in FEV1 versus FVC showed slightly different patterns.
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