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Comparing asthma treatment in elderly versus younger patients.

Author(s): Haughney J, Aubier M, Jorgensen L, Ostinelli J, Selroos O, van Schayck CP, Buhl R

Affiliation(s): Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Centre, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2AY, UK. j.haughney@abdn.ac.uk

Publication date & source: 2011-06, Respir Med., 105(6):838-45. Epub 2011 Mar 23.

Publication type: Comparative Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

A randomised 6-month study compared two maintenance doses of budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort(R) Turbuhaler(R) (h) maintenance and reliever therapy (Symbicort SMART(R)), 160/4.5 mug 1 x 2 and 2 x 2, in 8053 asthmatics with symptoms despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids +/- inhaled long-acting beta2-agonists. This analysis compared response to the two treatments in elderly patients, >/= 65 years, with that in younger patients. Elderly patients with early- or late-onset asthma were also compared. Elderly patients had lower post-bronchodilator FEV1 percentage predicted normal at baseline than younger patients (85.6% vs. 91.0%, respectively). The elderly had more exacerbations and risk of first severe exacerbation was increased by 55.3% (hazard ratio 1.553; 95% confidence interval: 1.249-1.931, p < 0.0001). However, no differences in exacerbations were seen between 1 x 2 or 2 x 2 budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy treatment in the elderly. Five-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) scores improved equally in the two age groups. Changes in mean ACQ-5 scores between 1 x 2 and 2 x 2 were significant in both age groups but not clinically relevant (>/= 65 years, 0.12; p = 0.018; <65 years, 0.09; p < 0.0001). Elderly patients with early- and late-onset asthma responded equally well to treatment. Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy (1 x 2 or 2 x 2) is an effective, well-tolerated and practical treatment concept in elderly and younger asthmatic patients. Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Page last updated: 2011-12-09

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