The use of β2-agonist therapy before hospital attendance for severe asthma exacerbations: a post-hoc analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patterns of inhaled β2-agonist therapy use during severe asthma exacerbations before hospital attendance are poorly understood.

Aims

To assess β2-agonist use prior to hospital attendance.

Methods

We undertook an exploratory post hoc analysis of data from a 6-month clinical trial of 303 patients randomised to combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler according to a Single combination inhaler as Maintenance And Reliever Therapy regimen ('SMART') or fixed-dose budesonide/formoterol with salbutamol as reliever ('Standard'). Patterns of β2-agonist use for 14 days before hospital attendance with a severe asthma exacerbation were determined by electronic monitoring of inhaler use.

Results

There were 22 hospital attendances in 16 patients during the study. S

SUBMITTER: Patel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4532151 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature