Per-Olof Ehrs1, Kjeu Larsson. 1. Lung and Allergy Research, Division of Physiology, National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract
AIM: To find out whether symptom-free asthmatic patients with impaired lung function, improve with regard to quality of life after treatment adjustment. METHODS:Forty-two primary care asthma patients without symptoms were divided into two groups: (A) with normal lung function (n=22); and (B) with impaired lung function (n=20). Lung function, symptoms and quality of life were assessed before and after a 3-month interval. In group B (but not in group A), treatment was adjusted on the first visit. RESULTS:Quality of life was significantly worse in group B at visit 1 and was improved up to the same level as in group A after 3 months of treatment adjustment. Quality of life did not change in group A during the 3 months of observation. Lung function improved significantly only in group B but did not reach the same level as in group A. CONCLUSION: Adjustment of therapy improves quality of life even in patients who do not experience symptoms. Asthma treatment should therefore be guided by both symptoms and lung function.
RCT Entities:
AIM: To find out whether symptom-free asthmatic patients with impaired lung function, improve with regard to quality of life after treatment adjustment. METHODS: Forty-two primary care asthmapatients without symptoms were divided into two groups: (A) with normal lung function (n=22); and (B) with impaired lung function (n=20). Lung function, symptoms and quality of life were assessed before and after a 3-month interval. In group B (but not in group A), treatment was adjusted on the first visit. RESULTS: Quality of life was significantly worse in group B at visit 1 and was improved up to the same level as in group A after 3 months of treatment adjustment. Quality of life did not change in group A during the 3 months of observation. Lung function improved significantly only in group B but did not reach the same level as in group A. CONCLUSION: Adjustment of therapy improves quality of life even in patients who do not experience symptoms. Asthma treatment should therefore be guided by both symptoms and lung function.
Authors: Patricia Gomes de Souza; Clemax Couto Sant'anna; Maria de Fátima B Pombo March Journal: Indian J Pediatr Date: 2012-12-21 Impact factor: 1.967