Erik Soeren Halvard Hansen1, Kristian Aasbjerg2, Amalie Lykkemark Moeller3, Elisabeth Juul Gade4, Christian Torp-Pedersen3, Vibeke Backer5. 1. Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: eriksorenhalvardhansen@gmail.com. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. 3. Department of Cardiology, North Zealand Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark. 5. Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed to millions of women worldwide. Previous studies have suggested that HRT has both protective and harmful effects in asthma. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is HRT in menopause associated with new development of asthma? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We undertook a nested case-control study based on the Danish registers from June 1, 1995, through December 31, 2018. A diagnosis of asthma was defined as two redeemed prescriptions of inhaled corticosteroids within 2 years. HRT was defined as two redeemed prescriptions of female sex hormones within 6 months. Data were analyzed using a conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: We included 34,533 women with asthma vs 345,116 women without asthma between 40 and 65 years of age. In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, household income, and educational level, active HRT resulted in a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.63 (95% CI, 1.55-1.71; P < .001) of new asthma development. Women with asthma who terminated HRT were likely to discontinue their asthma treatment subsequently (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.94-2.33; P < .001). INTERPRETATION: HRT seems to play a role in the development of asthma in mature women. Clinicians prescribing HRT and women receiving HRT should be aware that new airway symptoms can develop, and discontinuation of HRT should be considered.
BACKGROUND: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed to millions of women worldwide. Previous studies have suggested that HRT has both protective and harmful effects in asthma. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is HRT in menopause associated with new development of asthma? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We undertook a nested case-control study based on the Danish registers from June 1, 1995, through December 31, 2018. A diagnosis of asthma was defined as two redeemed prescriptions of inhaled corticosteroids within 2 years. HRT was defined as two redeemed prescriptions of female sex hormones within 6 months. Data were analyzed using a conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: We included 34,533 women with asthma vs 345,116 women without asthma between 40 and 65 years of age. In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, household income, and educational level, active HRT resulted in a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.63 (95% CI, 1.55-1.71; P < .001) of new asthma development. Women with asthma who terminated HRT were likely to discontinue their asthma treatment subsequently (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.94-2.33; P < .001). INTERPRETATION: HRT seems to play a role in the development of asthma in mature women. Clinicians prescribing HRT and women receiving HRT should be aware that new airway symptoms can develop, and discontinuation of HRT should be considered.
Authors: Erik Soeren Halvard Hansen; Kristian Aasbjerg; Amalie Lykkemark Moeller; Amani Meaidi; Elisabeth Juul Gade; Christian Torp-Pedersen; Vibeke Backer Journal: ERJ Open Res Date: 2022-03-21