Study Identifies Factors That Influence Asthma Relapse

Female sex, past healthcare usage, and previous use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were significantly associated with risk of relapse within 4 weeks of discharge in patients who visit the emergency department for acute asthma, according to the results of a recent study.

The researchers conducted a systematic review of 178 articles and 10 studies, including data from 32,923 patients. All studies assessed the proportion of adults relapsing after being treated in the emergency department for asthma exacerbation. Relapse and factors associated with relapse were the primary outcomes.
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Overall, relapse proportions were 8±3%, 12±4% and 14±6% at 1, 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. Female sex was the most statistically significant factor associated with increased risk of relapse within 4 weeks, and previous healthcare usage and previous ICS use were also statistically significant.

“A median of 17% of patients who are discharged from the ED will relapse within the first 4 weeks,” the researchers concluded.

“Factors such as female sex, past healthcare usage and ICS use at presentation were commonly and significantly associated with relapse occurrence. Identifying patients with these features could provide clinicians with guidance during their ED discharge decision-making.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Hill J, Arrotta N, Villa-Roel C, et al. Factors associated with relapse in adult patients discharged from the emergency department following acute asthma: a systematic review. BMJ Open Resp Res. 2017;4(1).