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Medication non-adherence and the clinical implications in difficult-to-control asthma were audited. Prescription issue data from 115 patients identified sub-optimal adherence (<80%) in 65% of patients on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or combined ICS/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA). In those using separate ICS and LABA, adherence to LABA (50%) was significantly better than to ICS (14.3%). Patients with sub-optimal ICS adherence had reduced FEV(1) and higher sputum eosinophil counts. Adherence ratio was an independent predictor of previous ventilation for acute severe asthma (p=0.008). The majority of patients with difficult-to-control asthma are non-adherent with their asthma medication. Non-adherence is correlated with poor clinical outcomes.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/thoraxjnl-2011-201096

Type

Journal article

Journal

Thorax

Publication Date

08/2012

Volume

67

Pages

751 - 753

Keywords

Administration, Inhalation, Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists, Adult, Anti-Asthmatic Agents, Asthma, Delivery of Health Care, Drug Administration Schedule, Drug Therapy, Combination, Female, Forced Expiratory Volume, Glucocorticoids, Humans, Male, Medical Audit, Medication Adherence, Middle Aged, Treatment Outcome