Outcome measures in asthma attack trials: can't see the good for the wheeze

TL;DR

This paper reviews outcome measures in asthma attack trials and calls for a consistent approach to improve patient care and precision medicine.

Contribution

The paper systematically reviews limitations in outcome measures for asthma attack treatment trials.

Findings

Outcome measures in asthma attack trials show limitations and variability.

A consistent approach is needed to ensure optimal patient care in the future of precision medicine.

Abstract

Asthma is estimated to affect around 262 million people worldwide and prevalence continues to increase [1]. A significant proportion of the burden associated with asthma, for both patients and healthcare systems, relates to exacerbation events, or “asthma attacks” [2]. These vary greatly in severity and are therefore managed in a wide range of settings, including emergency departments, hospital inpatient wards, primary care and the patient's own home. Exacerbations carry a risk of significant harm and even death to the person affected, and impact on their quality of life, activities of daily living and work or school productivity during the recovery phase [3]. It is therefore imperative that exacerbations are treated with the most optimal care possible.

A systematic review highlights limitations and variability in outcome measures for trials in asthma attack treatment. Now is the time to adopt a consistent approach to ensure best patient care in a precision medicine future.
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