Abstract
Aims:
To quantify use of high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and add-on therapy in adults, and children aged 12 and over, in the community.
Methods:
Cross-sectional observational survey of UK general practice prescribing records from July 2002 to June 2003 utilising the Doctors Independent Network clinical database.
Results:
30,895 patients aged 12 and over were treated for asthma with inhaled corticosteroids, with a quantifiable daily dose recommendation in 22,027 cases. Twenty-seven percent (95% Confidence Intervals 26–28%) were prescribed ‘highdose’ ICS (>800 mcg/day beclomethasone or equivalent). Of these, 32% (31–33%) were not currently prescribed add-on therapy (long acting B2 agonists, leukotriene antagonists, theophylines), and most of these (84%, 82–86%) had never received a prior trial of add-on therapy.
Conclusions:
High dose ICS therapy was commonly prescribed to people with asthma, frequently without co-prescribed add-on therapy. Many adults with more severe asthma may be receiving treatment that does not accord with current evidence of best practice.
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Thomas, M., Leather, D. & Price, D. High-dose inhaled corticosteroids and add-on therapy use in adults with asthma in the UK in 2003: an observational study. Prim Care Respir J 15, 166–172 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.02.009
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.02.009
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