Smoking as a predictor for loosing control of treated bronchial asthma

Abstract

Stefan Mihaicuta, Sorin Ursoniu, Diana Dumitriu, Stefan Frent, Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu, Voicu Tudorache
Smoking as a predictor for loosing control of treated bronchial asthma Stefan Mihaicuta, Sorin Ursoniu, Diana Dumitriu, Stefan Frent, Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu, Voicu Tudorache
UMF „V. Babes" Timisoara, V. Babes Hospital

Contact: Stefan Mihaicuta, mihaicuta@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Aim. Analysis of the factors involved in uncontrolled bronchial asthma (BA).
Material and method. Between October 2007 and November 2008 we evaluated 584 consecutive patients, known and treated for BA, and collected general data, medical history, disease onset, spirometry, treatment duration, treatment, asthma control test (ACT). The association of variables was analyzed by calculating the odds ratio (OR) together with confidence intervals (CI) in a univariate analysis. The significant independent variables were utilized to create models of multivariate logistical analysis in order to identify the most important predictors. Results. 584 patients, 162 males (27,74%), 422 females (72,26%), medium age 45,38 ± 17,48 years (4-85), 14% smokers,
ACT <19 (36,2%), 20-24 (48,8%), 25 (15%), 43,1% exacerbations, 4 predictors for uncontrolled BA: exacerbations OR 4,11, CI 3,30-7,48, p <0,001, professional exposure OR 2,29, CI 1,23-4,26, p =0,009, altered lung function on spirometry OR =1,18, CI 1,02-1,36, p=0,021 (obstruction OR 3,78 CI 1,76-7,78, p =0,0001), duration of disease months) OR=1,02, CI 1,00-1,03, p=0,021, smoking OR 0,57, CI 0,26-0,71, p=0,012.
Conclusions. More than 1/3 (36, 2%) of treated asthmatic patients had uncontrolled asthma. Smoking is not among the predictors for lack of control.
Key words: asthma, control, predictor, smoking

Article