Characteristics of Difficult to Treat Asthma in Korea.
10.4046/trd.2010.69.5.361
- Author:
Kwang Ha YOO
1
;
Kwan Ho LEE
;
Soo Taek UH
;
Yong Bum PARK
;
Yang Keun RHEE
;
Yeon Mok OH
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ymoh55@amc.seoul.kr
- Publication Type:Multicenter Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Asthma;
Therapeutics;
Korea;
Adrenal Cortex Hormones;
Comorbidity
- MeSH:
Adrenal Cortex Hormones;
Ambulatory Care Facilities;
Anxiety;
Anxiety Disorders;
Asthma;
Body Mass Index;
Comorbidity;
Compliance;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Delivery of Health Care;
Eosinophils;
Health Care Costs;
Humans;
Hypersensitivity;
Immunoglobulin E;
Korea;
Medical Records;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Referral and Consultation
- From:Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
2010;69(5):361-367
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Difficult-to-treat asthma afflicts a small percentage of the asthma population. However, these patients remain refractory to treat, and account for 40% to 50% of the health costs of asthma treatment, incurring significant morbidity. We conducted a multi-center cross-sectional study to characterize difficult-to-treat asthma in Korea. METHODS: Subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and subjects with controlled asthma were recruited from 5 outpatient clinics of referral hospitals. We reviewed medical records of previous 6 months and obtained patient-reported questionnaires composed of treatment compliance, asthma control, and instruments for stress, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS: We recruited 21 subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and 110 subjects with controlled asthma into the study. The subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma were associated with longer treatment periods, more increased health care utilization, more medication (oral corticosteroids, number of medication), and more anxiety disorder compared to those of well-controlled asthmatics. There was no difference in age, gender, history of allergy, serum IgE, blood eosinophil count, or body mass index between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Difficult-to-treat asthma is characterized by increased health care utilization and more co-morbidity of anxiety.
