Prevalence Of Non-Pharmacological Treatable Traits In Patients With Asthma

Introduction: Pharmacological treatment is the cornerstone of asthma management. Asthma patients may also exhibit treatable traits (TTs) like persistent smoking, hyperventilation (PaCO2<4.7 kPa), frequent exacerbations, overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), exercise intolerance (6MWD ≤70%pred), physical inactivity (≤7000 steps/day) and fatigue (CIS ≥36 points), qualifying for non-pharmacological interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of these seven non-pharmacological TTs in asthma patients at the time of first referral to a pulmonologist for outpatient consultation. Methods: Data from asthma patients were collected in 3 Dutch hospitals (Amphia Breda, Franciscus & Vlietland Rotterdam, RadboudUMC Nijmegen). All adult asthma patients who were referred for an integral diagnostic pathway without exacerbation <6 weeks were deemed eligible. Results: 380 adults were studied, 59% women, age 48±16 yrs, FEV1: 88±17%pred. Most patients (n=203 (57%)) displayed uncontrolled asthma (ACQ >1.5 points). A majority of 257 (68%) patients had ≥3 TTs. Patients with uncontrolled asthma had significantly more TTs compared to patients with controlled and partially controlled asthma (3.7±1.4 vs 2.3±1.3 and respectively 2.7±1.2; P<0.001). Conclusion: TTs for non-pharmacological interventions frequently occur in asthma patients referred for the first time to a pulmonologist. Asthma control is associated with the number of non-pharmacological TTs.