Severe Exacerbations and Decline in Lung Function in Asthma

TLDR

Asthma exacerbations are linked to progressive loss of lung function, and inhaled corticosteroids such as budesonide may mitigate this decline. This study aimed to determine whether severe asthma exacerbations are associated with a persistent decline in lung function and whether early low‑dose budesonide therapy can prevent such decline. The START trial enrolled 7,165 patients with persistent asthma for less than two years in a 3‑year, randomized, double‑blind design to test whether regular low‑dose budesonide reduces severe exacerbations and lung function decline. Patients who experienced severe exacerbations had a greater reduction in post‑bronchodilator FEV1% predicted (−6.44 % vs.

Abstract

To evaluate the association between asthma exacerbations and the decline in lung function, as well as the potential effects of an inhaled corticosteroid, budesonide, on exacerbation-related decline in patients with asthma.To determine whether severe asthma exacerbations are associated with a persistent decline in lung function.The START (inhaled steroid treatment as regular therapy in early asthma) study was a 3-year, randomized, double-blind study of 7,165 patients (5-66 yr) with persistent asthma for less than 2 years, to determine whether early intervention with low-dose inhaled budesonide prevents severe asthma-related events (exacerbations requiring hospitalization or emergency treatment) and decline in lung function.There were 315 patients who experienced at least one severe asthma exacerbation, of which 305 were analyzable, 190 in the placebo group and 115 in the budesonide group. In the placebo group, the change in post-bronchodilator FEV(1) % predicted from baseline to the end of the study, in patients who did or did not experience a severe exacerbation was -6.44% and -2.43%, respectively (P < 0.001). A significant difference was seen in both children and in adults, but not in adolescents. In the budesonide group, the change in the post-bronchodilator FEV(1) % predicted in patients who did or did not experience a severe exacerbation was -2.48% and -1.72%, respectively (P = 0.57). The difference in magnitude of reduction afforded by budesonide, in patients who experienced at least one severe asthma-related event compared with those who did not, was statistically significant (P = 0.042).Severe asthma exacerbations are associated with a more rapid decline in lung function. Treatment with low doses of inhaled corticosteroid is associated with an attenuation of the decline.