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Evaluation of the asthma control test: A reliable determinant of disease stability and a predictor of future exacerbations

Authors :
David S.C. Hui
Christopher K.W. Lai
Hong-yin Chu
Alvin Tung
Ting Fan Leung
Fanny W.S. Ko
Susanna S.S. Ng
Jenny Ngai
Gary W.K. Wong
Source :
Respirology. 17:370-378
Publication Year :
2012
Publisher :
Wiley, 2012.

Abstract

Background and objective: This study assessed the asthma control test (ACT) cut-off values for asthma control according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guideline in adults and the effectiveness of ACT scores in predicting exacerbations and serial changes in ACT scores over time in relation to treatment decisions. Methods: Subjects completed ACT together with same-day spirometry and fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement at baseline and at 3 months. Physicians, blinded to the ACT scores and FeNO values, assessed the patient's asthma control in the past month and adjusted the asthma medications according to management guidelines. Asthma exacerbations and urgent health-care utilization (HCU) at 6 months were recorded. Results: Three hundred seventy-nine (120 men) asthmatics completed the study. The ACT cut-off for uncontrolled and partly controlled asthma were ≤19 (sensitivity 0.74, specificity 0.67, % correctly classified 69.5) and ≤22, respectively (sensitivity 0.73, specificity 0.71, % correctly classified 72.1). Baseline ACT score had an odds ratio of 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.48–3.69) and 2.66 (1.70–4.18) for urgent HCU and exacerbations, respectively, at 6 months (P

Details

ISSN :
13237799
Volume :
17
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Respirology
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........d008f8a299b9e34b3561ac0bba78a94b
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1843.2011.02105.x