Local adverse effects associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with moderate or severe asthma

OBJECTIVE: To describe and characterize local adverse effects (in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx) associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in patients with moderate or severe asthma. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of 200 asthma patients followed in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care of the Bahia State Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Control Program Referral Center, located in the city of Salvador, Brazil. The patients were ≥ 18 years of age and had been using ICSs regularly for at least 6 months. Local adverse effects (irritation, pain, dry throat, throat clearing, hoarseness, reduced vocal intensity, loss of voice, sensation of thirst, cough during ICS use, altered sense of taste, and presence of oral candidiasis) were assessed using a 30-day recall questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients studied, 159 (79.5%) were women. The mean age was 50.7 ± 14.4 years. In this sample, 55 patients (27.5%) were using high doses of ICS, with a median treatment duration of 38 months. Regarding the symptoms, 163 patients (81.5%) reported at least one adverse effect, and 131 (65.5%) had a daily perception of at least one symptom. Vocal and pharyngeal symptoms were identified in 57 (28.5%) and 154 (77.0%) of the patients, respectively. The most commonly reported adverse effects were dry throat, throat clearing, sensation of thirst, and hoarseness. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported adverse effects related to ICS use were common among the asthma patients evaluated here

Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia

p. 409-417OBJETIVO: Descrever e caracterizar os eventos adversos locais na orofaringe e laringe associados ao uso de corticosteroide inalatório (CI) em pacientes com asma moderada ou grave. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, com amostra de conveniência composta por 200 pacientes acompanhados no Serviço de Assistência Farmacêutica da Central de Referência do Programa para Controle da Asma na Bahia, em Salvador (BA). Os pacientes tinham ≥ 18 anos e estavam em uso regular de CI por período ≥ 6 meses. Os eventos adversos locais (irritação, dor, garganta seca, pigarro, rouquidão, redução da potência da voz, perda de voz; sensação de sede, tosse durante inalação, alteração do paladar e presença de monilíase oral) foram avaliados por meio de um questionário com período recordatório de 30 dias. RESULTADOS: Dos 200 pacientes estudados, 159 (79,5%) eram mulheres. A média de idade foi de 50,7 ± 14,4 anos. Nesta amostra, 55 pacientes (27,5%) utilizavam altas doses de CI, com mediana de duração de tratamento de 38 meses. Em relação aos sintomas, 163 pacientes (81,5%) reportaram ao menos um evento adverso, e 131 (65,5%) tinham a percepção diária de pelo menos um sintoma. Os sintomas de voz e de faringe foram identificados em 57 (28,5%) e 154 (77,0%) pacientes, respectivamente. Os eventos adversos mais frequentemente relatados foram garganta seca, pigarros, sensação de sede e rouquidão. CONCLUSÕES: Eventos adversos relacionados ao uso de CI foram queixas frequentemente referidas e percebidas por esta amostra de asmáticos

Management of COPD within the Brazilian Unified Health Care System in the state of Bahia: an analysis of real-life medication use patterns

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe COPD pharmacological treatment patterns in the state of Bahia, Brazil, and to evaluate the extent to which these patterns conform to clinical guidelines for the management of COPD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 441 patients referred from the Public Health Care Network of the state of Bahia to a public referral outpatient clinic of a COPD management program of the Brazilian Unified Health Care System. Individuals with a spirometry-confirmed diagnosis of moderate to very severe COPD were included in the study. Patients were evaluated as to whether they had used any COPD medications in the last seven days. The appropriateness or inappropriateness (undertreatment or overtreatment) of the patient’s pharmacological treatment was evaluated by comparing the patient’s current treatment with that recommended by national and international guidelines. Results: A total of 383 individuals were included in the analysis. Approximately half of the patients (49.1%) used long-acting bronchodilators. These patients were older and had had the disease longer. Of the sample as a whole, 63.7% and 83.0% did not receive pharmacological treatment in accordance with international and national recommendations, respectively. Inappropriateness due to undertreatment was indentified in more than half of the patients. Conclusions: Long-acting bronchodilators are frequently underused in individuals with moderate to very severe COPD within the Brazilian Unified Health Care System in the state of Bahia. Most patients in our sample were treated inappropriately, and undertreatment predominated. Strategies to improve access to long-acting bronchodilators and the quality of COPD pharmacological management are required