Evidence Updates for Severe Asthma

A PCORI-funded study found that using controller medicines [inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)] with inhaled or nebulized quick-relief (rescue) medicine leads to lower rates of severe asthma exacerbations and reduced asthma symptoms in Black and Latino adults with moderate to severe asthma. 

Study Findings

A PCORI-funded study found that adding a dose of controller medicine to a quick-relief medicine:

• lower rate of severe asthma exacerbations that needed oral steroid bursts or hospitalizations
• Lowered the rate of severe asthma attacks among Black and Latino adults with moderate to severe asthma
• Improved asthma control and quality of life
• Lowered the number of days missed from work or school
• Lowered the number of missed activities

What is PARTICS?

Patient-Activate Reliever-Triggered Inhaled Corticosteroid

When symptoms occur: “take one puff of Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) for each puff of quick-relief (rescue) inhaler” or “5 puffs of ICS after their quick- relief (rescue) nebulizer/machine treatment"

PARTICS treatments showed 

• a decrease in asthma attacks by 15% compared to the usual care. 
• This was 13 fewer asthma attacks per 100 patients a year compared to usual care.
• better asthma control, quality of life and fewer missed days of work/school and their usual activities compared to usual care.