Changes in the Nijmegen Questionnaire in severe asthma patients treated with dupilumab

To assess changes in Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ) scores in patients with severe asthma treated with dupilumab and their relationship with disease control.

A retrospective study was conducted in patients with severe asthma treated with dupilumab. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected, as well as results of questionnaires: NQ, asthma control test (ACT) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), assessing the changes after one year of treatment.

A total of 18 patients were included, 12 males, with a median age of 54 years and a range between 27 and 67 years old. The median result of the NQ at the start of dupilumab was 15.5 points (1-34) and at 12 months was 7 points (0-35). Before treatment, five patients (27.77%) had a NQ greater than 23 points compatible with hyperventilation syndrome (HVS). The median ACT score was 19 (10-24) and at the 12-month control it was 23 (12-25). The median AQLQ was 5 points (3-7) at the start of dupilumab and 6.08 points (3.50-7) after 12 months of dupilumab. This study observed changes in NQ scores after 12 months of dupilumab treatment, irrespective of initial NQ scores.

Incorporating the NQ into the assessment of biologic response in severe asthma may provide additional insights into patient monitoring. Proper management of comorbidities, including HVS, is essential for optimizing asthma outcomes, as uncontrolled comorbidities can confound asthma control.