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Exploring the association between asthma and frailty: a cross-sectional and a bidirectional Mendelian randomization
Shufei Peng1, Huanxian Liu2, Xianfeng Ren3
1Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Asthma and frailty have a two-way causal link. This study found that having asthma increases frailty risk, and frailty increases asthma risk, highlighting the need for integrated care.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Observational studies indicate a link between asthma and frailty.
- The causal nature of this association requires further investigation.
- Understanding this relationship can inform targeted interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between asthma and frailty.
- To determine the causal relationship between asthma and frailty using genetic data.
- To provide evidence for clinical management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n=29,589).
- Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching for association analysis.
- Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) using genetic variants from FinnGen and GWAS meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant association between asthma and frailty (OR=2.16).
- MR analysis confirmed a bidirectional causal relationship.
- Genetically predicted asthma increased frailty risk (OR=1.091); genetic liability to frailty increased asthma risk (OR=2.264).
Conclusions:
- A bidirectional causal association exists between asthma and frailty.
- Routine frailty screening in asthma patients is recommended.
- Further research into underlying mechanisms is warranted.
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