Related Experiment Videos
Actual over best function as an outcome measure in asthma
C K Connolly1, R J Prescott, S M Alcock
1Department of Medicine, Memorial Hospital, Darlington, U.K.
Respiratory Medicine
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Assessing actual versus best lung function in asthma patients is a valid outcome measure. Achieving 80-85% of best function indicates satisfactory asthma control, guiding treatment adjustments.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Clinical Research
- Asthma Management
Background:
- Asthma management guidelines recommend using actual/best lung function as a key outcome measure.
- Accurate assessment of best lung function and setting achievement targets are crucial for effective asthma control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a protocol for assessing best lung function in asthma patients.
- To validate actual/best lung function as a reliable outcome measure for asthma control.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen clinics simultaneously observed their practices over four periods in 1990.
- A protocol for best function assessment was implemented, including steroid trials and peak expiratory flow (PEF) recording.
- Data on PEF and FEV1 were collected from 767 subjects.
Main Results:
- Actual/best lung function was validated as an outcome measure, with mean values generally exceeding 80%.
- Adherence to the best function protocol improved outcomes, particularly when best PEF was below 70%.
- Actual/best function remained consistent across different treatment intensities, indicating its reliability.
Conclusions:
- Actual/best lung function is a valid and reliable outcome measure for asthma management.
- A target of 80-85% of best function is suggested for satisfactory asthma control, especially using PEF spot checks.
- The study highlights the importance of a structured protocol for assessing best lung function to optimize asthma care.