Educational Objectives EFFECTIVE ASTHMA MANAGEMENT IN PRIMARY CARE Bradley E. Chipps, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, FAAAAI, FCCP President-Elect, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Medical Director, Capital Allergy & Respiratory Disease Center Sacramento, CA Review methods used to assess asthma severity and control Review current guidelines for treating asthma Discuss phenotypes and endotypes in asthma and the use of biomarkers in clinical practice Examine the role of existing and potential future biologic agents in treating severe, refractory patients Definition of Asthma A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with the following clinical features: Methods to Assess Severity and Control Episodic and/or chronic symptoms of airway obstruction Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to triggers Evidence of at least partial reversibility of the airway obstruction Alternative diagnoses are excluded Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention, 2017. Available at: http://ginasthma.org/. Clinical Evaluation of Asthma Asthma Control Current Impairment and Future Risk History and physical examination Validated questionnaires to assess severity Pulmonary function (spirometry) Biomarkers Blood eosinophil count Exhaled nitric oxide Allergy testing Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention, 2017. Available at: http://ginasthma.org/. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention, 2017. Available at: http://ginasthma.org/. 1
TRACK Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids This test can help a parent determine if child s breathing problems are not under control and when medical advice should be sought. Designed for children who: Are under years of age Have a history of 2 or more episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, or cough lasting more than 24 hours AND Have been previously prescribed bronchodilator medicines, also known as quick-relief medications, for respiratory problems OR have been diagnosed with asthma Score 80: child s breathing problems may not be under control Score 81: child s breathing problems seem to be under control Decadron and Proventil are products of MERCK & CO., Inc.; Maxair is a product of 3M Pharmaceuticals; Orapred is a product of Shionogi Pharma, Inc.; Prelone is a product of Adamis Laboratories; ProAir is a product of Teva Respiratory, LLC; Ventolin is a product of GSK; Xopenex is a product of Sunovion; The use of Primatene Mist has been discontinued in the US. 1 2 3 4 Score During the past 4 weeks, how often was your child bothered by breathing problems, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath? Not at all Once or twice Once every week 2 or 3 times a week 4 or more times a week 20 1 0 During the past 4 weeks, how often did your child s breathing problems (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath) wake him or her up at night? Not at all Once or twice Once every week 2 or 3 times a week 4 or more times a week 20 1 0 During the past 4 weeks, to what extent did your child s breathing problems, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, interfere with his or her ability to play, go to school, or engage in usual activities that a child should be doing at his or her age? Not at all Slightly Moderately Quite a lot Extremely 20 1 0 During the past 3 months, how often did you need to treat your child s breathing problems (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath) with quick-relief medications (albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, Maxair, ProAir, Xopenex, or Primatene Mist)? Not at all Once or twice Once every week 2 or 3 times a week 4 or more times a week 20 1 0 During the past 12 months, how often did your child need to take oral corticosteroids (prednisone, prednisolone, Orapred, Prelone, or Decadron ) for breathing problems not controlled by other medications? Never Once Twice 3 times 4 or more times 20 1 0 Total The brands mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse AstraZeneca or its products. The TRACK Test was developed by AstraZeneca. The American Academy of Pediatrics Quality Improvement Innovation Network participated in the validation of this tool. Childhood Asthma Control Test A cross-sectional study concluded that the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C- ACT) is a validated tool to assess asthma control in children, as well as identify those with inadequately controlled asthma. In the clinical setting, C-ACT can be a valuable tool based on its ease of use, alignment with asthma guidelines, validation, and input from the child and caregiver. 1 1. Liu AH, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007;119:817-82. The Childhood Asthma Control Test was developed by GSK. Assessment of Asthma Control: Asthma Control Test (ACT) A longitudinal study of patients with asthma reported that ACT is reliable, valid, and responsive to changes in asthma control over time. In the clinical setting, the ACT should be a useful tool to aid physicians in identifying patients with uncontrolled asthma, facilitating their ability to follow patient progress with treatment. 1 Are Most Patients With Asthma Well-Controlled? Study Sample size Percent with uncontrolled asthma TENOR 1 1,39 69.8 AIM 2 200 70.8 CHOICE 3 8.7 Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated. 1. Schatz M, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117:49-6. 1. Chipps BE, et al. TENOR Study Group. Curr Respir Care Rep. 2012;1:29-269. 2. Meltzer EO, et al. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2012;33:36-46. 3. Colice GL, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2012;8:17-162. Risk of Future Severe Asthma Event in Patients with Past Severe Asthma Event Severe Asthma Event Risk of severe exacerbation with history of recent exacerbation Risk of OCS treatment with history of recent OCS treatment Odds Ratio 6.33 3.91 Important Factors Which Contribute to Poor Asthma Control Rhinitis and sinusitis Gastroesophageal reflux disease Low vitamin D Obesity Obstructive sleep apnea Persistent lower respiratory tract infection Psychologic (anxiety, depression) Smoking Unabated environmental trigger Poor response to therapy Chipps BE, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130:332-342. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention, 2017. Available at: http://ginasthma.org/. 2
Spirometry: An Important Test for Assessing Asthma Pulmonary Function Test Low FEV1 is linked to lower quality of life and higher risk of exacerbations May not be able to accurately assess level of pulmonary function from symptoms and examination May be mastered by physician and office assistant Should be assessed at least once-yearly Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention, 2017. Available at: http://ginasthma.org/. Biomarkers and Asthma Pathogenesis Biomarkers, Phenotypes, and Endotypes in Asthma Biomarkers allow physicians to determine the primary pathogenetic pathway in a given patient Th2 (Type 2) pathway Presence of interleukins 4,, and 13 Elevated blood and sputum eosinophils Present in 70% of asthma Non-Th2 pathways Inflammatory cells and cytokines poorly-characterized Epithelial Cells Play a Critical Role, as Well Oboki K, et al. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2011;3:81-88. 3
Blood Eosinophils Important identifier of Th2 (Type 2) pathophysiology Most widely accepted cut-off value separating eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic = 300/mcl Eosinophil count proportional to risk of asthma exacerbation May vary significantly over time Advantage = inexpensive and widely available Blood Eosinophil Counts and Risk of Asthma Exacerbations Claims data base analysis examining eosinophil count and exacerbations requiring systemic CS or ER/hospital care Peripheral Blood Eosinophils Severe Exacerbations Acute Respiratory Events Overall Asthma Control Price DB, et al. Lancet Respir Med. 201;3:849-88. Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Exhaled Nitric Oxide Help identify eosinophilic asthma phenotype Diagnose steroid-responsive airway inflammation Help support asthma diagnosis and etiology of respiratory symptoms Disadvantage = requires specialized equipment Dweik RA, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2011;184:602-61. Dweik RA, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2011;184:602-61. Important Ways to Divide Asthma Into Subtypes What is a phenotype? The outward manifestation of an individual s genetics which is the result of an interaction with the environment and which may change over time in response to new environments What is an endotype? A phenotype of a disease state which has been wellcharacterized with respect to pathophysiologic mechanisms Separation of Asthma into Clinical Phenotypes In past, asthma was characterized by the presence or absence of allergy without consideration of other characteristics Recent studies - unbiased hierarchical cluster analysis Clinical characteristics (gender, age of onset, severity) Physiology (lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness) Triggers (allergens) Sputum inflammatory cells (eosinophils, neutrophils) Sum total of characteristics are segregated into groups, with no single feature playing a predominant role in the classification 4
Tree Analysis Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of the SARP subjects Moore et al. Am J Respir Crit Care. 20; 181:31-323. Busse W, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011;128:740-70. Common Endotypes of Severe Asthma Endotype Early-onset allergic Late-onset, minimally allergic Late-onset obese Late-onset nonallergic Clinical/physiologic characteristics Frequent history of atopic dermatitis, usually have allergic rhinitis Frequent chronic rhinosinusitis/polyps; more severe obstruction; may have NSAID intolerance Nonallergic, often with pulmonary restriction May have significant respiratory tract infection or GERD Inflammatory phenotype Eosinophilic Highly eosinophilic Non-eosinophilic Non-eosinophilic Current Guidelines for Treating Asthma GINA: Step-Guided Treatment What Percent of Patients are Controlled with ICS and ICS/LABA? Stratum* N Well-controlled (%) 1 - FP 44 6 1 - FP-S 39 71 2 - FP 77 2 2 - FP-S 83 69 3 - FP 67 33 3 - FP-S 68 2 Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention, 2017. Available at: http://ginasthma.org/. Use for educational purposes only. Bateman ED, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004;170:836-844. *Stratum 1 = no ICS Stratum 2 = < 00 mcg ICS Stratum 3 = 00-00 mcg ICS
What is Effective for Asthma Beyond ICS/LABA? Effects of Tiotropium on FEV1 and Asthma Exacerbations Leukotriene modifiers Montelukast = leukotriene receptor antagonist Zileuton = -lipoxygenase inhibitor Neither agent shown to have benefit added to ICS/LABA in DBPC trials, although may be helpful in patients with aspirinexacerbated respiratory disease Long-acting muscarinic antagonists Effective in conjunction with ICS (in place of LABA) or as 3 rd - line therapy in addition to ICS/LABA Kerstjens HA, et al. N Engl J Med. 2012;367:1198-1207. Kerstjens HA, et al. N Engl J Med. 2012;367:1198-1207. Biologic Agents in Asthma Existing and Future Biologic Agents in Treating Severe, Refractory Asthma Unlike conventional inhaled and oral therapies for asthma, biologic agents are targeted at specific molecules responsible for asthma pathogenesis These biologic agents are typically formulated as monoclonal antibodies which are administered systemically Biologic Agents Currently Available for Severe Asthma Endotype Main target Class of agents Allergic Late-onset with eosinophilia IgE Eosinophils Anti-IgE Anti-IL Specific compounds Omalizuamb Mepolizumab Reslizumab Eosinophils Anti-IL Mepolizumab Reslizumab Benralizumab* *Submitted to FDA Anti-IgE Antibody Therapy (Omalizuamb) for Severe Allergic Asthma Humanized (9%) mab against IgE indicated in perennial allergic asthma Significant improvement of outcomes in patients receiving 3 controllers: 2% less exacerbations in patient using maximal inhaled therapy Improved asthma symptoms and AQLQ Small improvements in lung function Overall response rate 0-60% - why not higher? Absence of active inflammation Insufficient dose of drug in some patients Absence of relevant allergen exposure Mechanisms other than IgE-mediated inflammation, e.g., infection, advanced remodeling 6
The Targets: IL- or Eosinophils (IL-Rα) Mepolizumab: The DREAM Study Benralizumab Mepolizumab Reslizumab Eosinophil Raised levels present in 40% to 60% of asthmatics Release toxins that promote airway inflammation in asthmatic patients Blausen gallery 2014. Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:.1347/wjm/2014.0. Used for educational purposes only. IL- Principal eosinophilic regulatory cytokine Involved in the maturation, differentiation, survival, and activation of eosinophils Ortega HG, et al. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:1198-1207. Bel EH et al. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:1189-1197. Pavord ID, et al. Lancet. 2012;380:61-69. Benralizumab and Exacerbations Lung Function: % Change in FEV1 Placebo Benralizumab 20 mg By Eosinophil Status Annual Exacerbation Rate 0.7-0.6-0. - 0.4-0.3-0.2-0.1-0.0 - RR = 9% P =.781 RR = 36% RR = 41% P =.173 P =.096* Eosinophilic Benralizumab 2 mg RR = 22% P =.284 Noneosinophilic Benralizumab 0 mg By Baseline Eosinophil Level Annual Exacerbation Rate 0.9-0.8-0.7-0.6-0. - 0.4-0.3-0.2-0.1-0.0 - RR = 7% RR = 6% RR = 30% P =.822 P =.844 P =.327 RR = 24% RR = 30% RR = 43% P =.362 RR = 7% P =.131* RR = 7% P =.049* P =.024* P =.01* RR = 70% P =.002* 200 cells/μl 300 cells/μl 400 cells/μl In the overall population, significant improvement was observed for all dupilumab dose regimens vs placebo In the LEos population, significant improvement was observed for the q2w regimens vs placebo, but not for the q4w regimens Castro M, et al. Lancet Respir Med. 2014;2:879-890. Wenzel S, et al. ATS 201. Abst A6362. *P<0.0; dagger; P<0.01; P<0.001 vs placebo Dupilumab (Anti-IL-4/13Ralpha): A New Biologic Agent in Development for Severe Asthma Tezepelumab (Anti-TSLP): A New Biologic Agent in Development for Severe Asthma Adjusted annualized severe exacerbation rate, estimate (9% CI) 1.2-1.1 - (0.72-1.904) Percentage reduction relative to placebo 1.0 - -66% -3% -71% -81% 0.9-0.8-0.7 - (0.36-1.290) 0.6-0. - * 0.4 - (0.18-0.809) (0.133-0.678) 0.3 - * (0.078-0.17) 0.2-0.1-0 - (n=68) (n=9) (n=66) (n=64) (n=64) Adjusted annualized severe exacerbation rate, estimate (9% CI) 1.2-1.1-1.0-0.9-0.8 - (0.493-1.231) 0.7-0.6-0. - 0.4-0.3-0.2-0.1-0 - Placebo (n=90) Percentage reduction relative to placebo -37% -68% -43% -60% (0.286-0.837) (0.22-0.786) * (0.170-0.76) (0.124-0.16) 200 mg 300 mg 200 mg 300 mg every every every every 4 weeks 4 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks (n=91) (n=91) (n=84) (n=92) Wenzel S, et al. Lancet. 2016;388:31-44. Corren J, et al. N Engl J Med. 2017;377:936-946. 7
Case #1 Case Studies MP is a 4-year-old white male with a 3-year history of asthma, which has been worsening over the past year Also has a 6-year history of chronic nasal congestion and postnasal drip with 2 sinus infections per year Severe wheezing and rhinorrhea after taking ASA and other NSAIDs over the last 3 years Asthma is a daily problem in spite of taking ICS/LABA and LAMA and intranasal corticosteroids for nasal/sinus symptoms He has had 4 episodes of asthma exacerbation, 3 requiring OCS, during the past year Physical Examination Nose - bilateral nasal polyps Pharynx - mucopurulent secretions in posterior pharynx Chest - bilateral wheezing and decreased air exchange Laboratory Values PFT FVC: 88% predicted FEV1: 62% predicted FEV1/FVC: 0.60 14% bronchodilator response FeNO = 62 ppb Absolute EOS = 44 cells/mcl Total serum IgE = 42 IU/ml Allergy skin tests = borderline reactions to ragweed and elm tree pollens Potential Therapies Leukotriene modifier, particularly zileuton (-LO inhibitor) ASA desensitization and maintenance therapy Anti-IL- antibody therapy (mepolizumab or reslizumab) Effectiveness of Various Medications in AERD A survey analyzing patient observations of treatment effectiveness in those with AERD showed that aspirin was most beneficial, followed by a leukotriene receptor agonist and a combination of medicines. However, the majority of patients reported that no medication made a difference in symptoms. Despite ongoing medical therapy, the burden of disease remains high in these patients. Ta V, White A. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 201;3:711-718. 8
Long-term Aspirin Therapy Goal = ASA 60 mg BID Reduces nasal congestion, anosmia, recurrent sinusitis Similar asthma control with less OCS Difficult to maintain long term due to gastritis Case #2 LS is a 36-year-old woman with asthma since age 8 years; has been worsening over past 2 years Also has had year-around nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes and nose since childhood with seasonal worsening in the spring and fall seasons for the same length of time Had flexural eczema in childhood, and now has frequent skin dryness and erythema over her neck and occasionally around her eyes Has been treated with medium-dose ICS/LABA and oral H1 antihistamine for past year but has continued to have some daily symptoms and had 3 asthma exacerbations in the past year requiring OCS Her home environment is noteworthy for a pet rabbit Physical Examination Nose pale, swollen inferior nasal turbinates and watery, clear secretions bilaterally Chest examination clear Skin mild erythema and papulation on her anterior neck Laboratory Values PFT FVC: 92% predicted FEV1: 74% predicted FEV1/FVC: 0.66 20% bronchodilator response FeNO = 3 ppb Absolute EOS = 3 cell/mcl Total serum IgE = 276 IU/ml Allergy skin tests = large reactions to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (dust mite) and Alternaria mold; negative to rabbit dander Potential Therapies Leukotriene modifier, particularly montelukast LAMA Anti-IgE antibody therapy (omalizumab) Key Points to Improve Adherence Use effective techniques to promote open communication Ask patient s or parent s concerns and goals for the visit Ask for any concerns patients or parents have about medicines (e.g. safety, impact, convenience, and cost) Assess patient s and family s perceptions of the severity level of the disease and how well it is controlled Assess level of family and social support Assess levels of stress, anxiety and depression Assess ability to adhere to a written asthma action plan 9
Patient Education: Expert Panel Recommendation - NAEPP Clinicians teach patients and families the basic facts about asthma (especially the role of inflammation), need for each medicine, especially inhaled steroids, medication skills, and self-monitoring techniques (Evidence A) Provide all patients with a written asthma action plan: Daily management Recognize and handle worsening asthma Written action plans are particularly recommended for patients who have moderate or severe persistent asthma, a history of severe exacerbations, or poorly controlled asthma (Evidence B) Clinicians teach patients environmental control measures Summary A significant proportion of patients with asthma have poorly controlled symptoms Asthma may be divided into a number of phenotypes and endotypes which is partly predicated upon inflammatory cell infiltration into the airways Patients with highly eosinophilic asthma are more likely to have more severe disease with recurrent exacerbations Current and future biologic therapies have targeted specific molecules (such as IgE and IL-) and inhibition of these targets may reduce symptoms and exacerbations significantly Inhibition of IL-4 IL-13 axis helps both atopic dermatitis and asthma NAEPP. Accessed via http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/org/naepp/. Thank you!