High-dose inhaled corticosteroids and add-on therapy use in adults with asthma in the UK in 2003: an observational study.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify use of high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and add-on therapy in adults, and children aged 12 and over, in the community.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational survey of UK general practice prescribing records from July 2002 to June 2003 utilising the Doctors Independent Network clinical database.


RESULTS
30,895 patients aged 12 and over were treated for asthma with inhaled corticosteroids, with a quantifiable daily dose recommendation in 22,027 cases. Twenty-seven percent (95% Confidence Intervals 26-28%) were prescribed 'high-dose' ICS (>800 mcg/day beclomethasone or equivalent). Of these, 32% (31-33%) were not currently prescribed add-on therapy (long acting B2 agonists, leukotriene antagonists, theophylines), and most of these (84%, 82-86%) had never received a prior trial of add-on therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
High dose ICS therapy was commonly prescribed to people with asthma, frequently without co-prescribed add-on therapy. Many adults with more severe asthma may be receiving treatment that does not accord with current evidence of best practice.
Thomas
Mike
M
Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Centre, Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB25 2AY, Scotland, UK. mikethomas@doctors.org.uk
Leather
David
D
Price
David
D
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001507:Beclomethasone