Influence of obesity on response to fluticasone with or without salmeterol in moderate asthma.
BACKGROUND
Obesity may contribute to the development and clinical expression of asthma. However, how obesity can influence response to asthma medications is still uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the response to an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), fluticasone propionate, with or without the long-acting beta2-agonist salmeterol (LABA).


METHODS
Achievement of asthma control as defined by the global initiative on asthma guidelines (GINA) was examined in 1242 asthmatic patients not currently using ICS, enrolled in five clinical trials comparing fluticasone propionate and the combination of fluticasone and salmeterol.


RESULTS
In both obese and non-obese subjects, fluticasone propionate combined with salmeterol was more effective in controlling asthma than fluticasone alone. However, for both treatments the odds of achieving well-controlled asthma were significantly lower in obese subjects, particularly among those with a BMI of >or=40 kg/m2. Reported prevalence of atopy increased with BMI. Age did not influence the effect of obesity in response to asthma medications.


CONCLUSIONS
Obese patients are less likely than the non-obese to achieve asthma control with an ICS or an ICS combined with a LABA. The causes of such reduced response to asthma medication in obese subjects should be studied, and their implications for asthma therapy determined.
Boulet
Louis-Philippe
LP
Hôpital Laval, Institut Universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada. lpboulet@med.ulaval.ca
Franssen
Edmee
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000420:Albuterol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D000068298:Fluticasone; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000730:Androstadienes; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000068298:Fluticasone; D000420:Albuterol