Is the SMART approach better than other treatment approaches for prevention of asthma exacerbations? A meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta2 agonists (LABA) has been used as a single inhaler both for maintenance and reliever therapy in asthma, the SMART approach. The administration of additional CS with each reliever inhalation in response to symptoms is expected to provide better control of airway inflammation. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the SMART approach versus other approaches in the management of asthma in preventing asthma exacerbations.


METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for studies that have reported exacerbations in the SMART group versus the control group. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess the exacerbations in the two groups and pooled the results using a random-effects model.


RESULTS
Our search yielded eight studies. The use of SMART approach compared to fixed-dose ICS-LABA combination significantly decreased the odds of a severe exacerbation (OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.80) and severe exacerbation requiring hospitalization/ER treatment (OR 0.69; 95% CI, 058-0.83). The use of SMART approach compared to fixed-dose ICS also significantly decreased the odds of a severe exacerbation (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.45-0.61) and severe exacerbation requiring medical intervention (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.42-0.65). The occurrence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. There was some evidence of statistical heterogeneity.


CONCLUSIONS
The SMART approach using formoterol-budesonide is superior in preventing exacerbations when compared to traditional therapy with fixed dose ICS or ICS-LABA combination without any increase in adverse events.
Agarwal
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R
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh 160012, India. riteshpgi@gmail.com
Khan
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Aggarwal
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Gupta
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D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019819:Budesonide; D000069502:Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate Drug Combination; D018450:Disease Progression; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004983:Ethanolamines; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000069502:Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate Drug Combination; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines; D019819:Budesonide