title: Long-term benefits of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma: the propensity score method.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to apply a propensity score approach to assess the long-term benefits of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on respiratory health in asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  This analysis was conducted on adults with persistent asthma from the Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma, a 12-year follow-up study. ICS exposure was assessed by questionnaire. Change in lung function over the follow-up period, asthma control, and health-related quality of life (asthma quality of life questionnaire) were assessed by standardized and validated methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 245 adults with persistent asthma, 78 (31.8%) were regularly/continuously exposed to ICS (≥6 months/year, ICS++ ) and 167 never/irregularly exposed to ICS (<6 months/year, ICS+/- ) over the follow-up period. Compared with ICS+/- subjects, a nonsignificant trend for a slower lung function decline (mL/year) was observed in ICS++ subjects (β [95%CI] = -11.4 [-24.9; 2.0]). The ICS++ subjects did not have better controlled asthma and higher health-related quality of life as compared with ICS+/- subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Applying a propensity score method did not offer evidence of a statistical significant long-term benefit of ICS on respiratory health in adults with persistent asthma regularly or continuously exposed to ICS over a long period.
authors: INSERM, Institut Albert Bonniot, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, F-38000, Grenoble, France; Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut Albert Bonniot, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, F-38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, Institut Albert Bonniot, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, F-38000, Grenoble, France; Université Grenoble Alpes, School of Pharmacy, F-38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, Pharmacy Department, F-38000, Grenoble, France.
authors: Sébastien
authors: S
authors: Chanoine
authors: Orianne
authors: O
authors: Dumas
authors: Meriem
authors: M
authors: Benmerad
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Pison
authors: Raphaëlle
authors: R
authors: Varraso
authors: Frédéric
authors: F
authors: Gormand
authors: Jocelyne
authors: J
authors: Just
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Le Moual
authors: Pierrick
authors: P
authors: Bedouch
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Bousquet
authors: Francine
authors: F
authors: Kauffmann
authors: Isabelle
authors: I
authors: Pin
authors: Valérie
authors: V
authors: Siroux
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057216:Propensity Score; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000639:trends; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents
keywords: asthma; indication bias; inhaled corticosteroids; long-term effects; pharmacoepidemiology; propensity score; respiratory health