Brittle Asthma: Still on Board?

Autor: Dina Visca, Francesco Ardesi, Rosella Centis, Patrizia Pignatti, Antonio Spanevello
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Biomedicines, Vol 11, Iss 11, p 3086 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2227-9059
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113086
Popis: (1) Background: “Brittle Asthma” was considered an asthma clinical phenotype and deemed to be life-threatening in the early 2000s; then, this definition disappeared. The purpose of this review is to examine what has historically been referred to as this term and see whether it may be applied to modern clinical practice, thus acquiring fresh relevance and meaning. (2) Methods: A non-systematic search of the literature was conducted using both MeSH and free-text phrases. No limitations on the research design or type of publication were applied. (3) Results: Reliable data regarding “Brittle Asthma” are lacking due to the paucity of current data and the few studies available. After a few years of reworking, it was divided into two sub-classes: one characterized by a wide PEF variability despite high-dose therapy and the other by sudden acute attacks in otherwise apparently normal airway functions or well-controlled asthma. Their characteristics were hardly defined because of their low prevalence. Data regarding risk factors, atopy, mechanisms, and treatments were analyzed. (4) Conclusions: Over time, different terminology has been introduced to define asthma severity and control. It would be worth investigating whether the term “Brittle Asthma” previously used may be helpful to find new hints to stratify patients and improve disease management.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals