Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with severe uncontrolled bronchial asthma in the Russian Federation: interim results of the CORSAR study

Epidemiological data on patients with uncontrolled severe bronchial asthma (SA) in the Russian Federation are limited due to the lack of a unified system for routine monitoring of these patients.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and demographic indicators and characterize the routine treatment profile of Russian patients with uncontrolled SA who are not receiving treatment with biological agents.

Methods. This multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study included patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with uncontrolled SA. Patients received drug therapy, were followed by a pulmonologist or allergist, and had access to follow-up data for 52 weeks or more. As part of the interim analysis, we summarized the demographic characteristics, medical history, and the results of laboratory and instrumental examination of patients (n = 691: 498 (72.1%) - female; mean age of participants - 56.3 ± 13.6 years). Different types of SA therapy, events of healthcare resource utilization and severe exacerbations during 52 weeks preceding enrollment in the study were recorded.

Results. It was established that the median duration of asthma at inclusion was 13 years. Over the previous 3 months, the most frequently used background therapy in 335 (48.5%) patients was a triple combination of inhaled corticosteroid + long-acting e2-agonist + long-acting anticholinergic drug. The most common approach to relief the attacks in 318 (46.0%) patients was monotherapy with a short-acting e₂-agonist. The proportions of patients with 1, 2, and at least 3 severe asthma exacerbations were 47.2%, 12.9%, and 10.1%, respectively. At least one unscheduled outpatient visit, at least one emergency department visit/urgent care call, and at least one hospitalization in the previous 52 weeks were recorded in 317 (45.9%), 103 (14.9%), and 438 (63.4%) patients, respectively. Over 12 months, 79 cases of corticosteroid use were noted in 62 (9.0%) patients. 140 (20.3%) participants were prescribed biologic asthma medications at the enrollment visit.

Conclusion. Patients with uncontrolled SA are characterized by frequent development of severe exacerbations, which create a significant burden on the healthcare system. The identified characteristics of medical care for such patients can serve as a basis for optimizing existing treatment approaches and improving disease outcomes.

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