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Advances in Respiratory Medicine Apr 2024Bronchial asthma is a chronic pathology and a global public health problem. However, asthma can be controlled and treated for the most part by patients, so the... (Review)
Review
Bronchial asthma is a chronic pathology and a global public health problem. However, asthma can be controlled and treated for the most part by patients, so the Portuguese General Directorate of Health recommends shared medical appointments in primary health care (PHC). The present study aims to identify the role of PHC nurses in the control and treatment of asthma in adults. Using the MeSH platform, the following descriptors were validated: asthma, nurses, adults. An individual search was carried out in the following databases: CINAHL (ESBSCO host), MEDLINE (Pubmed host), Web of Science, and Scopus. Out of a total of 280 publications, 79 of which were duplicates and 185 publications which did not meet the inclusion criteria, 16 publications remained readable. Of the eligible articles, there were 13 specialist reports, one mixed study, one quasi-experimental study, and one randomized trial. Education was the intervention most identified in the scientific evidence analyzed, and patient assessment, application of an asthma control questionnaire, verification and training of inhalation technique, empowerment for self-management of the disease, support, promotion of seasonal influenza vaccination, and use of written action plans were also identified. The results reveal that, although the scientific evidence on the intervention of these professionals is poorly developed, nurses play a crucial role in the control and treatment of asthma. The scientific evidence analyzed allowed the identification of interventions that can help the organization of a nursing health appointment, providing nurses with a crucial role in the control and treatment of asthma in adults in the context of PHC.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Nurse's Role; Adult; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 38804437
DOI: 10.3390/arm92030019 -
Nutrients May 2024(1) Background: A healthy lifestyle has a protective role against the onset and management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore,... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: A healthy lifestyle has a protective role against the onset and management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, combined lifestyle interventions (CLIs) are a potentially valuable prevention approach. This review aims to provide an overview of existing CLIs for the prevention and management of asthma or COPD. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycInfo. Studies were included if CLIs targeted at least two lifestyle factors. (3) Results: Among the 56 included studies, 9 addressed asthma and 47 addressed COPD management, with no studies focusing on prevention. For both conditions, the most prevalent combination of lifestyle targets was diet and physical activity (PA), often combined with smoking cessation in COPD. The studied CLIs led to improvements in quality of life, respiratory symptoms, body mass index/weight, and exercise capacity. Behavioural changes were only measured in a limited number of studies and mainly showed improvements in dietary intake and PA level. (4) Conclusions: CLIs are effective within asthma and COPD management. Next to optimising the content and implementation of CLIs, these positive results warrant paying more attention to CLIs for persons with an increased risk profile for these chronic respiratory diseases.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Asthma; Exercise; Quality of Life; Smoking Cessation; Healthy Lifestyle; Life Style; Male; Female; Diet
PubMed: 38794757
DOI: 10.3390/nu16101515 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open May 2024To review the efficacy of nebulised magnesium sulfate (MgSO) in acute asthma in children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To review the efficacy of nebulised magnesium sulfate (MgSO) in acute asthma in children.
METHODS
The authors searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published until 15 December 2023. RCTs were included if they compared the efficacy and safety of nebulised MgSO as a second-line agent in children presenting with acute asthma exacerbation. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and the Risk of Bias V.2 tool was used to assess the biases among them.
RESULTS
10 RCTs enrolling 2301 children with acute asthma were included. All trials were placebo controlled and administered nebulised MgSO/placebo and salbutamol (±ipratropium bromide). There was no significant difference in Composite Asthma Severity Score between the two groups (6 RCTs, 1953 participants; standardised mean difference: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.2 to +0.02, I=21%). Children in the MgSO group have significantly better peak expiratory flow rate (% predicted) than the control group (2 RCTs, 145 participants; mean difference: 19.3; 95% CI: 8.9 to 29.8; I=0%). There was no difference in the need for hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission or duration of hospital stay. Adverse events were minor, infrequent (7.3%) and similar among the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low-certainty evidence that nebulised MgSO as an add-on second-line therapy for acute asthma in children does not reduce asthma severity or a need for hospitalisation. However, it was associated with slightly better lung functions. The current evidence does not support the routine use of nebulised MgSO in paediatric acute asthma management.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022373692.
Topics: Humans; Magnesium Sulfate; Asthma; Child; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Acute Disease; Administration, Inhalation; Bronchodilator Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anti-Asthmatic Agents
PubMed: 38782483
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002638 -
Journal of Global Health May 2024Worldwide, the climate is changing and affecting the health and well-being of children in many ways. In this review, we provided an overview of how climate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Worldwide, the climate is changing and affecting the health and well-being of children in many ways. In this review, we provided an overview of how climate change-related events may affect child and adolescent health and well-being, including children's mental and physical health, nutrition, safety and security, learning opportunities, and family caregiving and connectedness.
METHODS
In this narrative review, we highlighted and discussed peer-reviewed evidence from 2012-23, primarily from meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The search strategy used a large and varied number of search terms across three academic databases to identify relevant literature.
RESULTS
There was consistent evidence across systematic reviews of impact on four themes. Climate-related events are associated with a) increases in posttraumatic stress and other mental health disorders in children and adolescents, b) increases in asthma, respiratory illnesses, diarrheal diseases and vector-borne diseases, c) increases in malnutrition and reduced growth and d) disruptions to responsive caregiving and family functioning, which can be linked to poor caregiver mental health, stress and loss of resources. Evidence of violence against children in climate-related disaster contexts is inconclusive. There is a lack of systematic review evidence on the associations between climate change and children's learning outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Systematic review evidence consistently points to negative associations between climate change and children's physical and mental health, well-being, and family functioning. Yet, much remains unknown about the causal pathways linking climate-change-related events and mental and physical health, responsive relationships and connectedness, nutrition, and learning in children and adolescents. This evidence is urgently needed so that adverse health and other impacts from climate change can be prevented or minimised through well-timed and appropriate action.
Topics: Humans; Climate Change; Child; Adolescent; Adolescent Health; Child Health; Mental Health
PubMed: 38781568
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04061 -
Respiratory Medicine Jul 2024Sex and gender are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Respiratory diseases are a major driver of morbi-mortality. It is frequent that... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Sex and gender are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Respiratory diseases are a major driver of morbi-mortality. It is frequent that respirologists, primary care doctors, or other specialists, when dealing with respiratory patients, and aiming for a holistic management of their patients, they all skip any question or matter associated with sexual activity or behavior.
OBJECTIVES
To review how sexual activity is explored in respiratory patients.
METHODS
To conduct this review, we endorse PRISMA guidance for reporting systematic reviews, and also the sex and gender equity in research (SAGER) guidelines.
RESULTS
Compared to other conditions such as heart disease, mental disorders, Alzheimer's, or even COVID-19, to date there is no review focused on sexual activity and respiratory health and disease. Asthma, COPD and other respiratory patients can have their sexual activity and behaviors affected by their disease, but also limitations in sex might be the sentinel event of an incident respiratory disease. Asking on sexual desire and related sex issues should not be considered taboo in any respiratory consultation. Importantly, any marketed stereotypes on cigarettes after any sexual activity should be counteracted. Many clinical trials of respiratory drugs keep recruiting few or no women, so research on women's sexual desire and satisfaction lags behind that of men's. By using the available objective tools and validated questionnaires summarized in this review, these important domains of respiratory patients and their partners can be properly identified and managed.
CONCLUSIONS
Sexual activity, depending on age and individual specific conditions, is a fundamental driver of overall health, and therefore of lung health.
Topics: Humans; Sexual Behavior; Female; Male; Asthma; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; COVID-19; Sex Factors; Respiratory Tract Diseases
PubMed: 38768665
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107665 -
Medicine May 2024The association between allergies and cancer is contradictory, whereas some forms of cancer have inverse associations with allergies. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The association between allergies and cancer is contradictory, whereas some forms of cancer have inverse associations with allergies. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent form of allergy, and lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer with the highest mortality rate. Recent studies have reported a positive association between asthma and lung cancer; however, this association is inconclusive. Furthermore, AR is positively associated with asthma; therefore, our research question was to explore whether there is any correlation between AR and lung cancer epidemiologically.
METHODS
After a rigorous search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, 7 eligible articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, including 4724 cases and 9059 controls, 5 from the USA, and one each from Canada and Germany.
RESULTS
Pooled analysis (OR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.45-0.68; P value < .00001) showed a strong inverse relationship between AR and lung cancer.
CONCLUSION
The current meta-analysis suggests an inverse relationship between AR and lung cancer; however, new epidemiological studies are required to observe the current scenario more comprehensively.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 38758849
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038197 -
Sports Medicine - Open May 2024This study aims to identify sports interventions for children and adolescents (CaA) with chronic diseases and evaluate their impact on physical, psychological, and...
BACKGROUND
This study aims to identify sports interventions for children and adolescents (CaA) with chronic diseases and evaluate their impact on physical, psychological, and social well-being. The findings of this study will contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits of sports interventions for CaA with chronic diseases and inform future interventions to promote their overall health and well-being.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in eight databases. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and utilized a comprehensive search strategy to identify studies on sport-based interventions for CaA with chronic diseases. The review included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that focused on physical and psychosocial outcomes.
RESULTS
We screened 10,123 titles and abstracts, reviewed the full text of 622 records, and included 52 primary studies. A total of 2352 participants were assessed with an average of 45 ± 37 participants per study. Among the included studies involving CaA with chronic diseases with an age range from 3 to 18 years, 30% (n = 15) autism spectrum disorders, 21% (n = 11) cerebral palsy, 19% (n = 10) were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and 17% (n = 9) obesity. Other diseases included were cancer (n = 5), asthma (n = 1) and cystic fibrosis (n = 1). Interventions involved various sports and physical activities tailored to each chronic disease. The duration and frequency of interventions varied across studies. Most studies assessed physical outcomes, including motor performance and physical fitness measures. Psychosocial outcomes were also evaluated, focusing on behavioural problems, social competencies, and health-related quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Overall, sport-based interventions effectively improved physical and psychosocial outcomes in CaA with chronic diseases. Interventions are generally safe, and participants adhere to the prescribed protocols favorably. Despite that, there is little evidence that interventions are being implemented. Future studies should include interventions tailored to meet the common issues experienced by CaA with chronic conditions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of sports interventions on those affected.
REGISTRATION
The methodology for this review was pre-determined and registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42023397172).
PubMed: 38750266
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00722-8 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Aug 2024The demographic characteristics of patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are poorly understood. Population-based assessments of EGID demographics...
BACKGROUND
The demographic characteristics of patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are poorly understood. Population-based assessments of EGID demographics may indicate health disparities in diagnosis.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to characterize the demographic distribution of EGIDs and evaluate the potential for bias in reporting patient characteristics.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review, extracting data on age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, body mass index, insurance, and urban/rural residence on EGID patients and the source population. Differences in proportions were assessed by chi-square tests. Demographic reporting was compared to recent guidelines.
RESULTS
Among 50 studies that met inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 reported ≥1 demographic feature in both EGID and source populations. Except for age and sex or gender, demographics were rarely described (race = 4, ethnicity = 1, insurance = 1) or were not described (body mass index, urban/rural residence). A higher proportion of male subjects was observed for EoE or esophageal eosinophilia relative to the source population, but no difference in gender or sex distribution was observed for other EGIDs. "Sex" and "gender" were used interchangeably, and frequently only the male proportion was reported. Reporting of race and ethnicity was inconsistent with guidelines.
CONCLUSION
Current data support a male predominance for EoE only. Evidence was insufficient to support enrichment of EGIDs in any particular racial, ethnic, or other demographic group. Population-based studies presenting demographics on both cases and source populations are needed. Implementation of guidelines for more inclusive reporting of demographic characteristics is crucial to prevent disparities in timely diagnosis and management of patients with EGIDs.
PubMed: 38745866
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100260 -
Journal of Medical Systems May 2024Asthma, a common chronic respiratory disease among children and adults, affects more than 200 million people worldwide and causes about 450,000 deaths each year. Machine...
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory disease among children and adults, affects more than 200 million people worldwide and causes about 450,000 deaths each year. Machine learning is increasingly applied in healthcare to assist health practitioners in decision-making. In asthma management, machine learning excels in performing well-defined tasks, such as diagnosis, prediction, medication, and management. However, there remain uncertainties about how machine learning can be applied to predict asthma exacerbation. This study aimed to systematically review recent applications of machine learning techniques in predicting the risk of asthma attacks to assist asthma control and management. A total of 860 studies were initially identified from five databases. After the screening and full-text review, 20 studies were selected for inclusion in this review. The review considered recent studies published from January 2010 to February 2023. The 20 studies used machine learning techniques to support future asthma risk prediction by using various data sources such as clinical, medical, biological, and socio-demographic data sources, as well as environmental and meteorological data. While some studies considered prediction as a category, other studies predicted the probability of exacerbation. Only a group of studies applied prediction windows. The paper proposes a conceptual model to summarise how machine learning and available data sources can be leveraged to produce effective models for the early detection of asthma attacks. The review also generated a list of data sources that other researchers may use in similar work. Furthermore, we present opportunities for further research and the limitations of the preceding studies.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Disease Progression; Machine Learning; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 38739297
DOI: 10.1007/s10916-024-02061-3 -
Health Promotion International Jun 2024The health promotion literature that considers how scientific evidence can be effectively communicated tends to focus on evaluating the effectiveness of communication... (Review)
Review
The health promotion literature that considers how scientific evidence can be effectively communicated tends to focus on evaluating the effectiveness of communication materials. This has resulted in a knowledge gap regarding effective knowledge translation processes. This study explores the process, reasoning and practices for developing books for children that incorporate evidence-based information to aid understanding of scientific evidence about health and environmental or natural disasters. This study is informed by a systematic review of the literature combined with responses to an email interview with authors of books for children. Nine published studies were included in the systematic review. Twenty-two authors responded to the email survey (25% response rate, following 86 invitations). We report seven key findings to guide the development of health-promoting books for children: (i) understand the needs and expectations of the audience, (ii) articulate the topic and research evidence, (iii) assemble a team with a mix of content knowledge and creative expertise, (iv) format should be chosen to suit the user group and guided by the creative team, (v) early testing with children and their support system is crucial, (vi) develop a dissemination strategy to reach the user group and (vii) engage in reflexivity through evaluation of effectiveness of messaging. The current investigation can guide the process, reasoning and practice of developing books for children that incorporate evidence about health and environmental disasters.
Topics: Humans; Child; Books; Health Promotion; Research Personnel; Translational Research, Biomedical
PubMed: 38722020
DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae035