A randomized clinical trial of peak flow versus symptom monitoring in older adults with asthma

A. Sonia Buist, William M. Vollmer, Sandra R. Wilson, E. Ann Frazier, Arthur D. Hayward

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether peak flow monitoring has value above and beyond symptom monitoring when used as part of an asthma management plan. Methods: From a large managed-care organization, 296 adults, aged 50-92 yr, were recruited and randomly assigned in equal numbers to either use of symptoms or peak flow rate (twice daily or "as needed") for asthma monitoring, and monitored every 6 mo for 2 yr. Interventions were delivered in four 90-min small-group classes and included a personalized action plan and coaching in proper use of asthma inhalers. Results: We found no significant differences between peak flow rate and symptom monitoring, or between twice-daily and as-needed peak flow monitoring in the primary or secondary study outcomes: health care utilization (acute, nonacute, or total asthma visits), Asthma Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) scores, and lung function. AQLQ scores and prebronchodilator FEV1 increased significantly for both groups between baseline and 6 mo (AQLQ: mean, 0.4 units; 95% confidence interval, 0.3, 0.5; p < 0.0001; FEV1% predicted: mean, 4%). Inhaler technique improved substantially in both groups. Conclusions: Peak flow monitoring has no advantage over symptom monitoring as an asthma management strategy for older adults with moderate-severe asthma when used in a comprehensive asthmamanagement program. Improved outcomes in both groups suggest that understanding proper medication use, regular monitoring of asthma status, and understanding how to respond to changes are of primary importance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1077-1087
Number of pages11
JournalAmerican journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
Volume174
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 15 2006

Keywords

  • Health care utilization
  • Lung function
  • Quality of life
  • Self-management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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