scholarly journals Higher Omega-3 Index Is Associated with Better Asthma Control and Lower Medication Dose: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel Stoodley ◽  
Manohar Garg ◽  
Hayley Scott ◽  
Lesley Macdonald-Wicks ◽  
Bronwyn Berthon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Airway Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Erythrocyte Membranes ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Asthma Control Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, associated with systemic inflammation. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have established anti-inflammatory effects, thus having potential as an adjunct therapy in asthma. This study aimed to compare erythrocyte n-3 PUFA in adults with (n = 255) and without (n = 137) asthma and determine the relationship between erythrocyte n-3 PUFA and clinical asthma outcomes. Subjects had blood collected, lung function measured and Juniper Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score calculated. Fatty acids were measured in erythrocyte membranes by gas chromatography, and the omega-3 index (O3I) was calculated (% eicosapentaenoic acid + % docosahexaenoic acid). O3I was similar in subjects with and without asthma (p = 0.089). A higher O3I was observed in subjects with controlled or partially controlled asthma (ACQ < 1.5) compared to subjects with uncontrolled asthma (ACQ ≥ 1.5) (6.0% (5.4–7.2) versus 5.6% (4.6–6.4) p = 0.033). Subjects with a high O3I (≥8%) had a lower maintenance dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) compared to those with a low O3I (<8%) (1000 μg (400–1000) versus 1000 μg (500–2000) p = 0.019). This study demonstrates that a higher O3I is associated with better asthma control and with lower ICS dose, suggesting that a higher erythrocyte n-3 PUFA level may have a role in asthma management.

Omega-3 Levels and Nicotine Dependence: A Cross-Sectional Study and Clinical Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juçara X. Zaparoli ◽  
Eduardo K. Sugawara ◽  
Altay A.L. de Souza ◽  
Sérgio Tufik ◽  
José Carlos F. Galduróz
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Background: High oxidative stress, which is caused by smoking, can alter omega-3 fatty acid concentrations. Since omega-3 fatty acids play a role in dopaminergic neurotransmission related to dependence, it is important to understand their effects on nicotine dependence. Methods: This research comprised 2 studies. The first one consisted of a cross-sectional evaluation, in which the levels of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were compared between smokers and non-smokers in a sample of 171 individuals; of them, 120 were smokers and 51 were non-smokers. The other study was a clinical, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, in which 63 smokers received daily treatment with capsules of fish oil (a source of omega-3/3 g/day) or mineral oil (used as placebo, also 3 g/day), taken 3 times a day for 90 days. Each fish oil capsules contained approximately 210.99 mg EPA and 129.84 mg of DHA. The outcome was evaluated by means of psychometric and biological measures as well as self-reports of tobacco use. The evaluations were carried out at the beginning of treatment and once a month thereafter (total of 4 times). Outcomes: The omega-3 fatty acid lipid profile showed that smokers present lower concentrations of DHA. After treatment, the omega-3 group showed a significant reduction in their levels of dependence. Interpretation: Smokers showed lower peripheral levels of omega-3, and treatment with the most important omega-3 fatty acids brought about a reduction in nicotine dependence.

scholarly journals Asthma control and management among schoolchildren in urban Uganda: results from a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harriet Mpairwe ◽  
Pius Tumwesige ◽  
Milly Namutebi ◽  
Marble Nnaluwooza ◽  
Tonny Katongole ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Control ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Asthma Diagnosis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Asthma Control Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asthma ◽  
Control And Management

Background: Children from low- and middle-income countries have poor asthma control, mainly because of poor management. The extent of this problem in Uganda is not well known, but such information would be useful to guide policy and practice. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional study among schoolchildren with asthma in urban Uganda, to assess the level of asthma control and management. Methods: Schoolchildren aged 5-17 years were enrolled, asthma was diagnosed by the study medical team. Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test and the childhood Asthma Control Test. Data on previous asthma management was obtained using interviewer-led questionnaires. Data were analysed using multiple linear and multiple logistic regression. Results: We enrolled 561 children with asthma, of whom only 56% had ever had an asthma diagnosis. We categorised asthma as well-controlled (55.5%), partly-controlled (29.5%) and poorly-controlled (15.0%). Poor asthma control was associated with increasing age (adjusted regression coefficient [95% confidence interval], p-value: -1.07 [-1.20, -0.94], p<0.0001), concurrent allergic rhinitis (-1.33 [-2.28, -0.38], p=0.006), and city residence in early life (-1.99 [-3.69, -0.29], p=0.06). Regular use of inhaled asthma medication in the last 12 months was very low; 18.1% for salbutamol and 6.7% for inhaled corticosteroids. The main barriers to inhaled asthma medication use were lack of prescription (47.6%) and inaccurate diagnosis (38.8%). Increased inhaler use was associated with tertiary education of the fathers (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], p-value: 5.19 [2.39-11.28], p<0.0001), city residence in early life (4.66 [1.79-12.43], 0.002) and an asthma diagnosis prior to enrolment (11.39 [6.35-20.43], p<0.0001). Conclusions: This study confirms that children with asthma in Uganda generally have inadequate asthma control, which is attributable to poor asthma management. This could be improved through re-training of medical workers and patient education, and by increasing availability and affordability of essential asthma medications.

scholarly journals Body Mass Index and Comorbidities in Adult Severe Asthmatics

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreina Bruno ◽  
Elisabetta Pace ◽  
Fabio Cibella ◽  
Pascal Chanez
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Control ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Type Ii Diabetes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Asthma Control Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Oral Corticosteroids

Both severe asthma and obesity are growing health problems. Severe asthma leads to a poor quality of life. The relationship among BMI, comorbidities, and severe asthma control in adults is still unclear. The aim of the study is to better understand the effect of the comorbidities as atopy, type II diabetes, OSAS, gastroesophageal reflux, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, infections, and psychological factors with BMI on asthma control in a cohort of adult severe asthmatics. One hundred and two patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study assessing asthma control, treatments, pulmonary function, inflammatory markers, and comorbidities. Patients were divided into 3 classes according to BMI: normal weight, overweight, and obese. We found that the optimal state of asthma control is lower. whereas the score of Asthma Control Questionnaire, the number of asthma exacerbations during last year, the oral corticosteroids requirement during the previous year, and the LABA treatments are higher in obese than in overweight and normal weight severe asthmatics. The number of subjects with type II diabetes and OSAS are higher among obese and overweight patients than in normal weight asthmatics. In conclusion, BMI representsper sea factor for the deterioration in disease control in severe asthma.

scholarly journals Factors related to the incorrect use of inhalers by asthma patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo de Tarso Roth Dalcin ◽  
Denis Maltz Grutcki ◽  
Paola Paganella Laporte ◽  
Paula Borges de Lima ◽  
Samuel Millan Menegotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Control ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Inhaler Technique ◽  
Metered Dose Inhalers ◽  
Porto Alegre ◽  
Asthma Control Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Metered Dose

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate inhaler technique in outpatients with asthma and to determine associations between the correctness of that technique and the level of asthma control. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients > 14 years of age with physician-diagnosed asthma. The patients were recruited from the Asthma Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The patients completed two questionnaires (a general questionnaire and an asthma control questionnaire based on the 2011 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines), demonstrated their inhaler technique, and performed pulmonary function tests. Incorrect inhaler technique was defined as the incorrect execution of at least two of the predefined steps. RESULTS: We included 268 patients. Of those, 81 (30.2%) showed incorrect inhaler technique, which was associated with poor asthma control (p = 0.002). Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors associated with incorrect inhaler technique: being widowed (OR = 5.01; 95% CI, 1.74-14.41; p = 0.003); using metered dose inhalers (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.35-1.85; p < 0.001); having a monthly family income < 3 times the minimum wage (OR = 2.67; 95% CI, 1.35-1.85; p = 0.008), and having > 2 comorbidities (OR = 3.80; 95% CI, 1.03-14.02; p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: In the sample studied, incorrect inhaler technique was associated with poor asthma control. Widowhood, use of metered dose inhalers, low socioeconomic level, and the presence of > 2 comorbidities were associated with incorrect inhaler technique.

scholarly journals FADS2 Variants are Associated with Omega-6 Metabolic Conversion in Serbian Adults in a cross-sectional study – Implications for Precision Nutrition Practice

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manja Zec ◽  
Ljiljana Stojković ◽  
Milica Zeković ◽  
Biljana Pokimica ◽  
Maja Živković ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Phospholipid Fatty Acid ◽  
Plasma Phospholipid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acid ◽  
Omega 6

Abstract Background High omega-6/omega-3 intake ratio in westernized world is of concern. FADS genes variants are associated with plasma long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in diverse ethnicities and might modulate plasma omega-6/omega-3 net balance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between FADS genetic variants with dietary fat and macronutrient intake, plasma phospholipid fatty acid profile, estimated plasma desaturase activity and cardiometabolic risk factors, in a sample of Serbian subjects.Methods Non-smoking adult volunteers (>28 years), free of acute or chronic disease were included. Food and nutrient data were compiled through 24h recalls for non-consecutive days. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid content was assessed by gas-chromatography. Selection of FADS2 variants (rs174593, rs174616 and rs174576) was based on its positional and functional aspect, and evidence-based data. Genotyping was performed by using Real-Time PCR. Estimated desaturase activities were calculated as conversion rates towards LC-PUFA in omega-6 pathway. Multivariable-adjusted general linear were applied and the contribution of minor alleles to the variability of physiological parameters was analyzed by multivariable hierarchical multiple regression models.Results Sample included 34 men and 54 women, mean age=40±7years, with 70% being overweight (BMI>25). Minor allele frequencies were 33%, 36% and 51% for rs174593, rs174576 and rs174616, respectively, in line with other populations. None of the three variants was associated with food or nutrient intake, serum lipids, or obesity (p>0.05). Irrespective of gender, age, total daily polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid intake and obesity, rs174593, rs174616 and rs174576 were associated with lower arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4 n-6, p<0.001) and estimated desaturase-5 activity (p<0.001) in plasma phospholipids. The rs174576 associations with AA withstood multiple testing and additional adjustments for other variants.Conclusion We observed inverse associations between FADS2 variants and plasma phospholipid AA but not omega-3 fatty acids in a sample of Serbian adults, and larger cohorts should confirm the associations. In our study FADS2 rs174576 exhibited the strongest associations, and future gene-dietary studies with varying omega-6/omega-3 intake should validate its suitability for precision nutrition strategies aimed at PUFA recommendations in Serbian population.Trial registration This is a cross-sectional study, forming part of larger intervention study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02800967.

scholarly journals Changes in quantifiable breathing pattern components predict asthma control: an observational cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Sakkatos ◽  
Anne Bruton ◽  
Anna Barney
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Control ◽  
Breathing Pattern ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Uncontrolled Asthma ◽  
Asthma Control Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Subject Variability ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Within Subject Variability

Abstract Background Breathing pattern disorders are frequently reported in uncontrolled asthma. At present, this is primarily assessed by questionnaires, which are subjective. Objective measures of breathing pattern components may provide additional useful information about asthma control. This study examined whether respiratory timing parameters and thoracoabdominal (TA) motion measures could predict and classify levels of asthma control. Methods One hundred twenty-two asthma patients at STEP 2- STEP 5 GINA asthma medication were enrolled. Asthma control was determined by the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ7-item) and patients divided into ‘well controlled’ or ‘uncontrolled’ groups. Breathing pattern components (respiratory rate (RR), ratio of inspiration duration to expiration duration (Ti/Te), ratio of ribcage amplitude over abdominal amplitude during expiration phase (RCampe/ABampe), were measured using Structured Light Plethysmography (SLP) in a sitting position for 5-min. Breath-by-breath analysis was performed to extract mean values and within-subject variability (measured by the Coefficient of Variance (CoV%). Binary multiple logistic regression was used to test whether breathing pattern components are predictive of asthma control. A post-hoc analysis determined the discriminant accuracy of any statistically significant predictive model. Results Fifty-nine out of 122 asthma patients had an ACQ7-item < 0.75 (well-controlled asthma) with the rest being uncontrolled (n = 63). The absolute mean values of breathing pattern components did not predict asthma control (R2 = 0.09) with only mean RR being a significant predictor (p < 0.01). The CoV% of the examined breathing components did predict asthma control (R2 = 0.45) with all predictors having significant odds ratios (p < 0.01). The ROC curve showed that cut-off points > 7.40% for the COV% of the RR, > 21.66% for the CoV% of Ti/Te and > 18.78% for the CoV% of RCampe/ABampe indicated uncontrolled asthma. Conclusion The within-subject variability of timing parameters and TA motion can be used to predict asthma control. Higher breathing pattern variability was associated with uncontrolled asthma suggesting that irregular resting breathing can be an indicator of poor asthma control.

scholarly journals Serum n-6 Fatty Acids are Positively Associated with Growth in 6-to-10-Year Old Ugandan Children Regardless of HIV Status—A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raghav Jain ◽  
Amara E. Ezeamama ◽  
Alla Sikorskii ◽  
William Yakah ◽  
Sarah Zalwango ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Omega 6

Fatty acids (FAs) are crucial in child growth and development. In Uganda, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has drastically reduced perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of infants, however, the interplay of FAs, ART, and HIV in relation to child growth is not well understood. To investigate this, serum was collected from 240 children between 6–10 years old in Uganda and analyzed for FAs using gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry. HIV status and anthropometric measurements were taken, and relationships with FAs were assessed. No significant differences in growth parameters or serum FAs were found between HIV uninfected children with and without exposure to ART. HIV positive children had significantly lower height-for-age-z-scores (HAZ) than uninfected children (p < 0.001). HIV-positive children had higher arachidonic acid than uninfected children (p = 0.003). Total omega-6 FAs were significantly associated with HAZ regardless of HIV status (p = 0.035). Mean total omega-3 FAs (2.90%) were low in this population compared to other cohorts in Africa. These results provide reference serum FA values for 6–10-year-old children in Uganda and may be used to inform lipid supplementation programs to promote child growth. Future studies should investigate the relationships between child growth trajectories in relation to HIV status and serum FAs.

scholarly journals Association of self-efficacy of parents/caregivers with childhood asthma control parameters

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Lúcia Araújo Gomes ◽  
Kamila Ferreira Lima ◽  
Elizamar Regina da Rocha Mendes ◽  
Emanuella Silva Joventino ◽  
Mariana Cavalcante Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Control ◽  
Childhood Asthma ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Control Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asthmatic Children ◽  
Brazilian Version

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the association between the self-efficacy of parents/caregivers and control parameters of childhood asthma. Method Cross-sectional study with parents/caregivers of asthmatic children. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Self-efficacy and their child’s level of asthma control scale: Brazilian version. Results Participation of 216 parents/caregivers in the study. There was a statistically significant association between self-efficacy scores and the following variables: unscheduled physician visit (p=0.001), visit to emergency department (p<0.001), hospital stays in the previous 12 months (p=0.005), physical activity limitation (p=0.003), school days missed (p<0.001), impaired sleep (p<0.001), ability to differentiate crisis medication from control medication (p=0.024), use of spacer (p=0.001), performing oral hygiene after use of inhaled corticosteroids (p=0.003), and knowledge of medication gratuity (p=0.004). Conclusion A significant relationship of the self-efficacy of parents/caregivers of asthmatic children with control parameters and training on the necessary skills to reach this control was demonstrated in the study.

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