A greater number of comorbidities is associated with poorer outcomes among adults with severe asthma

The International Severe Asthma Registry (ISAR)’s newest study has determined comorbidities and multimorbidity to be frequent in adults with severe asthma in real-life, and that their presence is associated with poorer asthma-related outcomes.

The study, which used data from 11, 821 patients across 22 countries from ISAR, identified over half the patients to have at least 3 comorbidities. Two thirds of patients had at least 1 potentially type 2-related comorbidity and potentially oral corticosteroid (OCS)-related comorbidity. More than half the patients had at least 1 comorbidity that mimics /aggravates asthma comorbidities.

Patients who had nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis experienced more exacerbations in a year than those who did not, and were more likely to receive long-term OCS.

Meanwhile, comorbidities mimicking/aggravating asthma were associated with more exacerbations, increased likelihood of uncontrolled asthma, and increased likelihood of long-term OCS.

"Our findings emphasize the intricate relationship between severe asthma and comorbidities. A systematic evaluation for comorbidities needs to be in place during routine asthma review as it is clear doing so could improve patient outcomes. It can also foster a multi-disciplinary approach to asthma management that’s effective and holistic."

says Professor David Price, who leads the ISAR.

To learn more about the study, please read the full publication, titled “Analysis of comorbidities and multimorbidity in adult patients in the International Severe Asthma Registry” in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

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