Determinants of the Use of Health and Fitness Mobile Apps by Patients With Asthma: Secondary Analysis of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: Health and fitness apps have potential benefits to improve self-management and disease control among patients with asthma. However, inconsistent use rates have been reported across studies, regions, and health systems. A better understanding of the characteristics of users and nonusers is critical to design solutions that are effectively integrated in patients' daily lives, and to ensure that these equitably reach out to different groups of patients, thus improving rather than entrenching health inequities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the use of general health and fitness apps by patients with asthma and to identify determinants of usage. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the INSPIRERS observational studies was conducted using data from face-to-face visits. Patients with a diagnosis of asthma were included between November 2017 and August 2020. Individual-level data were collected, including age, gender, marital status, educational level, health status, presence of anxiety and depression, postcode, socioeconomic level, digital literacy, use of health services, and use of health and fitness apps. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the probability of being a health and fitness app user. Statistical analysis was performed in R. RESULTS: A total of 526 patients attended a face-to-face visit in the 49 recruiting centers and 514 had complete data. Most participants were ≤40 years old (66.4%), had at least 10 years of education (57.4%), and were in the 3 higher quintiles of the socioeconomic deprivation index (70.1%). The majority reported an overall good health status (visual analogue scale [VAS] score>70 in 93.1%) and the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 34.3% and 11.9%, respectively. The proportion of participants who reported using health and fitness mobile apps was 41.1% (n=211). Multivariate models revealed that single individuals and those with more than 10 years of education are more likely to use health and fitness mobile apps (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.22, 95%CI 1.05-4.75 and aOR 1.95, 95%CI 1.12-3.45, respectively). Higher digital literacy scores were also associated with higher odds of being a user of health and fitness apps, with participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles reporting aORs of 6.74 (95%CI 2.90-17.40), 10.30 (95%CI 4.28-27.56), and 11.52 (95%CI 4.78-30.87), respectively. Participants with depression symptoms had lower odds of using health and fitness apps (aOR 0.32, 95%CI 0.12-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the barriers and enhancers of app use among patients with lower education, lower digital literacy, or depressive symptoms is key to design tailored interventions to ensure a sustained and equitable use of these technologies. Future studies should also assess users' general health-seeking behavior and their interest and concerns specifically about digital tools. These factors may impact both initial engagement and sustained use.

Profiling Persistent Asthma Phenotypes in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Diagnostic Evaluation from the INSPIRERS Studies.

We aimed to identify persistent asthma phenotypes among adolescents and to evaluate longitudinally asthma-related outcomes across phenotypes. Adolescents (13-17 years) from the prospective, observational, and multicenter INSPIRERS studies, conducted in Portugal and Spain, were included (n = 162). Latent class analysis was applied to demographic, environmental, and clinical variables, collected at a baseline medical visit. Longitudinal differences in clinical variables were assessed at a 4-month follow-up telephone contact (n = 128). Three classes/phenotypes of persistent asthma were identified. Adolescents in class 1 (n = 87) were highly symptomatic at baseline and presented the highest number of unscheduled healthcare visits per month and exacerbations per month, both at baseline and follow-up. Class 2 (n = 32) was characterized by female predominance, more frequent obesity, and uncontrolled upper/lower airways symptoms at baseline. At follow-up, there was a significant increase in the proportion of controlled lower airway symptoms (p < 0.001). Class 3 (n = 43) included mostly males with controlled lower airways symptoms; at follow-up, while keeping symptom control, there was a significant increase in exacerbations/month (p = 0.015). We have identified distinct phenotypes of persistent asthma in adolescents with different patterns in longitudinal asthma-related outcomes, supporting the importance of profiling asthma phenotypes in predicting disease outcomes that might inform targeted interventions and reduce future risk.

Monitoring Adherence to Asthma Inhalers Using the InspirerMundi App: Analysis of Real-World, Medium-Term Feasibility Studies.

Background: Poor medication adherence is a major challenge in asthma and objective assessment of inhaler adherence is needed. InspirerMundi app aims to monitor inhaler adherence while turning it into a positive experience through gamification and social support. Objective: We assessed the medium-term feasibility of the InspirerMundi app to monitor inhaler adherence in real-world patients with persistent asthma (treated with daily inhaled medication). In addition, we attempted to identify the characteristics of the patients related to higher app use. Methods: Two real-world multicenter observational studies, with one initial face-to-face visit and a 4-month telephone interview, were conducted in 29 secondary care centers from Portugal. During an initial face-to-face visit, patients were invited to use the app daily to register their asthma medication intakes. A scheduled intake was considered taken when patients took a photo of the medication (inhaler, blister, or others) using the image-based medication detection tool. Medication adherence was calculated as the number of doses taken as a percentage of the number scheduled. Interacting with the app ≥30 days was used as the cut-off for higher app use. Results: A total of 114 patients {median 20 [percentile 25 to percentile 75 (P25-P75) 16-36] years, 62% adults} were invited, 107 (94%) installed the app and 83 (73%) completed the 4-month interview. Patients interacted with the app for a median of 18 [3-45] days, translated on a median use rate of 15 [3-38]%. Median inhaler adherence assessed through the app was 34 [4-73]% when considering all scheduled inhalations for the study period. Inhaler adherence assessed was not significantly correlated with self-reported estimates. Median adherence for oral and other medication was 41 [6-83]% and 43 [3-73]%, respectively. Patients with higher app use were slightly older (p = 0.012), more frequently taking medication for other health conditions (p = 0.040), and more frequently prescribed long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA, p = 0.024). After 4 months, Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) scores improved (p < 0.001), but no differences between patients interacting with the app for 30 days or less were seen. Conclusions: The InspirerMundi app was feasible to monitor inhaler adherence in patients with persistent asthma. The persistent use of this mHealth technology varies widely. A better understanding of characteristics related to higher app use is still needed before effectiveness studies are undertaken.

Feasibility and Acceptability of an Asthma App to Monitor Medication Adherence: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Poor medication adherence is a major challenge in asthma, and objective assessment of inhaler adherence is needed. The InspirerMundi app aims to monitor adherence while providing a positive experience through gamification and social support. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the InspirerMundi app to monitor medication adherence in adolescents and adults with persistent asthma (treated with daily inhaled medication). METHODS: A 1-month mixed method multicenter observational study was conducted in 26 secondary care centers from Portugal and Spain. During an initial face-to-face visit, physicians reported patients' asthma therapeutic plan in a structured questionnaire. During the visits, patients were invited to use the app daily to register their asthma medication intakes. A scheduled intake was considered taken when patients registered the intake (inhaler, blister, or other drug formulation) by using the image-based medication detection tool. At 1 month, patients were interviewed by phone, and app satisfaction was assessed on a 1 (low) to 5 (high) scale. Patients were also asked to point out the most and least preferred app features and make suggestions for future app improvements. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients (median 27 [P25-P75 14-40] years) were invited, 92.5% (99/107) installed the app, and 73.8% (79/107) completed the 1-month interview. Patients interacted with the app a median of 9 (P25-P75 1-24) days. At least one medication was registered in the app by 78% (77/99) of patients. A total of 53% (52/99) of participants registered all prescribed inhalers, and 34% (34/99) registered the complete asthma therapeutic plan. Median medication adherence was 75% (P25-P75 25%-90%) for inhalers and 82% (P25-P75 50%-94%) for other drug formulations. Patients were globally satisfied with the app, with 75% (59/79) scoring ≥4,; adherence monitoring, symptom monitoring, and gamification features being the most highly scored components; and the medication detection tool among the lowest scored. A total of 53% (42/79) of the patients stated that the app had motivated them to improve adherence to inhaled medication and 77% (61/79) would recommend the app to other patients. Patient feedback was reflected in 4 major themes: medication-related features (67/79, 85%), gamification and social network (33/79, 42%), symptom monitoring and physician communication (21/79, 27%), and other aspects (16/79, 20%). CONCLUSIONS: The InspirerMundi app was feasible and acceptable to monitor medication adherence in patients with asthma. Based on patient feedback and to increase the registering of medications, the therapeutic plan registration and medication detection tool were redesigned. Our results highlight the importance of patient participation to produce a patient-centered and engaging mHealth asthma app.

Patient-physician discordance in assessment of adherence to inhaled controller medication: a cross-sectional analysis of two cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare patient's and physician's ratings of inhaled medication adherence and to identify predictors of patient-physician discordance. DESIGN: Baseline data from two prospective multicentre observational studies. SETTING: 29 allergy, pulmonology and paediatric secondary care outpatient clinics in Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: 395 patients (≥13 years old) with persistent asthma. MEASURES: Data on demographics, patient-physician relationship, upper airway control, asthma control, asthma treatment, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and healthcare use were collected. Patients and physicians independently assessed adherence to inhaled controller medication during the previous week using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Discordance was defined as classification in distinct VAS categories (low 0-50; medium 51-80; high 81-100) or as an absolute difference in VAS scores ≥10 mm. Correlation between patients' and physicians' VAS scores/categories was explored. A multinomial logistic regression identified the predictors of physician overestimation and underestimation. RESULTS: High inhaler adherence was reported both by patients (median (percentile 25 to percentile 75) 85 (65-95) mm; 53% VAS>80) and by physicians (84 (68-95) mm; 53% VAS>80). Correlation between patient and physician VAS scores was moderate (rs=0.580; p<0.001). Discordance occurred in 56% of cases: in 28% physicians overestimated adherence and in 27% underestimated. Low adherence as assessed by the physician (OR=27.35 (9.85 to 75.95)), FEV1 ≥80% (OR=2.59 (1.08 to 6.20)) and a first appointment (OR=5.63 (1.24 to 25.56)) were predictors of underestimation. An uncontrolled asthma (OR=2.33 (1.25 to 4.34)), uncontrolled upper airway disease (OR=2.86 (1.35 to 6.04)) and prescription of short-acting beta-agonists alone (OR=3.05 (1.15 to 8.08)) were associated with overestimation. Medium adherence as assessed by the physician was significantly associated with higher risk of discordance, both for overestimation and underestimation of adherence (OR=14.50 (6.04 to 34.81); OR=2.21 (1.07 to 4.58)), while having a written action plan decreased the likelihood of discordance (OR=0.25 (0.12 to 0.52); OR=0.41 (0.22 to 0.78)) (R2=44%). CONCLUSION: Although both patients and physicians report high inhaler adherence, discordance occurred in half of cases. Implementation of objective adherence measures and effective communication are needed to improve patient-physician agreement.

Cicatrização por segunda intenção como alternativa terapêutica para blebite grave / Second intention healing as a therapeutic alternative for blebitis serious

As infecções relacionadas à ampola filtrante da cirurgia de trabeculectomia podem ser divididas em dois subgrupos: formas localizadas de infiltrado mucopurulento limitadas a ela (blebite) ou uma infecção que envolve todo o olho (endoftalmite). Neste último caso, podemos observar hipópio e células no vítreo anterior. De etiologia ainda pouco definida, sabe-se que o uso de antimetabólitos como a mitomicina aumenta o risco de formação de bolha cística avascular mais susceptível à infecção. Embora não haja consenso sobre o manejo da blebite, sugere-se o início imediato da antibioticoterapia e o monitoramento diário. As intervenções cirúrgicas geralmente consistem na remoção do tecido não saudável, seguido de avanço conjuntival ou falha intencional da ampola seguida do implante de um tubo. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar uma abordagem cirúrgica incomum em um caso de blebite grave. Não foram encontrados dados na literatura de Oftalmologia que pudessem sugerir um manejo expectante mantendo uma esclera exposta, sem prejuízo do desfecho final da cirurgia fistulizante. (AU)

Infections related to the filtering ampoule of trabeculectomy surgery can be divided into two subgroups: localized forms of mucopurulent infiltrate limited to it (blebitis) or an infection involving the entire eye (endophthalmitis). In the second case we can observe hypopyon and cells in the anterior vitreous. Of a still poorly defined etiology, the use of antimetabolites, such as mitomycin, is known to increase the risk of creating an avascular cystic bleb more susceptible to infection. Although there is no consensus on blebitis management, it is suggested to start antibiotic therapy immediately and monitor it daily. Surgical interventions usually consist of removing the unhealthy tissue followed by conjunctival advancement or intentional failure of the ampulla followed by tube implantation. The aim of this study is to report an unusual surgical approach in a severe blebitis case. No data were found in the Ophthalmology literature that could suggest an expectant management maintaining an exposed sclera without any prejudice to the final outcome of the fistulizing surgery.

Estudo preliminar da compatibilidade biológica dos adesivos dentinários All-Bond 2 e Scotchbond MP: avaliaçäo histológica de implantes subcutâneo em ratos / Preliminary study of the biological compatibility of the dentine adhesives All-Bond 2 and Scotchbond MP: histological evaluation of subcutaneous implants in rats

Com o objetivo de estudar a biocompatibilidade de adesivos dentinários, dois desses materiais, All-Bond 2 (Bisco) e Scotchbond MP (3M), foram implantados no tecido conjuntivo dorsal de 20 ratos. Decorridos os períodos de 7, 15, 30 e 60 dias, biópsias foram realizadas, sendo que, após tramitaçäo laboratorial de rotina, os cortes histológicos de 6 µm de espessura foram corados com H/E. Como resultado, aos 7 dias, os materiais promoveram intensa reaçäo inflamatória com predomínio de células mononucleares, moderada necrose de contato e degradaçäo de fibras colágenas, sendo que o cone capsular formado na área principal de análise foi amplo. Com o decorrer dos períodos, houve uma tendência à regressäo do quadro inicial, mas a presença intensa de macrófagos e células gigantes ocorreu em alguns casos até o último período de análise. Esses achados foram semelhentes para ambos os materiais e permitiram concluir que que os dois adesivos dentinários em teste foram irritantes iniciais severos ao tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo de rato e que essa açäo regrediu com o decorrer dos períodos, possibilitando a conclusäo de que ambos os materiais possuem biocompatibilidade aceitável dentro das condiçöes e da metodologia usadas no presente trabalho de pesquisa

Avaliação da biocompabilidade do sistema adesivo Prime & Bond 2.0 e do cimento de hidróxido de cálcio Dycal: análise em microscopia da luz / Evaluation of biocompatibility of Prime & Bond 2.0 adhesive system and calcium hydroxide cement - Dycal: analysis in light microscopy

Tubos de polietileno preenchidos com a resina adesiva Prime & Bond 2.0 (PB 2.0) e com Dycal, foram implantados em lojas cirúrgicas preparadas na região dorsal de 15 ratos. Após os períodos de 15, 30 e 60 dias, os animais foram sacrificados, cortes histológicos dos espécimes obtidos e corados com hematoxilina e eosina. Aos 15 dias, para o grupo PB 2.0, havia intensa reação inflamatória, necrose de contato e amplo cone capsular junto à abertura tubular. Com o decorrer dos períodos houve regressão dos eventos histológicos. Todavia, aos 60 dias havia ainda ampla cápsula, macrófagos e células gigantes em contato com o material implantado, não ocorrendo completa reparaçãp tecidual na área. A resina adesiva PB 2.0 foi mais irritante, dentro das condições experimentais, do que o Dycal em todos os períodos de observação