Prevalencia y características clínicas del asma en adultos jóvenes en zonas urbanas de Argentina / Prevalence and Features of Asthma in Young Adults in Urban Areas of Argentina

Objetivo: Estimar la carga del asma en la población adulta joven en zonas urbanas de Argentina. Diseño: Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a nivel nacional en sujetos de 20 a 44 años en áreas urbanas de Argentina. Se utilizó el cuestionario de la European Community Respiratory Health Survey. El asma se definió como ataque en el último año o uso de medicamentos para el asma. Resultados: Mil quinientos veintiún sujetos fueron encuestados (62,4% mujeres, edad media 33 años). Noventa y uno fueron clasificados como asmáticos (5,9%, IC 95% 4,7-7,1). La prevalencia ajustada por edad, sexo y nivel educativo fue de 6,4% (IC 95% 5,1-7,7). El porcentaje de sibilancia fue de un 13,9% (IC 95% 15,6-12,2) y el de diagnóstico médico de asma, de un 9,5% (IC 95% 8,0-11,0). Entre los diagnósticos (n = 154), el 71,3% realizó una espirometría y el 51,9% de los tratados (n = 77) utilizaba medicamentos diariamente y un 46,8% como rescate. De los que reportaron algún ataque en el último año (n = 60), un 55% tuvieron una visita a Urgencias y un 23,3% fueron hospitalizados. El asma se asoció con rinitis (OR 11,1; IC 95% 6,2-19,9) e historia familiar (OR 3,6; IC 95% 2,3-5,5). Conclusión: La prevalencia de asma en adultos jóvenes en Argentina es similar a la de Europa. Aunque los ataques y las admisiones fueron comunes, el uso regular de los medicamentos fue informado por la mitad de los tratados. Los resultados pueden ser útiles para otros países de América Latina (AU)

Objective: To investigate the burden of asthma in a young adult population in urban areas of Argentina. Design: A nationwide telephone survey in subjects aged 20-44 years was performed in urban areas in Argentina. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire was used. Asthma was defined as an exacerbation in the last year or use of asthma medications. Results: In total, 1,521 subjects responded (62.4% females, mean age 33 years), of whom 91 were classified as asthmatics (5.9%, 95% CI 4.7-7.1). Prevalence adjusted for age, sex and education level was 6.4% (95% CI 5.1-7.7). Wheezing was reported by 13.9% (95% CI 15.6-12.2) and a diagnosis of asthma by 9.5% (95% CI 8.0-11.0). Among individuals with a diagnosis of asthma (n=154), 71.3% had undergone spirometry. Among those treated (n=77), 51.9% used medications daily and 46.8% as a rescue measure. Of those reporting an exacerbation in the last year (n=60), 55% had attended an emergency department and 23% were admitted. Asthma was associated with rhinitis (OR 11.1, 95% CI 6.2-19.9) and family history (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.3-5.5). Conclusion: Asthma prevalence in young adults in Argentina is similar to Europe. Although attacks and admissions were common, regular use of medications was reported by half of those treated. These results may be useful for other Latin American countries (AU)

Prevalence and Features of Asthma in Young Adults in Urban Areas of Argentina. / Prevalencia y características clínicas del asma en adultos jóvenes en zonas urbanas de Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the burden of asthma in a young adult population in urban areas of Argentina. DESIGN: A nationwide telephone survey in subjects aged 20-44 years was performed in urban areas in Argentina. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire was used. Asthma was defined as an exacerbation in the last year or use of asthma medications. RESULTS: In total, 1,521 subjects responded (62.4% females, mean age 33 years), of whom 91 were classified as asthmatics (5.9%, 95% CI 4.7-7.1). Prevalence adjusted for age, sex and education level was 6.4% (95% CI 5.1-7.7). Wheezing was reported by 13.9% (95% CI 15.6-12.2) and a diagnosis of asthma by 9.5% (95% CI 8.0-11.0). Among individuals with a diagnosis of asthma (n=154), 71.3% had undergone spirometry. Among those treated (n=77), 51.9% used medications daily and 46.8% as a rescue measure. Of those reporting an exacerbation in the last year (n=60), 55% had attended an emergency department and 23% were admitted. Asthma was associated with rhinitis (OR 11.1, 95% CI 6.2-19.9) and family history (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.3-5.5). CONCLUSION: Asthma prevalence in young adults in Argentina is similar to Europe. Although attacks and admissions were common, regular use of medications was reported by half of those treated. These results may be useful for other Latin American countries.