Transitioning adolescents and young adults with asthma: insights from a severe asthma series

Abstract

Thanks to improvements in asthma care and availability of new biologic treatments, a relatively novel population of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with severe asthma (SA) is growing. Transition from pediatric to adult care represents a critical phase in the management of SA. We herein describe clinical outcomes, therapeutic adjustments and disease management in a group of SA patients transitioning from the pediatric to the adult care center. This is a retrospective study in which demographic and clinical (comorbidities, baseline treatment, number of asthma attacks, spirometry, airway inflammation [fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements], patient’s compliance) data of four SA patients during visits in the Pediatric center as well as after transition into the Adult Center, were retrospectively recollected. All patients transitioned at 18 years of age. Clinical parameters, spirometry and FeNO showed significant improvement following the addition of biologics to baseline asthma regimen during pediatric follow-up and the early transition phase. Several months after transition to the Adult Center, two males experienced SA exacerbations following voluntary discontinuation of the biologic treatment. Symptom control was gained after a phenotype driven re-introduction of a biologic drug in the regimen. Male patients were less compliant and independent than females in the adult setting. Transition from pediatric to adult care for patients with SA can be effectively managed with coordinated and structured transition processes. While some patients maintain stable clinical and respiratory outcomes, others risk to lose asthma control. A personalized approach supporting both patient’s independence and adherence to treatment is requested for a successful long-term management.

Keywords

Transition / children / adolescents / severe asthma / biologic treatment / patient independence

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