[Is guideline-defined asthma control achievable?--secondary publication. The Gaining Optimal Asthma ControL (GOAL) Study]

Author(s): Pedersen SE

Affiliation(s): Syddansk Universitet, Forskningsafsnittet, og Kolding Sygehus, Borneafdelingen. spconsult@post1tele.dk

Publication date & source: 2005-09-19, Ugeskr Laeger., 167(38):3595-7.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, the percentage of patients with uncontrolled asthma who can achieve guideline-defined asthma control was assessed in 3,421 patients. Significantly more patients (71%) treated with salmeterol-fluticasone achieved asthma control than did patients receiving fluticasone alone (59%). The patients treated with salmeterol-fluticasone achieved asthma control more rapidly and at a lower dose of inhaled corticosteroid than did patients treated with fluticasone alone. Achievement of asthma control was associated with marked improvements in exacerbation rates and quality of life. Thus guideline-defined asthma control can be achieved in the majority of patients and should be the goal of asthma treatment.