Extract
The changes to treatment recommendations for mild asthma published by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in 2019 [1], and further updated in 2020 [2], have prompted extensive discussion. The letter by S. Ferretti and co-workers provides the opportunity to correct some misunderstandings, and to respond to questions about why as-needed short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) alone is no longer recommended in step 1 of the GINA treatment figure for adults and adolescents. The term “step 1” refers to a particular level of treatment and not to a type of patient or a phenotype of asthma.
Abstract
The recommendation by GINA against SABA-only treatment of asthma for adults and adolescents is supported by evidence of harm from even modest SABA over-use, and strong evidence for as-needed ICS–formoterol as a safe and effective way to reduce asthma risk https://bit.ly/3oy0tK2
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: H.K. Reddel reports grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline for data monitoring committee work, advisory board work and provision of education, personal fees from Merck for data monitoring committee work, grants and personal fees from Novartis for data monitoring and advisory board work, personal fees from Teva for provision of education, personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim for provision of education and advisory board work, personal fees from Sanofi Genzyme and Chiesi for advisory board work, outside the submitted work; and is Chair of the GINA Science Committee.
- Received November 16, 2020.
- Accepted December 29, 2020.
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