Articles: chronic.
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To examine the impact of initial maintenance therapy (IMT) type (inhaled corticosteroid [ICS] vs fixed-dose combination of ICS and long-acting β agonist [ICS/LABA]) on trajectories of adherence among older adults (≥ 65 years) with coexisting asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), known as asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). ⋯ Real-world evidence suggests that using ICS/LABA for IMT may decrease the likelihood of persistent low adherence over time among older adults with ACO compared with ICS monotherapy.
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To examine the impact of educational materials for chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs), the feasibility of delivering materials online, and to explore its impact on self-reported self-management applications at 3-month follow-up. ⋯ The educational materials facilitated teaching of key pain concepts in self-management programs, which translated easily into an electronic format. Education alone may not elicit self-management engagement or symptom reduction in this population; however, conclusions are limited by the study's uncontrolled design. Education is likely an important and meaningful first step in comprehensive COPC self-management.
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Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by a type 2 immune response and characterized by the accumulation of immune cells (eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells) in the esophagus. Patients may present with EoE at any age, and its prevalence is similar across age groups in the United States. If EoE is suspected, an endoscopy with biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis; endoscopy allows clinicians to evaluate for the presence of rings, furrows, exudates, edemas, and/or strictures and biopsy helps to identify the associated histological changes, including eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa. ⋯ The symptoms of EoE, its complications, and disease management considerations (eg, dietary limitations) are associated with diminished quality of life. There remains an unmet need for long-term management options. It is important for stakeholders to understand the current treatment landscape and unmet needs when considering the assessment of future therapies.