October 6, 2009

experts comment on new research into asthma as published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology

The research, from scientists at the Universities of Brighton and Dundee, found that a gene change could make common asthma medication less effective in certain individuals, and could increase the risk of asthma attacks. However the researchers stressed that this was a preliminary finding, and asthma sufferers should not stop using their medication.

Prof Tak H Lee, King’s College London & Director of MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, Guy’s Hospital, said:

“This is an extension of previous work that had already suggested a small specific change in the gene for adrenergic beta2-receptor gene can predispose asthmatic patients, who are using frequent salbutamol or regular salmeterol, to asthmatic attacks. This is potentially very important but requires confirmation by other centres; clarification whether this is specific to children only or has more generalised applicability across the entire asthmatic community; and a randomised prospective study (as the authors themselves have proposed). For the present it is essential that asthmatic patients continue using their medication as prescribed by their doctors.”

Prof Neil Barnes, spokesperson for the British Lung Foundation, said:

“This study is potentially significant but requires considerable further investigation as recent large studies have shown no relationship between an individual’s genetic make up and the effectiveness of this treatment. We would welcome further research into this area. Deaths and admissions to hospital from Asthma have fallen in the UK and many other countries whereas the use of this treatment has increased, this would strongly suggest that this group of drugs are safe and effective as used by UK doctors. It is vital that people with asthma do not stop taking their medication and discuss any concerns with their GP.”

Dr Elaine Vickers, Research Relations Manager at Asthma UK, said:

“It is well-established that over-use of some reliever inhalers can increase a person’s risk of having an asthma attack, although the precise reasons for this are still unclear. This study adds to the evidence that children with a specific genetic makeup are more likely to be at risk of increased asthma attacks if they use their reliever inhalers too frequently.

“The research did not look at whether a different sort of reliever asthma treatment would be more appropriate for this group of children however, so we don’t yet know whether they should be given a different treatment. We would urge parents to keep track of how often their child uses their reliever inhalers and, if they use them more than three times a week, to take them to see their doctor or asthma nurse to have their symptoms reviewed.”