Quality of life and asthma control in elderly asthmatics: A seven year follow-up – Results from the PRAXIS study

Aim: To analyse the course of quality of life (QoL) and asthma control between 2005 and 2012 in older asthmatics and compare these outcomes with younger asthmatics. Method: 747 randomly selected asthma patients (age 18-75) from primary and secondary care completed two questionnaires seven years apart. MiniAQLQ was used to assess QoL and asthma control was defined according to GINA guidelines, using symptoms, medication and emergency visits. Logistic regression was used to evaluate possible predictors for decreased QoL and uncontrolled asthma. Results: Of the 747 responders, 496 patients were younger than 60 years in 2005 and 251 were 60 years or older. At baseline the older age group was more likely to have a lower educational level, to be a former smoker, to have a lower personal best of FEV1 % predicted, more comorbidities (except for depression), less allergic symptoms and a higher treatment level. MiniAQLQ scores did not change between 2005 and 2012 in the older, and neither in younger asthmatics. The MiniAQLQ scores were significantly lower in older asthmatics compared to the younger in 2005: 5.09 vs 5.46 (p < 0.001) and in 2012: 5.12 vs 5.54, (p < 0.001). The proportion of controlled asthma increased in both the older (29.3% to 40.4%, p = 0.002) and the younger asthmatics (37.2% to 44.3%, p = 0.003). Predictors for decreased QoL and uncontrolled asthma were lower educational level, having depression or allergy, and a higher treatment level. Conclusion: MiniAQLQ scores were lower for older than for younger asthmatics, but did not change in the seven year follow-up period. The proportion of asthma control increased in both age groups.