Greek physicians’ perspective on the role of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) in the management of asthmatic patients: Results from the EU-LAMA survey

Abstract

Background:

Triple therapy, comprising a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), has been a long-established recommendation in asthma management. Nevertheless, physicians’ perspectives and real-world prescribing practices remain insufficiently explored.

Aims and objectives:

The objective of this survey was to examine physicians' perceptions of the current role of LAMAs in asthma treatment, among other treatment options.

Methods:

A medical research survey of 19 questions was distributed to physicians from Poland, Greece, Sweden, Slovenia and Austria with the CATI system platform (http://www.cati-system.pl/) using an electronic CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviews) method. Pulmonologists, allergologists, general practitioners and internal medicine specialists were invited, with participation in Greece coming from pulmonologists and allergologists.

Results:

A total of 630 surveys were completed between July 2023 and December 2023. Among the respondents, 170 (27%) were from Greece, including 161 pulmonologists and 9 allergologists. When asked about the treatment regimens they most often use in asthma patients not adequately controlled with medium or high doses of ICS and LABA, 83.5% and 90.6% of physicians reported adding a LAMA, respectively. (Figure 1)

In response to the question ‘Which patients could benefit from adding LAMA to the management of asthma?’ Greek physicians identified several patient profiles, including those with co-existing asthma and COPD or fixed airway obstruction, patients with persistent symptoms despite maximum doses of ICS/LABA, and asthmatic smokers. The responses are presented in Figure 2.

Conclusions:

These findings highlight that a substantial proportion of Greek physicians consider the addition of LAMA as a viable option for managing patients with asthma who are not adequately controlled on ICS/LABA, with specific patient groups identified.

This survey was funded by Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.