FASE-CPHG Study: A Panoramic Snapshot of Severe Asthma in French Non-Academic Hospitals

Background: Real-world data describing management of patients with severe asthma are limited. To address this issue, we conducted FASE-CPHG, a descriptive, multicentric, and observational cross-sectional study. Methods: French pulmonologists from nonacademic hospitals completed questionnaires on patient characteristics and ongoing asthma treatment for severe asthmatic patients observed during the inclusion period. We also collected data from patients via self-assessment questionnaires. Findings: A total of 104 physicians recruited 1502 patients within one year. The mean age of the 1465 patients analyzed was 54·4 ± 16·1 years. Severe asthmatic patients were more frequently female (62,6%), with a history of atopy (65%). Most patients remained poorly controlled or uncontrolled, with an important difference between physicians’ opinion and the GINA criteria (62,6% vs. 96% of patients). Most common comorbidities included ear, nose, and throat diseases (59% of cases); anxiety (39·5%); and gastro-esophageal reflux diseases (39·1%). Allergic sensitization tests and/or blood eosinophil count evaluation, and spirometry were performed in 92·1% and 98·2% of patients, respectively. The mean eosinophil count and total serum IgE were 437 mm3 and 546 UI/L, respectively. In addition to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta-2 agonists, 52·2% of patients were receiving leukotriene receptor antagonists, 34% anticholinergic drugs, 26·8% anti IgE, and 16·8% oral corticosteroids, while 65% adhered to their treatment. Interpretation: This study provides insight into the characteristics and management of severe asthma in France and may help improve knowledge on this pathology, which represents a high burden to healthcare. Funding Statement: ALK, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Le Nouveau Souffle. Declaration of Interests: "None" Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the local ethics committee (Comite Consultatif sur le Traitement de l’Information en matiere de Recherche dans le domaine de la Sante) and was conducted according to the French law and guidelines on epidemiological and descriptive studies.