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Objectives: To investigate racial/ethnic differences in acute asthma among adults presenting to the emergency department (ED), and to determine whether observed differences are attributable to socioeconomic status (SES).Design: Prospective cohort studies performed during 1996 to 1998 by the Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration. Using a standardized protocol, researchers provided 24-h coverage for a median duration of 2 weeks per year. Adults with acute asthma were interviewed in the ED and by telephone 2 weeks after hospital discharge.Participants: Sixty-four North American EDs.Results: A total of 1,847 patients were enrolled into the study. Black and Hispanic asthma patients had a history of more hospitalizations than did whites (ever-hospitalized patients: black, 66%; Hispanic, 63%; white, 54%; p < 0.001; patients hospitalized in the past year: black, 31%; Hispanic, 33%; white, 25%; p < 0.05) and more frequent ED use (median use in past year: black, three visits; Hispanic, three visits; white, one visit; p < 0.001). The mean initial peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was lower in blacks and Hispanics (black, 47%; Hispanic, 47%; white, 52%; p < 0.001). For most factors, ED management did not differ based on race/ethnicity. After accounting for several confounding variables, blacks and Hispanics were twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital. Blacks and Hispanics also were more likely to report continued severe symptoms 2 weeks after hospital discharge (blacks, 24%; Hispanic, 31%; white, 19%; p < 0.01). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the race/ethnicity differences in initial PEFR and posthospital discharge symptoms were markedly reduced.Conclusion: Despite significant racial/ethnic differences in chronic asthma severity, initial PEFR at ED presentation, and posthospital discharge outcome, ED management during the index visit was fairly similar for all racial groups. SES appears to account for most of the observed acute asthma differences, although hospital admission rates were higher among black and Hispanic patients after adjustment for confounding factors. Despite asthma treatment advances, race/ethnicity-based deficiencies persist. Health-care providers and policymakers might specifically target the ED as a place to initiate interventions designed to reduce race-based disparities in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Emergency department (ED) visits for asthma are frequent and may indicate increased morbidity and poor primary care access. Our objective was to compare the effect of two interventions on primary care follow-up after ED treatment for asthma exacerbations., Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial of patients 2 to 54 years old who were judged safe for discharge receiving prednisone, and who were available for contact at 2 days and 30 days. Patients were excluded if they were previously enrolled or did not speak English. Patients received usual discharge care (group A); free prednisone, vouchers for transport to and from a primary care visit, and either a telephone reminder to schedule a visit (group B); or a prior scheduled appointment (group C). Follow-up with a primary care provider for asthma within 30 days was the main outcome. Secondary outcomes were recurrent ED visits, subsequent hospitalizations, quality of life, and use of inhaled corticosteroids 1 year later., Results: Three hundred eighty-four patients were enrolled. Baseline demographics, chronic asthma severity, and access to care were similar across groups. Primary care follow-up was higher in group C (65%) vs group A (42%) or group B (48%) [p = 0.002]. Group C intervention remained significant (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 5.1) when adjusted for other factors influencing follow-up (prior primary care relationship, insurance status). There were no differences in ED, hospitalizations, quality of life, or inhaled corticosteroid use at 1 year after the index ED visit., Conclusion: An intervention including free medication, transportation vouchers, and appointment assistance significantly increased the likelihood that discharged asthma patients obtained primary care follow-up but did not impact long-term outcomes.

Study Objectives: The emergency department (ED) is an important focal point for asthmatic individuals with uncontrolled illness. Anecdotally, many adults presenting to the ED with acute asthma are active cigarette smokers. The present study determined the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults presenting to the ED with acute asthma and identified the factors associated with current smoking status., Design: A prospective cohort study conducted as part of the Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration., Patients: A structured interview was performed in 1,847 patients, ages 18 to 54 years, who presented to the ED with acute asthma., Setting: Sixty-four EDs in 21 US states and 4 Canadian provinces., Results: Thirty-five percent of the enrolled asthmatic patients were current smokers with a median of 10 pack-years (interquartile range, 4 to 20 pack-years), while 23% were former smokers, and 42% were never-smokers. Current smokers comprised 33% of asthmatic patients aged 18 to 29 years, 40% for ages 30 to 39 years, and 33% for ages 40 to 54 (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with current smoking status (p < 0.05) were as follows: age 30 to 39 years; white race/ethnicity; non-high school graduate; lower household income; lack of private insurance; no recent inhaled steroid usage; and no history of systemic steroid usage. Although 50% of current smokers admitted that smoking worsens their asthma symptoms, only 4% stated that smoking was responsible for their current exacerbation., Conclusions: Although cigarette smoke is generally recognized as a respiratory irritant, cigarette smoking is common among adults presenting to the ED with acute asthma. The ED visit may provide an opportunity for patients to be targeted for smoking cessation efforts.