Final Exam Flashcards
Major pathophysiological characteristics of asthma
airway narrowing & inflammation mostly in medium-sized bronchi
airway hyperresponsiveness
Th2 cell response
Th2 high inflammation asthma
early onset allergic asthma, adult-onset eosinophilic nonallergic asthma, & exercised-induced
respond well to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), monoclonal antibodies to IgE, and Th2-targeted therapeutics
adult-onset eosinophilic nonallergic asthma
chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, exacerbated by aspirin
high eosinophils in sputum & blood
tx= ICD & IL-5 monoclonal antibodies
nonallergic, Th2 low asthma
severe adult onset
high neutrophils in sputum
triggered by= URI, pollution, smoke. Obesity worsens
*Poor response to ICS
preferred method of measuring expiratory flow to dx asthma > 5 y/o
spirometry (* may be normal if asx)
peak expiratory flow can be used if needed
3 things to measure asthma control
freq/severity of sx
use of SABA
impact on life (restricting activity? impacting sleep?)
non-pharm interventions for asthma sx control
no smoking
physical activity; warm up & take SABA 5-20 min before
occupational exposure
stop NSAIDs if worsen sx
beta blocker to cardioselective
allergens
weight loss, avoid sulfites (beer, wine, shrimp, dried fruit)
vaccinations (flu, covid)
emotions
weather
outdoor pollen/allergens ***all patients w/ asthma tested for allergens
long term/maintenance med classes for asthma
inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
inhaled long-acting beta agonists (LABA)
oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA)
inhaled long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA)
biologic agents
quick relief meds for asthma
short acting beta agonist (SABA)
ICS-formoterol (steroid + LABA)
short acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA)
short bursts of systemic corticosteroids
theophylline’s place in asthma/COPD therapy & why fallen out of favor?
higher risk of SE and not recommended; weak efficacy.
nausea and other gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias, and CNS excitation, leading to a narrow therapeutic window.
who qualifies for ICS tx in asthma
all people w/ persistent asthma at least 2 days each month
ICS dosing considerations
flat dose-response curve
smoking decreases response
2 weeks of therapy needed to see significant clinical effects
ICS adverse effects & interactions
oral candidiasis
cough
dysphonia
pneumonia in high dose
long term- decreased BMD, adrenal suppression
genetic variant causes wide range of response to ICS
interaction= cushings & adrenal insufficiency when potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (ritonavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole) with high dose ICS so avoid
last line for asthma tx
systemic corticosteroids when all other add on tx options have been expended
assess barriers to asthma control before adding
when are LABAs (long acting inhaled beta 2 agonists) used for asthma & ex
acts as bronchodilator
add-on maintenance not controlled on ICS alone
as effective as doubling ICS dose or adding LTRA
**black box= NEVER used alone w/o ICS bc risk exacerbations/death
ex- salmeterol, formoterol, vilanterol
LAMAs (long acting muscarinic antagonists)
mech. of action, indication, SE, ex (w/ onset/duration)
mechanism of action: inhibit acetylcholine effect on muscarinic receptors in airways and protect against cholinergic mediated bronchoconstriction
indication: uncontrolled asthma, already taking ICS or ICS & LABA
SE=(think anticholinergic) urinary retention, dry mouth, HA, URI
ex: tiotropium bromide; onset 30 min x24 hr; umeclidinium
LTRA (leukotriene receptor antagonists)
mech. of action, indication, SE & interactions
mech. of action= anti-inflammatory that either inhibit 5-lipoxygenase or antagonize leukotriene D4 effects. Oral med so convenient but significantly less effective than ICS
indication= steroid sparing; *beneficial for asthma + allergic rhinitis, aspirin sensitivity, exercise-induced bronchospasm
SE = **black box warning serious mental health SE for montelukast; neuropysch SE (sleep disorder, aggression, suicide)
hepatotoxicity (zileuton & zafirlukast)
CYP 2C9 metabolism= drug interactions
biologic agents for asthma indication & action
poor sx control despite all recommendations
target Th2 inflammation to reduce steroid use, fewer exacerbations, improved lung function
anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for asthma
action, indication, SE, ex
omalizumab
action= inhibits binding of IgE to receptors on mast cells & basophils that decreases inflammation & allergic response
indication= mod-severe asthma, not controlled on ICS, positive skin test or reactivity to aeroallergens & high IgE
SE= injection site reaction, anaphylaxis rare but possible so *monitor x2 hours x3 months then reduce to 30 min. *rx epinephrine
IL-5 & IL-5R antagonist monoclonal antibody
indication, action, SE, ex
indication= severe exacerbations, high eosinophils
action= prevention of eosinophils
ex= mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab
SE= nasopharyngitis, HA, hypersensitivity, worse asthma, URI. Long term effects unknown
IL-4 receptor alpha antagonist monoclonal antibody
indication, action, SE, ex
dupilumab
high IgE and eosinophil count
inhibit IL-4 and IL-13 signaling in Th2 inflammation
SE= injection site pain, transient blood eosinophilia
macrolides & asthma
indication, action, ex
azithromycin 500mg 3x/week decreases asthma sx
uncontrolled medium-high dose ICS/LABA
benefits from anti-inflammatory NOT antimicrobial properties
tx x6 months
SABAs for asthma
indication, action, use, SE, ex
action= reverse acute airway obstruction d/t bronchoconstriction & block early-phase response to antigen in asthma exacerbation. Increase mucociliary clearance and stabilize mast cell membranes. PRN only, not scheduled
onset < 5 min, lasts 4-6 hours
indication= asthma exacerbation; use with ICS
use= 4-10 puffs Q20 min up to 1 hour in severe acute exacerbation. Shouldn’t have repeated use over 1-2 days
SE= use without ICS increases risk of death, reduced lung function, urgent healthcare!
tachycardia, tremor, hypokalemia
ICS (budesonide)-formoterol
low dose ICS-formoterol as maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) is recommended for all adolescents and adults (80/4.5 mcg); maxium dose of formoterol 72 mcg
I.C.E
ICE= inhaler technique, compliance, environment
evaluate at every step of asthma control
when can asthma severity be determined
severity can only be determined once asthma is controlled and the individual is utilizing their lowest effective dose
short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMA)
onset/duration, indication
ipratropium bromide (MDI or neb)
onset 15 min, lasts 4-8 hrs
add to SABA in mod-severe exacerbation in ED only
tx if acute asthma doesn’t respond to SABA
systemic corticosteroids
oral route > IV in acute asthma
5-7 days, no taper needed
tx chronic asthma, sx < 2/month
PRN low dose budesonide/formoterol or low dose ICS when SABA taken
tx asthma sx > or = 2 sx/month
low dose ICD w/ SABA PRN or PRN low dose ICS/formoterol
asthma sx most days or waking up d/t asthma at least 1x/week tx
low dose ICD/formoterol as controller & reliever or low dose ICD/LABA with PRN SABA or medium dose ICS with SABA
tx daily sx, waking up w/ sx 1x/week or more or FEV1 < 65%
high dose ICD w/ PRN SABA +- oral steroid burst or medium dose ICS/formoterol daily and PRN +- oral steroid burst
well-controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled asthma
Sx in 1 month: daytime asthma sx > 2x/week, nighttime waking d/t asthma, reliever needed > 2x/week, activity limitation d/t asthma
well controlled= yes to NONE of the sx listed
partly controlled= yes to 1-2 of sx
uncontrolled= yes to 3-4 of sx
risk factors asthma exacerbations
uncontrolled sx
freq. use SABA
inadequate ICS
low FEV1 (esp. if < 60% predicted)
major psych/socioeconomic problems
exposures to smoke, allergens
comorbid: obesity, rhinosinusitis, food allergy
sputum/blood eosinophilia, elevated FeNO
pregnancy
hx intubation or tx ICU for asthma
1+ severe exacerbations in past 12 months
intermittent asthma characteristics and tx
infrequent trigger exposure (ex. exercise induced); still have chronic inflammation
preferred tx: ICS/formoterol PRN or PRN SABA w/ low dose ICS. Can use SABA alone but increased risk of severe exacerbations
tx for moderate persistent asthma
single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART) of ICS/formoterol (both control & reliever)
addition of LAMA, biologic agents, and/or oral steroids may be considered if unable to control on SMART alone
what is step up asthma therapy mean
control-based tx, meds adjusted in continuous cycle w/ assessment, tx, review
f/u 1-3 months after change to regimen
always assess adherence and technique
when to step down asthma therapy
monitor Q3-12 months, step down once control maintained x3 months
gradual decrease; if too quick can increase risk of serious exacerbation even if sx are still controlled
*taper down ICS dose by 25%-50% at 3 month intervals
complete d/c of ICS not recommended
for asthma exacerbations, what to do if adherence to ICS is a problem
increase ICS dose during acute exacerbations
what to do if worsening asthma sx persist x48 hr
add oral steroid
parts of asthma self management action plan
corticosteroid rx for exacerbation PRN
PEF (daily in am or when sx worsen) for mod/severe persistent asthma w/ poor perception or unexplained response
PEF asthma plan
personal best PEF over 2-3 week period when receiving optimal tx
subsequent are compared to personal best
80-100% of personal best means therapy acceptable
50-79% of personal best means impending exacerbation
< 50% of personal best means medical alert, use PRN immediately, steroids, go to ER
PEF alone not used to determine severity of airflow limitation bc poor technique or inflammation of small airways in severe exacerbation that PEF can’t detect
Dx of COPD
Spirometry is required to make a clinical diagnosis of COPD. The presence of a post-
bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70 confirms the presence of persistent airflow limitation
and of COPD
genetic factor in COPD
rare hereditary deficiency of alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) can cause premature/accelerate emphysema
COPD patho
repeated exposure to noxious particles/gas= chronic inflammation= patho change central/peripheral airways, lung parenchyma, pulmonary vasculature= obstruction. Imbalance proteases & antiproteases in lungs and oxidative stress
do all smokers develop COPD
no but all have inflammation
difference between asthma & COPD inflammation
asthma= inflammation from eosinophils and mast cells
COPD= inflammation from neutrophils, macrophages, CD8+ T lymphocytes. Some w/ COPD have eosinophils & respond better to bronchodilators & corticosteroids, may indicate co asthma
GOLD category of severity COPD based on FEV1
GOLD 1 mild= 80% predicted or greater
GOLD 2 moderate- 50% to 79% predicted
GOLD 3 severe= 30% to 49% predicted
GOLD 4 very severe= less than 30% predicted
what to use for COPD sx assessment
CAT
score of 10 or more need inhaled long acing bronchodilators
COPD treatment domain grades
A= low risk, less sx, GOLD 1-2, <= 1 exacerbation/year, mMRC 0-1, CAT < 10
B= low risk, more sx, GOLD 1-2, <= 1 exacerbation/year, mMRC >= 2, CAT >= 10
C= high risk, less sx, GOLD 3-4, >= 2 exacerbations/year, mMRC 0-1, CAT < 10
D= high risk, more sx, GOLD 3-4, >= 2 exacerbations/year, mMRC >= 2, CAT >= 10
what’s the only intervention proven to slow decline of FEV1 & slow COPD progression
smoking cessation
no meds shown to modify progressive decline in lung function or prolong survival
considered 1st line tx COPD (though GOLD doesn’t distinguish)
LAMA (long acting anticholingergics)
recommended labs COPD
CBC (elevated hct > 55% d/t polycythemia)
AAT level
ABGs if pulse ox < 92%
how to address smoking cessation in COPD
encourage every visit; “5 As” :
Ask: identify/document tobacco use status
Advise: strongly urge to quit
Assess: Is user willing to attempt to quit?
Assist: use counceling/pharm to help pt willing to quit
Arrange: scheduled f/u preferably within first week of quit date
pulmonary rehab
within 2 weeks of hospitalization
2x/week x6-8 weeks
max tolerated load or interval & strength training, education, self management interventions aimed at behavior change
when O2 in COPD
stable COPD with PsO2 <= 55 mm Hg, or O2 sat <= 88%, or evidence pulmonary HTN/edema d/t HF/polycythemia
ABGs after 60-90 days
Mainstay tx for symptomatic COPD
bronchodilators PRN or scheduled
increase FEV1, reduce sx, reduce freq/severity exacerbations/hospital, improve exercise tol., pulmonary rehab efficacy, and health status
adverse effects SABA & LABA
dose related
palpitations, tachycardia, cough, hypokalemia, sleep disturbance, tremor
ex antimuscarinics
ipratropium, tiotropium, aclidinium, glycopyrrolate
promote bronchodilation, decrease mucus
not one better than other
LABA or LAMA mod-very severe COPD
LAMA more effective at reducing exacerbations/hospital, fewer adverse effects
methylxanthine/theophylline & COPD
limited use d/t narrow therapeutic index, drug interact, questionable efficacy, adverse effects
reserved for those who cant use inhaled meds or still sx after appropriate bronchodilators
methylxanthine/theophylline interractions/adverse effects
interacts (through CYP450) with age, tobacco smoke (induce metabolism & increase clearance), and marijuana
SE: HA, heartburn, insomnia, tachycardia, palpitations, tremor
Dose-related= n/v, seizures, arryhthmias
tx COPD group a
few sx, low exacerbation risk
bronchodilator (SABA)
tx COPD group b
more sx, low exacerbation risk
LABA or LAMA
tx COPD group c
few sx, high exacerbation risk
LAMA
tx COPD group D
more sx, high exacerbation risk
LAMA or LAMA + LABA or ICS + LABA
when to use ICS in COPD
mod-very severe COPD w/ increased exacerbation risk, not controlled by first line (LAMA)
prevents exacerbations when high serum eosinophils
*monotherapy not recommended. Combine with LABA
phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor in COPD
Roflumilast (oral)
reduce inflammation
severe-very severe COPD associated w/ bronchitis & h/o exacerbations
little effect on sx/quality of life
SE: diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, HA, insomnia, low appetite, abdominal pain, neuropsych effects
*avoid in underweight & depression
med with pneumonia risk COPD
ICS
combination therapy COPD
when not responding to monotherapy
LAMA/LABA preferred
triple LAMA/LABA/ICS reduce mortality in severe-very severe
vaccines for COPD
annual flu
PPSV23 regardless of age
PCV13 > 65 and/or comorbidities/immunocompromised/smoker
tx for all AAT deficient COPD pt
alpha 1 augmentation therapy
other pharm meds for COPD
N-acetylcysteine= mucolytic
*prophylaxis w/ macrolides (azithromycin); greatest benefits in smokers
anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibodies (mepolizumab) with triple therapy
vitamin D if low levels
beta blockers for cardioprotection
chinese medicines when added to standard regimen
meds for COPD exacerbation
*SABA with or w/o ipratropium is standard
d/c LAMA if using ipratropium d/t anticholinergic effects
systemic corticosteroids esp w/ high serum eosinophils
ABX in COPD exacerbation
use when increased sputum purulence & volume or increased dyspnea or all, or patients who need mechanical vent.
“other” tx COPD exacerbation
thromboprophylaxis
fluids
higher risk of repeat exacerbation or cardio event after exacerbation
what’s allergic rhinitis (AR) and other term used to describe d/t common concurrent sx
allergen-induced IgE mediated inflammatory condition of the lining of the nose and upper respiratory tract
aka allergic rhinoconjunctivitis d/t ocular sx
4 approaches to tx for AR (allergic rhinitis)
avoidance of allergen triggers
patient/caregiver education
pharmacotherapy
immunotherapy
goals of tx of AR (since NO “cure”)
min. freq/severity of sx
prevent comorbid disorders (ex asthma)
improve QOL
improve work/school performance/attendance
min. adverse effects of tx
non-pharm. tx AR
*avoid triggers
nasal saline
first line and second line tx AR
1: intranasal corticosteroids for mod-severe persistent and oral antihistamines for mild intermittent
2 (sometime first in certain pt): oral decongestants, intranasal mast cell stabilizer (cromolyn), intranasal antimuscarinic (ipratropium) and intranasal saline irrigation
why intranasal steroid for AR tx
anti-inflammatory most effective to treat nasal congestion (inflammation in late phase AR)
recommended as MONOTHERAPY vs combo w/ antihist. initially
INCS examples, onset, duration, administration
not one better than the other
fluticasone, budesonide, ciclesonide, mometasone, triamcinolone
onset 3-4 hr but up to 12 hr so use regularly. Max fax can be delayed 14 days
if severe nasal congestion IN may not be effective d/t limited exposure to nasal mucosa
INCS admin technique and SE
head down, spray lateral away from septum to prevent septum irritation & med down esophagus
SE: dryness irritation, burning, mild epistaxis, RARE nasal septum perforation
systemic SE concern: adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, ocular effects
INCS admin technique and SE
head down, spray lateral away from septum to prevent septum irritation & med down esophagus
SE: dryness irritation, burning, mild epistaxis, RARE nasal septum perforation
systemic SE concern: adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, ocular effects
antihistamines for AR
histamine 1 (H1) receptors; inverse agonists
little effect on nasal congestion
onset 1-2 hours for oral 15 min nasal
first & second generation oral
IN are second generation, need rx, anti-inflammatory effects: azelastine and olopatadine, SE bitter taste.
first vs second generation antihistamines
1st generation= 6 chemical classes from diphenhydramine > chlorpheniramine. do not routinely use d/t CNS & antimuscarinic SE (caution in elderly & w/ other meds with SE)
2nd generation= cetirizine, loratadine, acrivastine; less antimuscarinic SE. Not 1 superior to another
*need adjustment w/ renal impairment
* effective alone for mild or intermittent AR; preferred d/t fewer SE
what if on antihistamine for AR but persistent nasal congestion
add decongestant
maybe use oral w/ IN
or mod-sever seasonal AR use both INCS and IN antihistamine
oral decongestants
onset SE & contraindications
onset: oral 30 min, IN 5-10 min
SE: CNS or cardiovascular d/t SNS stimulation so HTN, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremor, HA, hallucinations, decreased appetite
IN SE: persistent rebound congestion rhinitis medicamentosa **only use x3 days*
contraindicated (oral):
cardiac hx > use IN decongestant instead
BPH & other bladder outlet conditions can have increased urinary retention
DM
hypothyroidism
glaucoma esp closed angle
mast cell stabilizer for AR
cromolyn (OTC IN product)
less effective than INCAS, oral and IN antihistamines
helps early & late effects of AR
onset 4-7 days but not maximal until 2 weeks; can be PRN if episodic
well tolerated; burning sneezing bad taste nosebleed
FOUR times daily
**best in pediatric & pregnant with mild or intermittent sx
leukotriene receptor antagonist for AR
montelukast
For AR reserved for pt who can’t tolerate/don’t respond to first line tx
recommended over antihistamines in perennial AR
better for nasal congestion and rhinorrhea
SE: neuropsych, HA, GI, rash
antimuscarinic agent for AR
ipratropium IN spray
reserved for those whose rhinorrhea not controlled by other therapy
tx of AR in children
USE: second gen. antihistamine and/or INCS, montelukast chewable option, IN ipratropium in unresponsive > 5, *cromolyn mild or intermittent d/t excellent safety
avoid combo meds > unintentional OD
no first generation antihistamines
tx AR in pregnancy
USE: nasal saline, physical exercise, external nasal strip, 2nd gen. antihistamines generally safe, cromolyn safe but less efficacious
AVOID: oral decongestants, not a lot of data on fetal risk w/ INCS
BP value to start pharmacologic tx to lower BP if h/o CAD, DM or CKD, PCE score for CVD risk >= 10%, or greater than 65
SBP >= 130-140, DBP >= 80-90
for above 65 y/o SBP >= 130 warrants tx
when to start pharm. tx to lower BP in person w/o comorbid. or age >= 65
SBP >= 140 or DBP >= 90
how long to wait between each antihypertensive drug change
2 weeks for full effect
what class of med can be used at any stage of HTN if indicated
beta blocker
when to start TWO antihypertensive drugs for HTN
dual therapy for stage 2 HTN > 160/100
two med classes known to be more effective as initial antiHTN therapy in older people and blacks
thiazide and CCB
what population to try to avoid diuretic for HTN & what to use instead
younger patients to avoid long term exposure to metabolic side effects of diuretics
use CCB instead
also consider metabolic effects of beta blockers