INTRODUCTION

Clinical remission is a relatively new concept in asthma but recent research initiatives suggest it could be an ambitious and achievable therapeutic target for patients with asthma.

METHODS

In this modified Delphi study (comprising two online surveys, completed either side of a virtual scientific workshop), the opinions of a panel of respiratory physicians were evaluated to summarize perspective statements on key therapeutic outcomes and criteria for on-treatment clinical remission in patients with moderate asthma. An agreement threshold was pre-defined as agreement by ≥ 75% of participants.

RESULTS

Surveys 1 and 2 were completed by 20 and 18 participants, respectively. Most participants (95%) agreed with the concept of clinical remission in moderate asthma and that this should be a desirable treatment goal (90%). Based on a composite measure of 4-6 desirable therapeutic outcomes, current understanding of clinical remission was considered as 12 months with no exacerbations, no oral corticosteroids, no daytime or night-time asthma symptoms (Asthma Control Test score ≥ 20 or Asthma Control Questionnaire score ≤ 0.75), stable lung function, and no treatment-related adverse events. No agreement was reached on the role of relievers in defining therapeutic outcomes or on the wider use of biomarkers and airway hyperresponsiveness for defining asthma remission in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

In line with recent consensus statements from the United States and Europe, there was a high level of agreement on the elements of clinical remission among a panel of respiratory physicians from Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Extension of the concept of clinical remission to patients with moderate asthma was considered aligned with the potential of clinical remission as a goal of therapy.