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Real-World Use of MART in Moderate–Severe Asthma: Results from the Italian WAMP Survey among Healthcare Professionals and Patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Moderate-severe asthma affects a significant proportion of patients and poses challenges in symptom control and exacerbation prevention. The preferred track 1 endorsed by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommendations offers a single-inhaler approach combining inhaled corticosteroids and formoterol for both maintenance and symptom relief (maintenance and reliever therapy; MART). However, MART's real-world adoption remains suboptimal and concerns regarding its correct implementation persist. "What About MART Posology" (WAMP) survey assessed the knowledge and clinical application of MART among Italian healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. METHODS: WAMP was a cross-sectional, web-based survey conducted among 1000 Italian HCPs and 400 patients with moderate-severe asthma. HCPs answered questions regarding treatment preferences, adherence to GINA recommendations and MART implementation. Patients reported on their therapeutic regimens, inhaler use, and adherence behaviors. RESULTS: Most HCPs demonstrated awareness of GINA recommendations. Pulmonologists (73.6%) and allergists (62.0%) reported favoring track 1, while general practitioners (GPs) showed greater variability (55.1%). Most of HCPs reported the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)-formoterol, according to the MART approach, to manage moderate-severe asthma. GPs reported that approximately 45.5% of moderate-severe patients with asthma treated with ICS-formoterol inhaled therapy were also prescribed short-acting β2-agonists (SABA). Among patients, ICS-formoterol was the most reported regimen (59.7%), despite only 21.6% adhered to the MART approach correctly. Triple therapy was preferred for patients with recurrent exacerbations, yet its adoption was lower than expected. CONCLUSIONS: The WAMP survey suggests a strong awareness of GINA track 1 among Italian HCPs. MART was widely implemented, particularly by specialists; patient data supported these findings. Gaps in education on MART's dual function persist though. Targeted training for HCPs and improved patient education are essential to optimize asthma management and adherence to evidence-based strategies.

Source: Pulmonary Therapy

DOI: 10.1007/s41030-025-00310-5