Short Acting Beta Agonist Use Associated with Increased Mortality and Morbidity in Asthma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: Short acting b2 agonists are recommended to be used ≤ 2 canisters per year. It is suggested that overuse of b2 agonists will lead to increased morbidity and mortality.  This study aimed to determine if overuse of b2 agonists result in increased morbidity and mortality. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to determine if overuse of b2 agonists cause increase mortality, ICU admissions, hospitalization, and exacerbation. Results: A total of 11,888 publications were identified and 4260 duplications were removed, resulting in 7268 abstracts that were screened and 7254 irrelevant studies that were excluded. Ultimately, 14 studies were included. The overall pooled estimated odds ratio (OR) for mortality was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.05), 0.99 for ICU admission (95% CI: 0.80, 1.21), 1.22 for hospitalization (95% CI: 0.96, 1.31), and 0.99 for exacerbation (95% CI: 0.85, 1.15). Conclusion: There is no statistical difference in mortality, ICU admission rate, hospitalization, or exacerbation with using b2 agonists.