The review was not prospectively registered, and no

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the limitations and limitations section of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 3 journals.

Supporting evidence — 3 representative gaps

• Clinical and spirometric characteristics of patients with asthma and bronchiectasis: a comparative observational study (2026) · Egyptian Journal of Bronchology · doi

  This study has several limitations. First, the relatively small sample size may limit statistical power and the gen- eralizability of the findings. Second, asthma diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical and spirometric assessment; however, inconsistent objective confirma- tion, along with predominantly non-obstructive baseline spirometry and the absence of variability assessment, may have introduced a risk of misclassification and lim- ited diagnostic validity. In addition, the use of bronchodilator reversibility testing in a predominantly non-obstructive population reduces its diagnostic utility, particularly in the absence of consistently reported absolute FEV₁ changes (mL). The cross-sectional design and lack of longitudinal follow- up also limit the ability to assess disease progression and causal relationships. Furthermore, potential recall bias in determining dis- ease chronology and recruitment from a single respira- tory center may introduce selection bias and affect the external validity of the results. The primarily descriptive nature of the analysis, without multivariable adjustment for potential confounders, may limit deeper interpreta- tion of the observed associations. Finally, variability in the application of standardized assessment tools may affect reproducibility.

  generallimitationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: limit assessment tion predominantly obstructive absence variability diagnostic validity potential bias affect several limitations first
• Clinical characteristics and severity of concomitant atopic dermatitis in adults with asthma: a nationwide population-based registry study (2026) · Frontiers in Allergy · doi

  to assess whether non-responders differed Patients with asthma and those with concomitant AD were identified in the NPR using validated ICD-10 codes (29, 51), supporting population validity. Despite the low response rate, which may introduce bias and reduce generalizability, and our inability from responders in terms of socioeconomic characteristics, the cohort included 4,126 adults with asthma. Asthma and AD severity were evaluated using GINA and PO-SCORAD, both wellestablished selfassessment, potentially introducing variability compared with clinician-rated measures (21). The study examined AD in asthma patients; however, asthma with concomitant AD and AD with concomitant asthma represent the same disease overlap from different perspectives. Outcomes were survey-based, tools.

  generallimitationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: asthma concomitant responders patients using scorad assess whether differed identi validated codes supporting population validity
• Breathing exercises as adjunct therapy in adult asthma: a systematic review (2026) · F1000Research · doi

  The review was not prospectively registered, and no formal protocol was deposited in PROSPERO or another public registry prior to commencement. Publication bias could not be formally assessed using funnel plots or regression tests due to the limited number of included studies. The review included a limited number of studies, which may not be representative of the entire population of adult asthma patients.

  generallimitations sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: review was prospectively registered formal protocol deposited prospero

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