Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40989792›Full record

ArticleERJ open research2025

Ramadan fasting for patients with chronic respiratory diseases: a systematic review and consensus recommendations for healthcare professionals.

Fasihul Khan, Sameen Toor, Rayid Abdulqawi, Huzaifa Adamali, James D Chalmers, Nazia Chaudhuri, Nazim Ghouri, R Gisli Jenkins, Anna Murphy, Najib Rahman and 4 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in ERJ open research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

14 authors.

Fasihul KhanDept of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
Sameen ToorDept of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
Rayid AbdulqawiKing Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre & College of Medicine, AlFaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Huzaifa AdamaliBristol Interstitial Lung Disease Service, Bristol, UK.
James D ChalmersDivision of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Nazia ChaudhuriUlster University, School of Medicine, Derry-Londonderry, UK.
Nazim GhouriSchool of Medicine, University of Glasgow and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
R Gisli JenkinsNational Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Anna MurphyDept of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9046-1040
Najib RahmanUniversity of Oxford and Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Oxford, UK.
Rafaqat RashidAl-Balagh Academy, Bradford, UK.
Imran SatiaDept of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4206-6000
Salman SiddiquiNational Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Salman WaqarNational Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7886-873X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Ramadan, observed by nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide, involves fasting from dawn to sunset, which can present challenges for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases due to altered medication regimens and oral intake restrictions. This study aimed to synthesise current evidence and develop consensus recommendations for managing asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and bronchiectasis during Ramadan. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases including MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar was conducted following a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO identifier number CRD42024532759) to identify studies on Ramadan fasting outcomes in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. The findings informed consensus recommendations stratified by the risk of adverse outcomes using International Diabetes Federation and the Diabetes and Ramadan risk assessment criteria. An international expert group of medical and religious experts refined these guidelines, achieving consensus approval. Results: 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, primarily addressing asthma and COPD, with no relevant studies on ILD or bronchiectasis. The studies indicated that fasting did not significantly impact hospitalisation rates or lung function tests in individuals with stable asthma and COPD. However, small sample sizes and methodological limitations restricted generalisability. 19 recommendations were developed to support patients considering fasting, emphasising pre-Ramadan consultations, individualised risk assessments, and adjustments to medication regimens. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the need for larger, well-designed studies to understand Ramadan fasting implications across chronic respiratory diseases. The developed recommendations provide a structured approach to assess fasting risks, ensuring informed and safe guidance during Ramadan. Future research should address identified gaps, supporting evidence-based guidelines that reconcile medical and religious considerations.

Identifiers

PMID40989792
PMCPMC12451581

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.