Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroid therapy in
asthmatic children in the age group of 0-6 years.
Study design
Systematic review of randomised double blind placebo controlled
trials of inhaled corticosteroid therapy for preschool children with
asthma. 12 Trials were identified for this review. Data on symptom
scores, parents' sleep disturbance, parents' assessment of asthma
status/medication, concomitant drug use, exacerbation rate, lung
function measurement, and adverse effects were retrieved form the
trials.
Results
Most parallel trials showed significant improvements in symptom
scores, concomitant drug use, exacerbation rate, or lung function
measurements. Most improvements were seen in wheeze and
concomitant drug use. The pooled odds ratio (95% confidence
interval (CI)) for outcome measure 'patients with at least one
exacerbation' was 0.47 (0.3 to 0.73). Two crossover trials showed
significant improvements in symptom scores, ß-agonist use, and lung
function. Significant differences in adverse effects between the
active and placebo groups were not detected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this systematic review of literature shows beneficial
effects on symptoms, exacerbation rate, and pulmonary function for
the use of inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children with asthma.
To evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroid therapy in
asthmatic children in the age group of 0-6 years.
Study design
Systematic review of randomised double blind placebo controlled
trials of inhaled corticosteroid therapy for preschool children with
asthma. 12 Trials were identified for this review. Data on symptom
scores, parents' sleep disturbance, parents' assessment of asthma
status/medication, concomitant drug use, exacerbation rate, lung
function measurement, and adverse effects were retrieved form the
trials.
Results
Most parallel trials showed significant improvements in symptom
scores, concomitant drug use, exacerbation rate, or lung function
measurements. Most improvements were seen in wheeze and
concomitant drug use. The pooled odds ratio (95% confidence
interval (CI)) for outcome measure 'patients with at least one
exacerbation' was 0.47 (0.3 to 0.73). Two crossover trials showed
significant improvements in symptom scores, ß-agonist use, and lung
function. Significant differences in adverse effects between the
active and placebo groups were not detected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this systematic review of literature shows beneficial
effects on symptoms, exacerbation rate, and pulmonary function for
the use of inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children with asthma.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 52-57 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Primary Care Respiratory Journal |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |