Retrospective Study Of Asthmatic Children Received Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy

Objective:To assess the prognosis of asthmatic children received inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy for 5 years, and explore the relevant factors with the childhood persistent asthma.Methods:The retrospective study was carried out in 186 asthmatic children received treatment of ICS from 2003-2004 in Shenzhen Children's hospital. The patients were assessed by questionnaire, lung function examination and skin prick tests (SPT).Results:186 patients finished the investigation. The total controlled rate in 145 cases received ICS therapy (more than 3 months) was 47.6%, which was significantly higher than that(22%) of the patients without ICS therapy (not received or less than 3 months). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in sex, age, family history of allergies, and parental history of asthma between controlled and partly/uncontrolled groups. However, the incidence rate of allergy in controlled group was significantly higher than that of those with partly/uncontrolled (P<0.05). The SPT results showed that inhaled allergens more common than food allergens in 186 asthmatic children (p<0.01). In partly/uncontrolled group, daytime symptoms was the most common characteristics. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in lung function (PEF or FEV1) and FEF25/75<65% abnormality rate between the children received ICS therapy and those without ICS therapy. The initial ICS treatment in varied age and courses of asthma has no effects on asthma control rate. In partly/uncontrolled group, number of patients with ICS therapy for more than 2 years and persistent ICS therapy was significantly higher (P<0.05).Conclusions:The long-term control in asthmatic children is not satisfactory. Only 42% patients achieve and maintain total controlled after 5 years. ICS therapy can significantly improve asthma control children with persistent asthma, the effects of ICS treatment may not be related to the age of initial treatment, and course of disease. In order to achieve and maintain total control of asthma, long-term and continuous ICS therapy is necessary.