Parental concern towards the use of inhaled therapy in children with chronic asthma

BACKGROUND: Parental attitudes towards the use of inhaled therapy in children with chronic asthma influence treatment adherence and outcome. In the present study, we evaluated the perceptions and concerns of parents of children with chronic asthma towards inhaled therapy. METHODS: A self-administered standard questionnaire was distributed to parents of children attending the Paediatric Asthma Clinic. All these children required inhaled steroids for treatment. RESULTS: One-hundred and twelve of 170 parents (66%) surveyed were concerned with inhaled therapy. The most common concern with its use was medication side effects (91%), followed by 'inhaler dependency' (86%), cost of the inhaler (34%) and difficulty in using the inhaler (15%). Parental perception that the oral route was superior to the inhaled route, preference for the oral route for asthma prophylaxis and a higher steroid dose required for prophylaxis were more likely to be associated with concerns towards inhaled therapy. More importantly, these children were also more likely to miss > 25% of their prescribed doses of inhaled steroids (46 vs 22% in the group concerned about inhaled therapy compared with the group that was not concerned, respectively; P = 0.007) and had a higher mean number of nebulization treatments in the last year (3.2 +/- 2.9 vs 1.8 +/- 1.3 in the group concerned about inhaled therapy compared with the group that was not concerned, respectively; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of parents whose children were on inhaled prophylaxis had concerns towards the use of inhaled therapy. Parental concern towards inhaled therapy appeared to increase the problem of non-adherence to treatment. Education for these parents will need to be addressed to improve asthma management in our patient population.     

Parental perceptions of their child's asthma: management and medication use.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate treatment for asthma depends on accurate assessment and intervention by the parent and child and timely communication with the provider. These actions by the parent may be affected by their understanding of asthma management and their concerns about medications being prescribed. This research reports parental experiences with their children with asthma, specifically their beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes about asthma management, including medication use. METHODS: Data reported are from a study investigating parental attitudes and beliefs affecting antiinflammatory medication use in childhood asthma. These qualitative findings emerged from one-on-one semistructured qualitative interviews with 18 parents of children 2 to 18 years of age who were from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds and who represented the spectrum of illness severity. RESULTS: Eight main themes within the domain of asthma management and medication use were identified: "I know my child," "trial and error," "partnership," "need for education," "negotiating responsibility," "hassles with medication administration," "preferences," and "the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects." DISCUSSION: These themes emphasize parents' need to partner with providers in their child's asthma management, as well as their need for ongoing asthma education. Parents also expressed concern about adverse effects of antiinflammatory medication but acknowledged the importance of controlling asthma symptoms. Based on these findings, systematic practice changes are recommended that provide regular opportunities for parent and child asthma education in a structured asthma wellness or "tune-up" visit.     

哮喘患儿吸入糖皮质激素对骨代谢影响

目的　探讨哮喘患儿吸入糖皮质激素 (IGs)对骨代谢影响。方法　对 5 0例 5～ 12岁连续吸入IGs 2年哮喘患儿 ,于吸入前 ,0 .5、1、1.5、2年分次进行血清钙、磷、骨源性碱性磷酸酶 (BALP)、骨钙素 (OC)水平监测 ,并进行身高生长速度测定。其中观察I组 2 7例 ,平均吸入丙酸倍氯米松 2 5 0 μg/d ;观察Ⅱ组 2 3例 ,平均吸入丙酸氟替卡松 15 0 μg/d ;正常对照组 2 2例。 结果　观察Ⅰ、Ⅱ组、对照组间分次检测的血钙、磷、BALP、OC水平均无显著差异 (P均 >0 .0 5 ) ;且各组间q检验无显著差异 (P均 >0 .0 5 )。观察Ⅰ、Ⅱ组身高生长速度分别于对照组比较 ,均无显著差异 (P均 >0 .0 5 )。结论　每日小剂量较长时间IGs对儿童骨生长发育无明显影响。     

Internet survey of childhood asthma and use of inhaled therapy in the home in Japan

Background: The aim of the present study is to undertake a survey of childhood asthma and details of the use of inhaled therapy from mothers with asthmatic children ≤15 years old, using the Internet.
Methods: This study was done on a nationwide scale in Japan during the latter half of July 2001.
Results: Responses were obtained from 748 mothers. Four hundred and three children (53.9%) had been diagnosed with asthma when ≤2 years old and 263 children (35.2%) when 2–5 years old. Three hundred and ninety-seven children (53.1%) were in remission or had mild asthma, 295 children (39.4%) had moderate asthma, and 56 (7.5%) had severe asthma. Of 563 children who required some pharmacological treatment, 266 used inhaled therapy. One hundred and forty-four children used metered-dose inhaler (MDI), 136 used powered nebulizer, and 34 used dry powder inhaler (DPI). Of children treated with inhaled sodium cromoglycate, 63 used MDI, 129 used nebulizer solution and 23 used DPI. Of children treated with inhaled corticosteroids, 43 used MDI and six used DPI. Of children using powered nebulizer, 48 were well satisfied and 76 were slightly satisfied. More than 90% of mothers commented that this form of treatment improved the quality of life both of the asthmatic children and of the family.
Conclusion: Internet survey of childhood asthma is effective, and powered nebulizer therapy may be encouraged more acceptable by infants and young children in the treatment of asthma.     

哮喘患儿吸入糖皮质激素治疗5年后过敏原变化观察

目的了解哮喘患儿吸入糖皮质激素(ICS)治疗5年后的过敏原变化情况。方法对2003—2004年在深圳市儿童医院哮喘门诊登记且登记时均行皮肤点刺实验(SPT)并给予ICS治疗的133例哮喘患儿,进行现场回顾性调查。现场调查包括填写调查表和复查SPT。结果 133例哮喘患儿完成了5年前后的2次SPT检测,5年前121例(91%)SPT阳性,12例(9%)SPT阴性;5年后133例中119例(89.5%)SPT检测阳性,14例(10.5%)SPT阴性,与5年前比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。5年后吸入性过敏原和食物过敏原的阳性率均无明显变化,但蟑螂和树花粉明显增加(P>0.05),牛奶、鸡蛋明显减少(P>0.05)。结论哮喘患儿5年后过敏率变化不大,吸入性过敏有所增加,食物过敏有减少趋势。屋尘螨和粉尘螨仍然是主要过敏原。ICS治疗与否对过敏情况无明显影响。     

轻-中度哮喘患儿气道炎症类型与病情、糖皮质激素疗效的关系

目的探讨轻-中度支气管哮喘患儿初始治疗前气道炎症类型与病情及吸入糖皮质激素治疗反应的关系。方法以87例轻-中度哮喘患儿作为研究对象,在糖皮质激素吸入治疗(ICS)前进行痰液诱导及诱导痰细胞学分析,酶联免疫荧光法测定痰液嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)、ELISA法检测痰液IL-8、TGF-β1,儿童肺功能仪检测基础肺功能和小气道通气指标、乙酰甲胆碱(Mch)支气管激发试验测定气道高反应性(AHR)。20例健康体检儿童作为对照组,应用SPSS13.0软件进行统计学分析。结果87例轻-中度哮喘患儿根据诱导痰液EOS%分为嗜酸性粒细胞哮喘组(EA)64例,非嗜酸性粒细胞哮喘组(NEA)23例,EA与NEA组ICS治疗前痰液细胞学构成比、诱导痰上清液ECP、IL-8差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组间FEV1%预测值(FEV1%pred)、PEF%pred、中-重度AHR%、小气道阻塞(%)、痰液TGF-β1水平等指标差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ICS治疗4周后EA组基础肺功能指标、气道高反应性、小气道通气功能明显改善,而NEA组改善不明显。多元逐步回归分析结果表明初治痰液EOS%、FEV1%预测值、痰液TG...     

Influence of budesonide on the response to inhaled terbutaline in children with mild asthma

The aim of this study was to evaluate if continuous treatment with budesonide or salmeterol influences the bronchodilator response to terbutaline in children with asthma; 23 children, aged 7 to 16 years (mean = 11 years), with mild asthma were treated with inhaled budesonide 100 μg b.i.d. and placebo for three weeks in a randomized, double blind crossover study. These treatments were followed by treatment with inhaled salmeterol 50 μg b.i.d. for 3 weeks. On the last day of each period a cumulative dose-response experiment with terbutaline in the doses 50, 100, 250 and 500 μg (cumulative dose 900 μg) was performed. Lung function was measured before and 20 min after each terbutaline inhalation. Baseline pulmonary functions after budesonide treatment were significantly higher than the baseline measured after the two other treatments (p < 0.05). After budesonide treatment, the dose-response curve was shifted vertically upwards but otherwise parallel to the dose-response curve after placebo. The increase from baseline after the first cumulative dose of terbutaline was significantly lower after salmeterol treatment than after the two other treatments (p < 0.01). Maximal lung functions after 900 μg terbutaline also differed significantly between the three dose-response days; budesonide being significantly higher and salmeterol significantly lower than placebo (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). It is concluded that budesonide treatment does not enhance the brochodilator response to terbutaline. Further studies are needed to assess if long-term continuous salmeterol treatment reduces the response to terbutaline.     

Differential effects of inhaled budesonide on serum osteocalcin in children and adolescents with asthma

In recent years, measurement of serum osteocalcin has been introduced for assessment of bone turnover in patients treated with exogeneous glucocorticoids. Studies in children with asthma on inhaled glucocorticoids, however, have shown inconsistent results. The aim of the present study is to assess bone turnover in prepubertal children and in adolescents with asthma treated with inhaled budesonide using three different osteocalcin assays: the Pharmacia Osteocalcin CAP FEIA, the CIS OSTK-PR and CIS IRMA ELSA-OSTEO assays. Two studies were conducted: 1) a randomised double blind two-period crossover study of 22 prepubertal children aged 5-12 years. In one period 800 μg budesonide was given once in the morning, in the other 400 μg was given twice daily; 2) a randomised double blind placebo controlled two period crossover study of inhaled budesonide 400 μg twice daily in fourteen 13-16 year old adolescents with pubertal stages II-V. In both studies, treatment periods were of four weeks duration, and blood samples were collected at the last day of each period. In the prepubertal children none of the osteocalcin assays detected any statistically significant differences between any of the periods. In the adolescent group reduced levels of osteocalcin were seen during budesonide treatment. The suppression reached statistical significance with the CAP FEIA (P = 0.03) and the OSTK-PR (P =0.01) assays, but not with the ELSA-OSTEO assay (P = 0.06). Correlation analyses showed statistically significant correlation coefficients varying between 0.58 and 0.91 (P=0.03 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The effect of inhaled glucocorticoids on serum osteocalcin may depend on the assay applied, and inhaled glucocorticoids have differential effects in children and adolescents.     

酮替芬在小儿哮喘中的应用

目的评价酮替芬在治疗小儿哮喘中的安全性和有效性。方法计算机检索Cochrane中心对照试验记录、MEDLINE、CINAHL、EMBASE、CBMdisc、CNKI相关的随机和半随机对照研究。结果共纳入21篇随机对照研究,质量等级为B或C。结论酮替芬对于小儿哮喘有较好的控制效果,可以明显减少支气管扩张剂以及口服糖皮质激素的应用。     

Survey of the use of complementary medicines and therapies in children with asthma

OBJECTIVE: To survey the frequency of use of complementary medicines (CM) and complementary therapies (CT) in asthmatic children. METHODOLOGY: A 3-month survey of asthmatic inpatients and outpatients of a teaching hospital respiratory paediatrician was undertaken. Parents answered a structured questionnaire about their past and present usage and opinions of CM and CT. Parents and the physician independently assessed overall asthma control. 'Users' and 'non-users' of CM and CT were compared for characteristics of asthma, usage of conventional medications and parental demographics. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-four children with 331 parents were enrolled in the study. All of the children were on bronchodilators and 150 (86.2%) were on disodium cromoglycate or inhaled steroids. Control was assessed by a physician as good in 95 children (54.6%), fair in 65 (37.4%) and poor or very poor in 13 (7.5%). Ninety (51.7%) of the children had used at least one CM in their lifetime. Out of the 145 preparations used, 90 (62.1%) were in current use. Vitamins and minerals (53.2%) and herbal preparations (29%) were used most commonly. Only 47.8% of parents had told their doctors about the use of CM. Costs ranged from $A2-$A200 (median $A10) per month. Forty-three (24.7%) of the children had been taken to an alternative practitioner at a cost of $A25-$A400 (median $A40) per month. Users of CM and CT were significantly more likely than non-users to have persistent asthma (P < 0.02), be on high-dose inhaled or oral steroids (P < 0.05), to have poor or very poor control of symptoms (P < 0.04), and more frequent doctor visits (P < 0.05). They also had more adverse reactions to relieving bronchodilators (P < 0.02) and were significantly older than non-users (P < 0.02). The most common reasons for using CM and CT were dissatisfaction with conventional therapies and concerns about steroid side-effects. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals should be aware of the high rates of usage of CM and CT in asthmatic children and of parental attitudes to conventional and alternative therapies.     

Parent perceptions of nutritional issues during their child's treatment for cancer

To examine family mealtime interactions, parental concerns about nutrition, and body mass index (BMI) among children with cancer who did not have primary central nervous system involvement. Parents of 95 children receiving treatment for cancer and 95 comparisons completed the About Your Child's Eating-Revised (AYCE-R) measure. Anthropometric data for children with cancer were obtained from medical charts at diagnosis and again when the AYCE-R was administered. No differences in mealtime interactions were found between children with cancer and comparisons, but parents of children with cancer reported greater concern about their child's weight. Anthropometric measures for children with cancer were consistent with national norms. However, children with cancer were somewhat underweight at diagnosis and became heavier over time. Lower BMI was associated with mother and father report of greater resistance from the child at mealtime, father report of his own aversion to family meals, and more severe treatment. The impact of cancer on family mealtime interactions and BMI appeared minimal during treatment. However, further longitudinal research is needed given the risk for late effects, such as growth problems and obesity, among cancer survivors. Families also may benefit from ongoing education to optimize healthy lifestyles among survivors.     

气道反应性监测在儿童哮喘治疗中的指导意义

目的 探讨气道反应性检测在儿童哮喘治疗中的指导意义.方法 对38例确诊的支气管哮喘患儿,分别在治疗前,治疗后3个月、1年、2年进行常规肺功能检查,同时吸人浓度倍倍递增的乙酰甲胆碱进行支气管激发试验,测定最大呼气流量(PEF)、一秒钟用力呼气容积(FEV1)、最大呼气中段流最(MMEF)及比气道传导率下降35%或以上时吸入乙酰甲胆碱浓度(PC35 sGaw).PC35 sGaw≤8 mg/ml为激发试验阳性,观察随防时间为2年.结果 所有患儿对吸入糖皮质激素 长效β2激动剂(ICS LABA)的联合治疗反应良好,97.4%的患儿达到临床完全控制.治疗后肺功能仅2例存在轻微异常,FEV1、MMEF、PEF随治疗时间的增加明显升高,较治疗前差异有统计学意义.气道反应性测定在治疗后3个月、1年、2年PC35 sGaw浓度分别为(0.735±0.573)mg/ml、(1.47±1.289)mg/ml及(3.827±2.258)mg/ml,但至2年时仍有57.9%的患儿支气管激发试验阳性,均为轻度气道高反应.结论 哮喘临床指标达到完全控制的时间早于气道反应性达到理想水平的时间,气道反应性指标在联合治疗长期随访以及调整治疗方案中的价值优于临床症状和肺功能,PC35 sGaw可作为评价疗效、指导治疗方案调整的指标之一.     

Decreasing admissions for childhood asthma to a Swedish county hospital

Hospital admission rates for childhood asthma have increased in many countries. To study if this is also true for Norrköping Hospital, paediatric admission rates for asthma every fifth year were examined for the period 1973 to 1993. Admission rates were found to have fallen over the last 10 years, especially in children of school age. Among the younger age groups (below 5 years of age) a fall in admission rates was also observed over the last 5 years. This fall occurred in spite of reported increases in the prevalence of childhood asthma. The relative risk for admission due to asthma thus decreased from 1 in 1973 to 0.09 in 1993. The readmission rate has been stable. The mean length of stay in hospital for asthma decreased significantly. The observed decreasing trend in hospital admissions for childhood asthma is contrary to that found in many other countries. Possible explanations are discussed.