Evidence shows the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids during pediatric asthma attacks.
A metanalysis from 2020 reviewed 7 different studies between 2009 to 2018 that included patients < 18 years. The studies compared the use of inhaled corticosteroids to placebo, inhaled corticosteroids compared to systemic corticosteroids, and inhaled corticosteroids in addition to systemic corticosteroids. Please note that in the studies children were still being treated with albuterol.
The results showed:
-Inhaled corticosteroids would significantly reduce the hospital admission rate when compared to placebo (by about 83%).
-Inhaled corticosteroids reduced hospital admission rates when compared to systemic steroids only (by 27%) for mild to moderate asthma.
-When combining systemic steroids with inhaled corticosteroids, the hospital admission rate would be reduced by 25% compared to using only systemic steroids for moderate to severe asthma attacks.
Bottom line:Consider administering inhaled corticosteroids in pediatric asthma patients.
References
Sawanyawisuth K, Chattakul P, Khamsai S, Boonsawat W, Ladla A, Chotmongkol V, Limpawattana P, Chindaprasirt J, Senthong V, Phitsanuwong C, Sawanyawisuth K. Role of Inhaled Corticosteroids for Asthma Exacerbation in Children: An Updated Meta-Analysis. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2020 Apr-Jun;13(2):161-166. doi: 10.4103/JETS.JETS_116_19. Epub 2020 Jun 10. PMID: 33013097; PMCID: PMC7472813.
