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[Utilization of anti-asthmatic drugs among Danish children in 1998]
Introduction:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of anti-asthmatics among Danish children in 1998.
Methods:
Patient specific data were collected on anti-asthmatics (ATC-group R03) prescribed for children aged 0-15 years in 1998. Data included a total of 381,557 prescriptions for 139,727 individuals.
Results:
Anti-asthmatics were prescribed for 13.9% of all Danish children on one or several occasions in 1998. The highest one-year prevalence and incidence rate of drug use was found for children aged 0-2 years. Most children were exclusively treated with either a short acting beta 2-agonist (66.7%) or an inhaled steroid (6.5%). Only 26.2% received both types of anti-asthmatics.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, anti-asthmatics were predominantly prescribed for the youngest children. Most children were exclusively treated with a short acting beta 2-agonist in 1998, which is only recommended in the case of mild intermittent asthma.