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Oral corticosteroid use among children in TennCare
William O Cooper1, Judy A Staffa, J William Renfrew
1Division of General Pediatrics/Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Suite 5028 MCE, Nashville, TN 37232-8555, USA. william.cooper@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
Summary
Oral corticosteroid prescriptions were common among children in Tennessee
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Public health
- Health services research
Background:
- Medication use and effects in children lack comprehensive data, posing policy challenges.
- Oral corticosteroids are a key area of concern due to potential for misuse and adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the utilization patterns of oral corticosteroids among pediatric patients within the TennCare program.
- To identify demographic and geographic factors associated with oral corticosteroid prescribing in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of children enrolled in TennCare during 1998.
- Analysis of prescription data to identify oral corticosteroid use.
- Examination of encounter data to determine indications for use and subsequent prescription patterns.
Main Results:
- Over 29,000 children (7.3% of the pediatric population) received oral corticosteroids.
- Prescription rates were higher in younger males and children in rural areas.
- Asthma was the primary identified indication (16%), with 22% having unknown indications.
Conclusions:
- A significant number of children in the TennCare program received oral corticosteroids in 1998.
- Further research is needed to investigate adverse effects associated with pediatric oral corticosteroid use.