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Published on: August 7, 2017

Effect of inhaled steroids on lung function in young children: a cohort study

C S Devulapalli1, G Haaland, M Pettersen

  • 1Voksentoppen Asthma and Allergy Centre, National Hospital of Norway, Oslo, Norway. c.s.devulapalli@medisin.uio.no

The European Respiratory Journal
|June 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were used in 21% of young children with recurrent bronchial obstruction (rBO). Early ICS treatment improved lung function by age two, particularly with longer treatment durations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Recurrent bronchial obstruction (rBO) is a common respiratory issue in young children.
  • The role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in managing rBO in this age group requires further investigation.
  • Understanding ICS effects on lung function is crucial for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the utilization of ICS for treating rBO in children up to 2 years of age.
  • To assess the impact of ICS on lung function in young children diagnosed with rBO.
  • To explore the relationship between ICS treatment duration and lung function outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, noninterventional birth cohort study of 3,754 newborns was conducted.
  • 306 children with rBO (cases) and 306 matched controls were identified by age 2 years.
  • Lung function was assessed using tidal flow/volume measurements at disease presentation and at 2 years of age, comparing ICS-treated and non-treated groups.

Main Results:

  • 21% of children with rBO received ICS by age 2 years.
  • Baseline lung function (tPTEF/tE) was lower in both ICS-treated and non-treated rBO groups compared to controls.
  • A borderline statistically significant improvement in lung function was observed in the ICS+ group, correlating with treatment duration.

Conclusions:

  • One-fifth of young children experiencing recurrent bronchial obstruction received inhaled corticosteroids.
  • Early initiation of ICS treatment demonstrated a positive effect on lung function by age 2 years.
  • Longer durations of ICS therapy were associated with greater improvements in lung function for children with rBO.

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