Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Use of lung function tests in asthmatic children is associated with lower risk of hospitalization. A Danish
Grete Moth1, Peter Oluf Schiotz, Erik Parner
1Danish Paediatric Asthma Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. grete.moth@alm.au.dk
Insights
Adhering to asthma guidelines, including lung function tests and a controller-to-total medication ratio of 0.5, significantly reduces hospitalization risk in children. This supports better asthma management and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood asthma is a prevalent chronic condition with significant variations in hospitalization rates.
- Current asthma management guidelines are frequently debated regarding adherence and appropriateness.
- Understanding factors influencing asthma-related hospitalizations is crucial for effective pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adherence to asthma guidelines and the risk of hospitalization in children.
- Specifically, to examine the impact of lung function tests at diagnosis and during follow-up on hospitalization risk.
- To assess the role of medication adherence (controller-to-total medication ratio) in pediatric asthma hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide, population-based cohort study in Denmark (1999-2004) utilized linked registry data.
- Asthmatic children aged 6-14 were analyzed for lung function test utilization and medication ratios.
- Cox regression models calculated adjusted hazard ratios for hospitalization risk.
Main Results:
- A total of 27,193 children were followed for at least one year post-medication initiation.
- Lung function tests at treatment start were associated with a 36% reduced hospitalization risk (HR 0.64).
- A controller-to-total medication ratio ≥ 0.5 correlated with a 33% lower hospitalization risk (HR 0.67).
Conclusions:
- Adherence to lung function testing guidelines in pediatric asthma is linked to decreased hospitalization rates.
- An adequate controller-to-total medication ratio is also associated with a reduced risk of asthma-related hospitalizations.
- These findings underscore the importance of guideline adherence for optimizing asthma management in children.
Background:
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Large variations in hospitalization rates are observed and adherence to and appropriateness of guidelines are often subject of discussion. The aim was to examine if adherence to guidelines concerning use of lung function tests at time of diagnosis and during the first year after the start of medical treatment was associated with risk of hospitalization.
Research Design:
A Danish nationwide population-based cohort study was performed for the study period 1999-2004 using data from five nationwide registries linked by a unique personal registration number.
Methods:
Risk of hospitalization was examined in relation to whether asthmatic children aged 6-14 had a lung function test at the start of treatment and during the first year of follow-up and a medication ratio of controller-to-total medication of at least 0.5. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic factors, care provider, and severity of disease.
Results:
A total of 27,193 asthmatic children were followed for at least 1 year after the start of medication. The adjusted HR for hospitalization was 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.74) for having had a lung function test at the start of treatment; 0.82 (0.68-1.00) for having had a lung function test during the first 6 months of follow-up; 0.67 (0.55-0.81) for having a medication ratio of at least 0.5. Children from low-income families and children aged 6-8 had an increased risk of hospitalization.
Conclusion:
Adherence to the guidelines concerning use of lung function test for asthmatic children was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization. Likewise, a medication ratio of controller-to-total medication of at least 0.5 was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...