Hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation in Chilean children: A multicenter observational study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children have risen over the past 14 years.
• Factors contributing to this increase remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in Chile.
• To identify factors associated with asthma hospitalizations in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• An observational prospective cohort study was conducted across 14 hospitals.
• Data were collected via online questionnaires and observed inhalation technique assessments.
• Eligible participants were children aged five years or older hospitalized with asthma exacerbation.

Main Results:

• Out of 396 enrolled patients, 168 lacked an established asthma diagnosis.
• Only 188 children were using controller medication at hospitalization; many demonstrated poor inhalation technique (342 used wrong spacer, 73 correct).
• Parental understanding of asthma and treatment, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, was limited.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of hospitalized children lacked a formal asthma diagnosis, indicating diagnostic challenges.
• Among diagnosed children, poor treatment adherence and incorrect inhaler technique were prevalent modifiable factors.
• A national asthma program focused on improved diagnosis, follow-up, and patient/caregiver education is recommended to decrease pediatric asthma hospitalizations.