Retrospective Cross-sectional Analysis of Factors Associated with Asthma in a Pediatric Cohort from Turkey

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Ezgi Ulusoy Severcan1, Cem Murat Bal2, Remziye Tanac1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergy, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.

Klinische Padiatrie
|July 31, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Identifying childhood asthma risk factors is crucial. This study found family history of atopy and allergic conditions, along with respiratory symptoms, are key predictors in Turkish children, aiding early diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Identifying children at high risk for developing asthma among those with recurrent wheezing presents a clinical challenge.
  • This study focuses on determining factors associated with asthma development in a Turkish pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific factors linked to asthma in Turkish children experiencing recurrent wheezing.
  • To evaluate the utility of risk assessment scores in predicting childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 651 children (200 girls, 451 boys) admitted for recurrent wheezing.
  • Data collected included family history, environmental factors, and clinical symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Asthma was diagnosed in 57.7% of the children.
  • Factors associated with asthma included family history of atopy, parental or sibling asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and inter-wheezing respiratory symptoms.
  • The modified asthma predictive index (mAPI) showed a sensitivity of 59.2% and specificity of 91.3%, while the modified Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) score had a sensitivity of 22.9% and specificity of 89.2%.

Conclusions:

  • Previously identified asthma risk factors were confirmed in this cohort.
  • Despite limitations in sensitivity, the mAPI and PIAMA scores can assist in predicting asthma in Turkish children.
  • Careful exclusion of other chronic pediatric conditions, such as immunodeficiencies, is essential for accurate asthma diagnosis.
Abstract

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