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A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
Published on: May 12, 2023
Characteristics of medicine use for children with asthma in China: a nationwide population-based study
Ping Wu1,2, Baoping Xu2, Adong Shen2
1Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 318 Renmin Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
Insights
Asthma medication use in Chinese children shows lower use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and short-acting beta-agonists but higher use of oral corticosteroids and theophylline compared to Western countries. Further guideline popularization is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Public Health
Background:
- Asthma is a significant respiratory condition in children.
- Understanding medication patterns is crucial for effective asthma management.
- Chinese asthma treatment guidelines and international recommendations (GINA) guide therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze asthma medication utilization in Chinese children.
- To compare medication patterns across different age groups, regions, and city levels in China.
- To assess adherence to established asthma treatment guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was used.
- Data were extracted from the 2015 China Healthcare Insurance Research Association (CHIRA) database.
- Children aged 0-14 years diagnosed with asthma (ICD-10 codes J45, J46) were included.
Main Results:
- 2,468 children with asthma were analyzed from a larger cohort of 308,550 children.
- Compared to European/American countries, Chinese children used less inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and short-acting beta-agonists.
- Higher utilization of oral corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, and theophylline (especially IV) was observed, particularly in Central and West China.
Conclusions:
- Asthma medication use in Chinese children differs significantly from Western patterns.
- There is a need to promote adherence to GINA and China's asthma guidelines, especially in less developed regions.
- Targeted interventions are required to optimize asthma pharmacotherapy in China.
Objective:
To analyze the asthma medication use in Chinese children of different age groups, regions, and levels of cities in China, based on the 2015 Healthcare Insurance Data in China.
Methods:
The China Healthcare Insurance Research Association (CHIRA) database was searched for children from 0 to 14 years old diagnosed as asthma based on the "J45" and "J46" coded in ICD-10. A cross-sectional study design was employed.
Results:
A total of 308,550 children were identified, all of whom were treated under the coverage of healthcare insurance. Among them, 2,468 children were eligible for inclusion in the present study. Compared with the current status of asthma care in European and American countries, under the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in China, the use percentages of ICS and short-acting β2 receptor agonist in children with asthma in China were lower, but the use percentages of oral corticosteroids, long-acting β2 receptor agonist, and theophylline (especially intravenous theophylline) were higher, especially in the Central and West China.
Conclusion:
The asthma medication use was attributed to many factors, thus efforts are still needed to further popularize the GINA programs and China's guidelines for asthma diagnosis and treatment, especially in the Central and West China.
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