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Status asthmaticus in children: a one-year study

S A McKenzie, A T Edmunds, S Godfrey

    Archives of Disease in Childhood
    |August 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Severe asthma attacks in children, known as status asthmaticus, were effectively treated with oral prednisolone and nebulized salbutamol. Many children improved quickly, but over half required adjusted maintenance therapy post-discharge.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Respiratory Medicine
    • Emergency Medicine

    Background:

    • Status asthmaticus is a severe form of asthma exacerbation in children.
    • Prompt and effective management is crucial to prevent complications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effectiveness of oral prednisolone and nebulized salbutamol in managing pediatric status asthmaticus.
    • To identify factors influencing treatment success and outcomes.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 50 children admitted with status asthmaticus over one year.
    • Treatment involved oral prednisolone and nebulized salbutamol.
    • Peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) were used to assess severity and guide treatment.

    Main Results:

    • One-third of admitted children were hypercapnoeic.
    • Children with PEFR >25% predicted for height responded well to oral treatment.
    • 73% were discharged within 4 days.
    • Over 50% required changes in maintenance asthma medication after discharge.

    Conclusions:

    • Oral prednisolone combined with nebulized salbutamol is an effective initial treatment for pediatric status asthmaticus.
    • PEFR can help guide initial management decisions.
    • A significant proportion of children require adjustments to their long-term asthma management plan post-exacerbation.

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