Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Risk factors for uncontrolled asthma in a pediatric population with severe asthma: FRAMAG study
Elida Duenas-Meza1,2, Sarah Pulido-Fentanes3, Monica Mendez-Moreno4,5
1Pediatric Pulmonology - Asmaire-Rexpira Program, Fundación Neumológica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia.
Insights
Poor asthma control in children with severe asthma is linked to sleep apnea and caregiver burden. Addressing these factors is key to improving pediatric asthma management and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Severe asthma in children leads to significant health issues and reduced quality of life.
- Achieving optimal asthma control in pediatric severe asthma remains a challenge despite treatment.
- Identifying factors contributing to poor asthma control is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical, functional, and caregiver-related factors associated with poor asthma control in children with severe asthma.
- To investigate the impact of comorbidities and caregiver well-being on pediatric severe asthma control.
- To inform targeted interventions for improving asthma management in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of children (6-17 years) with severe asthma over three years.
- Asthma control assessed using a composite score including symptoms, exacerbations, medication use, hospitalizations, and spirometry.
- Multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine independent risk factors for uncontrolled asthma.
Main Results:
- 35.5% of children with severe asthma had uncontrolled asthma.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OR: 2.16) and impaired caregiver quality of life (OR: 12.35) were independently associated with uncontrolled asthma.
- Higher rates of systemic corticosteroid use and prior year hospitalizations were observed in children with uncontrolled asthma.
Conclusions:
- Uncontrolled severe asthma in children is significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea and caregiver burden.
- Multidimensional evaluations, including sleep assessment and caregiver support, are essential for optimizing pediatric asthma control.
- Longitudinal monitoring and integrated care approaches are recommended for high-risk pediatric populations.
Objective:
Severe asthma (SA) in children is associated with significant morbidity, increased healthcare utilization, and reduced quality of life. Despite appropriate treatment, achieving optimal asthma control remains challenging, particularly in pediatric populations.This study aimed to identify factors associated with poor asthma control in children with SA, focusing on clinical, functional, and caregiver-related variables.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included children aged 6-17 years with SA followed for up to three years in the Asmaire-Rexpira Program in Bogota, Colombia. Asthma control was defined using a comprehensive composite score integrating symptom questionnaires, exacerbation history, corticosteroid use, hospitalizations, and spirometry. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for uncontrolled asthma.
Results:
Of the 228 children included, 35.5% had uncontrolled asthma. Obstructive sleep apnea (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.13-4.11; p = .019) and moderate to severe impairment in caregiver quality of life (OR: 12.35; 95% CI: 4.15-36.80; p < .001) were independently associated with uncontrolled asthma. Systemic corticosteroid use and hospitalization in the prior year were significantly more common in this group. Lung function was preserved in most children.
Conclusions:
Uncontrolled asthma in children with SA is associated with comorbid sleep apnea and caregiver burden. These findings underscore the need for multidimensional evaluation, caregiver support, and longitudinal monitoring to optimize asthma control in high-risk pediatric populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...