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Misuse of Glucocorticoids Short Courses in an Ambulatory Pediatric Facility: A Case Series of Forced Prescriptions
Sergio Verd1,2, Alicia-Esther Tur1, Ana Ferragut1
1Servei de Salut de les Illes Balears, La Vileta surgery, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Insights
Pediatric glucocorticoid bursts are frequently prescribed for wheezing and skin conditions in young children. This study highlights potential overuse in ambulatory settings, warranting further investigation into prescribing patterns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Glucocorticoid bursts, while effective, carry potential risks.
- Understanding pediatric prescribing patterns is crucial for safe medication use.
Background And Purpose:
Glucocorticoids bursts may be harmful. We aimed to explore their prescribing patterns in our pediatric ambulatory setting.
Methods:
All children scheduled for their well-child checkups from May to November 2022, upon entering and leaving primary school, were included. In parallel, case notes were reviewed for glucocorticoid prescriptions due to wheezing or acute skin conditions from birth to the consultation date.
Results:
We recruited 79 children, 34 (43%) received at least 1 glucocorticoid burst. Most children were prescribed glucocorticoids against wheezing, it accounted for 48 short courses of glucocorticoids, divided into 40 (83%) for preschoolers up to 6 years of age, and 8 (17%) for schoolchildren beyond age 6. Thirteen children have been prescribed glucocorticoids bursts due to acute skin conditions, mainly dermatitis or insect bites.
Conclusion:
Pediatric glucocorticoids overuse is a common finding in our community.
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