Severe Asthma in Children and Adolescents: an AWMF Guideline by the German Society for Pediatric Pulmonology
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This guideline defines severe and difficult-to-treat asthma in children, offering practical recommendations for diagnosis and management, including advanced biological therapies for better symptom control.
Area Of Science
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in pediatric populations.
- A significant subset of children with asthma face persistent symptoms and frequent exacerbations despite standard treatments.
- This leads to a reduced quality of life for affected children and adolescents.
Purpose Of The Study
- To establish clear definitions for severe and difficult-to-treat asthma in pediatric patients.
- To provide precise diagnostic criteria and evidence-based management strategies.
- To offer guidance on the use of advanced therapies, including biologics.
Main Methods
- Development of an S1 guideline under the German Society for Pediatric Pulmonology.
- A structured consensus process involving pediatric pulmonologists, allergologists, and general pediatricians.
- Systematic review and adaptation of existing national and international guidelines and novel evidence.
Main Results
- A stepwise diagnostic algorithm to differentiate difficult-to-treat from severe asthma.
- Recommendations for assessing adherence, comorbidities, and inflammatory biomarkers.
- Guidance on targeted biological treatments, monitoring, and transition to adult care.
Conclusions
- Children with severe asthma necessitate prompt referral to specialized centers for interdisciplinary care.
- Personalized treatment plans, incorporating biologics, should be informed by phenotyping and biomarkers.
- Registry data are crucial for enhancing care quality and gathering real-world evidence.