Severe asthma in pediatrics: Outcomes of the implementation of a special health care protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Severe asthma accounts for 5-7% of all asthma cases. The World Health Organization proposed a follow-up protocol to classify cases into severe, treatment-resistant asthma (STRA) or severe, difficult-to-control asthma (SDCA).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical, functional, and therapeutic characteristics of patients with STRA or SDCA.

METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study to assess the diagnosis, the extent of control (clinical and functional), comorbidities, treatment adherence, inhalation technique, and environmental factors in patients with severe asthma.

RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included: STRA (n= 33) and SDCA (n= 36). In the group with STRA, 100% of patients had been previously hospitalized due to asthma compared to 87.8% in the group with SDCA (p= 0.03). In the group with STRA, 63% required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU); 82%, ventilatory support; and 1 patient, tracheostomy. In the group with SDCA, 54% required admission to the ICU; and 33%, ventilatory support (p= 0.03).The baseline spirometry was normal in the SDCA group; a mild obstructive ventilatory defect was observed in the STRA group (p= 0.009).In the SDCA group, treatment adherence was lower (p= 0.01). Higher inhaled corticosteroid doses were required in the STRA group (p= 0.0001). Omalizumab was indicated in the case of STRA (p= 0.0001). After 6 months of follow-up, more than 75% of children in both groups achieved asthma control.

CONCLUSIONS: A significant lack of treatment adherence was observed in the SDCA group. In this group, treatment doses were reduced. Asthma was controlled in a high percentage of children with STRA and SDCA.