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Introduction of a new paediatric asthma guideline: Effects on asthma control levels
Author(s) -
Hammer S. C.,
Sonneveld L. J. H.,
Kant K. D. G.,
Hendriks H. J.,
Heynens J. W.,
Droog R.,
Dompeling E.,
Jöbsis Q.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12697
Subject(s) - medicine , guideline , asthma , spirometry , pediatrics , disease control , physical therapy , environmental health , pathology
Background In 2008, a new national paediatric asthma management guideline based on the international Global Initiative for Asthma ( GINA ) guideline was launched in the Netherlands. We studied whether asthma control and treatment regimens improved after introduction of the guideline by comparing survey data before and after the guideline introduction. Methods Two comparable groups of children (6–16 years) with asthma were included before (2004) and after (2013) the introduction of the guideline. Children, parents and paediatricians completed questionnaires about asthma symptoms, medication and healthcare use. Spirometry was performed. Results Data of 209 patients were analysed. Level of asthma control did not improve between 2004 and 2013 with a proportion of (partly) controlled asthmatics of 51% in 2004 and 59% in 2013 (p = 0.28). In 2013, paediatricians characterized 76% of children as (partly) controlled, while 59% of children was (partly) controlled according to GINA criteria (p < 0.05). Step‐down treatment in controlled patients was more applied by paediatricians in 2013 compared to 2004 (from 8 to 40%, p < 0.05). Step‐up treatment in uncontrolled patients did not improve. Conclusions Asthma control did not improve after the introduction of the new guideline. Compared to 2004, an improvement was observed in step‐down treatment in patients with controlled disease.