Allsa research awards report CORTICOSTERO1D RESPONSIVENESS IN ASTHMATIC CHILDREN: COMPARISON BETWEEN 'DIFFICULT-TO-CONTROL' AND 'RESPONSIVE-TO-TREATMENT' ASTHMA - A PILOT STUDY

摘要

Chronic asthma, the most common chronic disease in children, affects approximately 20% of children worldwide.1'2 In Africa, the asthma prevalence among children in several centres, including Cape Town and Polokwane, is 18-21.5%, which is similar to that in western Europe.2 Corticosteroids, which have broad anti-inflammatory effects, are the preferred, most effective and cost-effective treatment for asthma.3'4 However, 5-10% of asthmatic patients do not respond well to corticosteroid treatment and are referred to as having 'difficult-to-control' asthma.3-4 These subjects can account for more than 50% of the total health care costs of asthma.4 Patients with 'difficult-to-control' asthma could be relatively insensitive to steroids.3'4 There could, however, be other underlying factors such as poor adherence to medication, incorrect inhaler technique, environmental triggers and co-morbid conditions such as rhinosinusitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux and psychosocial dysfunction.3