Pediatric Asthma Admission Is Less Likely with Early Steroid Administration

In a prospective observational study, researchers assessed whether early administration of corticosteroids reduces hospital admission in children (age range, 2–17 years) with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations (Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure score 5 to 12). Of 406 children (median age, 4 years) who presented to a single pediatric emergency department (ED) in Montreal during a 3-month period, 50% received corticosteroids early (within 75 minutes of triage), 33% received corticosteroids late (>75 minutes), and 17% did not receive corticosteroids. The ED's clinical pathway recommended systemic prednisone or prednisolone (1mg/kg; maximum, 50 mg) administered within 60 minutes of triage.

Overall, 36% of patients were admitted or ha…