Abstract
During a 5 year period (1980-1984) 117 asthmatic children with continuous asthma (aged 5-18 y) have been followed in intervals of 8-12 months at least 3 times. The patients were assigned to four functional groups according to the lung function data where CN contains 17 patients (15%) with lung function data within the 2SD-range of values predicted, C1 20 patients (17%) with hyperinflation (FRC > 130% pred.), C2 29 patients (25%) with hyperinflation and broncho-constriction (Raw > 130% pred.), and C3 46 patients (39%) only with bronchoconstriction. According to the degree of functional abnormalities 4 severity degrees were defined. After regular treatment with β2-mimetics, mast-cell-stabilisation and/or topical steroids, 37% of patients with the bronchial type of disease (C3) became normal, whereas hyperinflation persisted in 80% of patients from the group with hyperinflation (C1). In group C2 34% became normal; of the remaining patients 6 persisted to be hyperinflated, whereas 10 had still broncho-constriction. Concerning severity of disease, best tendency for remission was observed in the age group 11-13 y, less also in 5-7 y and 8-10 y. Patients older than 14 y showed a slight worsening of the disease.
It is concluded: 1) Childhood asthma diagnosed under the age of 10 y has a good tendency for remission. 2) Hyperinflation in asthmatic children seems to be a functional abnormality resistant to conventional treatment and therefore needs special attention in the follow-up. In further studies, an appropriate treatment of hyperinflation has to be evaluated.
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Kraemer, R., Zeltner, S., Sennhauser, F. et al. COURSE OF “CONTINUOUS ASTHMA” IN CHILDREN WITHIN DIFFERENT FUNCTIONAL GROUPS. Pediatr Res 19, 1091 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00136
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00136