Characteristics of children hospitalized with severe asthma in southern Brazil <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To describe the cases of pediatric hospitalizations of asthma exacerbations, discussing clinical and epidemiological factors involved. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of hospitalizations in patients younger than 18 years, between January and December of 2009, in a hospital of the Southern Region of Brazil. Characteristics of the patients, hospitalization data, medications used, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-four children were hospitalized with severe asthma, with median age 3.2 years (standard deviation 2.8), of whom 59.5% were male. We observed that 12% of children used regular therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and 21% had outpatient follow-up with a pediatric pneumologist. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (standard deviation 7.8), with a maximun of 50 days. Most hospitalizations occurred in August (28.4%). There was one death in the study period. CONCLUSIONS: There was a predominance of hospitalizations in children under three years and the incidence was increased in winter. Low rates of outpatient regular follow-up and use of preventive medication were found. Preventive therapy and educational programs must be encouraged to decrease the incidence of pediatric hospitalization for asthma in Brazil.