Analysis of the Consumption of Drugs Prescribed for the Treatment of Asthma in Belgian Children.

Natacha Biset,Dominique Detemmerman,Wies Kestens,Ann Ceuppens,Güngör Karakaya,Murielle Lona,Stéphanie Pochet,Carine De Vriese

doi:10.3390/ijerph19010548

Abstract

(1) Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world among children. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the consumption of asthma medications in order to investigate asthma in children (2–18 years) and the association with health care consumption; (2) a retrospective study using anonymized administrative data for 2013–2018 from the third largest Belgian health insurer was conducted; (3) in 2018, 12.9% of children received at least one asthma medication and 4.4% received at least two packages with a minimum of 30 days between purchases. Preschool children (2–6 years) were three times more likely to take asthma medication than older children (7–18 years). ICS, in combination or not with LABA, were the most dispensed drugs among children. Children with asthma medications were almost twice as likely to receive antibiotics, more likely to end up in the emergency room, and twice as likely to be hospitalized; (4) most children took ICS, according to the GINA guidelines. High rates of nebulization in young children were observed, despite the recommendation to use an inhaler with a spacing chamber as much as possible. Finally, children who took asthma medications were more likely to end up in the ER or be hospitalized.

Highlights

Academic Editor: Imti ChoonaraAsthma is a common non-communicable disease of the respiratory system affecting the lower airways
Our results showed that preschool children were more likely than older children to have taken asthma medication. (Figure 1) This was statistically significant (t-test with p < 0.01) when comparing the group of preschool children (2–6 years old) with the group of older children (7–18 years old) for both approaches
Salbutamol (SABA) was the most widely dispensed asthma medication for children. This meant that SABA was sometimes used in monotherapy as a reliever according to GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines in progress at the time of the study [17]

Summary

Introduction

Asthma is a common non-communicable disease of the respiratory system affecting the lower airways. It is characterized by non-specific respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness or cough [1]. Emotional and social impacts on the life of a child [2]. Children with asthma are more likely to be in poor health; the disease is associated with decreased daily exercise, avoidance of social activities and increased school absenteeism [3]. Allergic mechanisms can be involved in almost half of people with asthma [4]. Children with asthma, and especially severe asthma are more likely to receive other medications, leading to substantial higher healthcare resource use and costs than average patients without asthma [5]

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Discussion

Conclusion