Factors associated with recurrent hospitalizations in asthmatic children

Abstract

Objective. – To determine preventable risk factors associated with recurrent hospitalization of children for acute asthma attacks. Methods. – A retrospective analysis of 288 asthmatic children between 6 and 15 years of age who were hospitalized between 31 December 1993 and 1 January 2000 was carried out. Results. – Admissions for asthma were higher in boys than in girls (male to female ratio 1.8). Of 288 children, 68 (23.6%) had multiple admissions, defined as a more than one admission per year during the follow-up period. The following factors were associated significantly with recurrent hospital admissions for asthma attacks: maternal smoking ( P < 0.02); frequent upper respiratory tract infection ( P < 0.001); high levels of total serum IgE ( P < 0.02); high peripheral blood eosinophil count ( P < 0.001); atopic dermatitis ( P < 0.001); and age less than 11 years ( P < 0.05). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, among others factors only maternal smoking ( r = 0.24, P < 0.001) and frequent upper respiratory tract infection ( r = 0.37, P < 0.001) were significant factors for recurrent admissions. Conclusion. – Prevention of maternal smoking and frequent upper respiratory tract infections may be effective in decreasing re-admission to hospital in asthmatic children.