Probability of successful inhaled corticosteroids cessation in preschool wheezers: a predictive score.

Abstract

Predictors of less successful ICS cessation were the following: perinatal oxygen use, allergic rhinitis, blood eosinophil count > 500 cell/mm3, and previous ICS use > 6months. A simple predictive score developed in this study may help general practitioners to be more confident in making a decision regarding the discontinuation of ICS after initial therapeutic trials. • Early allergic sensitization is associated with reduced chances of inhaled corticosteroid cessation at school age. • Prolonged ICS is associated with the emergence of adverse effect and discontinuing too early can result in recurrence symptoms. • Requirement of oxygen support within 7 days after birth in term neonate is a postnatal factor associated with less successful ICS cessation. • We propose a simple predictive tool with easily available clinical parameters (perinatal oxygen use, allergic rhinitis, blood eosinophil count, parental asthma history, and duration of previous ICS use) to determine the timing of inhalational corticosteroid cessation in preschool wheezers.