Treatment pattern of inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children across Norwegian counties

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have suggested an inappropriate use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for preschool children, with few persistent users in this age group. Aim: To study the pattern of use of ICS for preschool children across Norwegian counties. Methods: Data on dispensed ICS in children aged 0-4 years from 2011and forward were retrieved from the nationwide Norwegian Prescription Database. Users were categorized in 4 mutually exclusive groups according to the number of days between dispensed prescriptions over a 3 year-period: Single users (1 prescription only), continuous users maximum 182 days between prescription fills), intermittent users (maximum 365 days between prescription fills, not a continuous user) and sporadic users (≥2 prescriptions, not included in other categories). Results: There was a 3 fold difference in the prescription rate of ICS between the Norwegian counties (range 41-122 per 1000 children). The majority of preschool children were single or sporadic users and few were continuous users. The relation between the user categories was consistent between counties. Conclusion: The results suggest an inappropriate use of ICS in preschool children and the need for an improved implementation of guidelines for the treatment of lower airway symptoms in young children.