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EG |
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| Egypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol |
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2008 |
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6 |
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02 |
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51-56 |
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ESP - 73 |
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| Epidemiological Pattern and Management of Pediatric Asthma
Review of Ain Shams Pediatric Hospital Chest Clinic Data
Cairo, Egypt 1995-2004 |
| Magda Y. El-Saify |
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Malak A. Shaheen |
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Sahar M. Sabbour |
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Ahmed A. Basal |
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| Background: Pediatric asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in
childhood and has an impact on child's quality of life.
Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical data of asthmatic
children followed up in the Pediatric Chest Clinic Ain Shams University
during a 10 year period.
Methods: Files of asthmatic children attending the Clinic in the period
from1995 to 2004 were selected. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed.
Results: Out of 1006 recorded cases, a total of 691 (68.7%) were asthmatic.
The proportion of asthmatics among all chest patients attending the clinic
was lowest in 2002 being 51.6% and highest in 1995, being 78.3%. Male to
female ratio was1.6:1, mean age was 5.27 yrs (SD ±3.65), mean age of onset
of disease was 1.84 yrs (SD ± 2.78). Persistent asthma was significantly
more prevalent in males p<0.01. Severe asthma; using the American
Thoracic Society Classification, was found in 151 (41.1%) of cases. From
2002, using GINA Guidelines Classification, severe persistent asthma
accounted for 13.5%. Episodic attacks were reported by 270 (39%) of
patients, nocturnal attacks by 302 of patients (43.7%) and exercise induced
asthma in 97 (14%) of patients. Exacerbations occurred in 300 (43.4%)
patients after respiratory infections, in 275 (39.8%) on exposure to smoke,
in 139 (20%) with special food, in 91 (13.2%) following allergen exposure
and 51 (7.4%) on exposure to inhaler sprays. Half of the patients were
treated by combination of drugs (49.2%), corticosteroid inhalers in 32.1%,
and ß agonists (short acting) in 31.4%.
Conclusion & recommendations: Asthma constitutes a main problem in the
Pediatric Chest Clinic. Respiratory infection and environmental factors are
major exacerbating factors. Better documentation of patient's data and
complete record in the files is needed. |
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