RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 High-dose inhaled corticosteroid use in childhood asthma: an observational study of GP prescribing
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 788
OP 790
VO 56
IS 531
A1 Mike Thomas
A1 Steve Turner
A1 Dave Leather
A1 David Price
YR 2006
UL http://bjgp.org/content/56/531/788.abstract
AB Inhaled corticosteroids are effective and safe treatments for childhood asthma in standard doses, yet at high dosages they may be associated with adverse events and suboptimal outcomes; add-on therapy is, therefore, recommended to minimise their use. We quantified prescribing of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and add-on therapy in children in July 2003 and found that high-dose inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed to 10% of children aged 5–11 years and 6% of under-5's who were treated for asthma. Add-on therapy was lacking for almost half of these individuals. Some children were receiving treatment not in accord with current licences and evidence-based recommendations and, as such, may be at risk of adverse outcomes.