Risk factors and markers of asthma control differ between asthma subtypes in children. Issue 6 (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nordlund, Björn; Melén, Erik; Schultz, Erica S.; Grönlund, Hans; Hedlin, Gunilla; Kull, Inger
• Is Part Of: Pediatric allergy and immunology. Volume 25:Issue 6(2014)
• Page Start: 558
• Page End: 564
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Allergy in children -- Periodicals; Immunologic diseases in children -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1111/pai.12271
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-6157

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="pai12271-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="pai12271-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>There is limited understanding about risk factors for asthma, and few studies have presented an overall picture of factors associated with asthma subtypes in schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors and markers of asthma control associated with asthma subtypes up to preadolescence.</p> </sec> <sec id="pai12271-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A Swedish birth cohort of 3015 children was followed for 12 yr using repeated parental questionnaires. At 8 yr, clinical investigation was performed, specifically evaluating lung function, allergic sensitization (IgE > 0.35 kU<sub>A</sub>/l), and body mass index (BMI). Children were categorized into three subtypes: <italic>transient asthma</italic> – asthma at 4 and 8, but not at 12 yr (n = 71), <italic>late‐onset asthma</italic> – asthma at 12 yr, but not earlier (n = 103), and <italic>persistent asthma</italic> – asthma at 4, 8 and 12 yr (n = 125).</p> </sec> <sec id="pai12271-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>At 8 yr of age, high BMI (>85th percentile), sensitization, and rhinitis were significantly associated with late‐onset asthma (p < 0.05). Prominent risk factors at birth associated with persistent, but not late‐onset asthma, were male sex, tobacco exposure and, heredity for atopy (p < 0.05). Children with persistent asthma were also found to have significantly reduced lung function at 8 yr of age, more eczema/rhinitis, and were more atopic than non‐asthmatics (p < 0.05). For persistent asthma, symptoms changed from 8 to 12 yr, with fewer nocturnal symptoms, less healthcare utilization, and less frequent wheeze at 12 yr (p < 0.05).</p> </sec> <sec id="pai12271-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Risk factors differ between asthma subtypes and markers of asthma control vary with age up to preadolescence.</p> </sec> </abstract>