Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2005 Sep;25(3):187-193.

The Risk Factors for Persistence of Asthma Symptoms in Late Childhood for 10 Years of Follow-Up

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We aimed to determine potential risk factors for persistence of symptoms in subjects with asthma from late childhood to late puberty. METHOD: One hundred and ninety-four children with asthma were observed for average 10 years, retrospectively. Information about symptoms, peripheral blood eosinophil counts, serum ECP, serum IgE, skin test reactivity to common allergens, pulmonary function and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine were obtained at referral and at final visit. After reassessed at final visit, they were divided into two groups depending on symptoms; persistent group and non persistent group. RESULT: Persistent group was observed in 43.8% of the patients in this study. No differences in sex, age, eosinophil count, serum IgE, serum ECP, and positive skin test were found between persistent group and nonpersistent group. Persistent group was significantly associated with methacholine PC20< or =10 mg/mL (odds ratio 3.4; 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 7.4), paternal history of allergic diseases (3.1; 1.4 to 6.8), more severe asthma symptoms (2.3; 1.0 to 5.1) and a history of atopic dermatitis (2.2; 1.0 to 4.7). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the children who hare more severe asthma symptoms, increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness, paternal history of allergic diseases, and associated atopic dermatitis in late childhood are more likely to have persistent symptoms to adulthood.

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Allergens
Asthma*
Child
Dermatitis, Atopic
Eosinophils
Follow-Up Studies*
Hares
Humans
Immunoglobulin E
Methacholine Chloride
Puberty
Referral and Consultation
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors*
Skin Tests
Allergens
Immunoglobulin E
Methacholine Chloride