Introduction
Recognizing factors associated with severe exacerbations is necessary to reduce
hospital attendance and healthcare costs. Our study aimed to identify risk factors
for asthma hospitalization in children.
Methods
A retrospective and comparative study including 222 asthmatic children followed
between January 2016 and September 2022 was conducted. The population was
divided into 58 patients hospitalized for severe asthma exacerbation and 164 who
were never hospitalized.
Results
The mean age was 7.9 years ± 3.5 [2-17 years] with a male predominance (a
gender ratio of 1.2). The mean duration of asthma evolution was 3.49 ± 2.6 [1-14
years]. Asthma diagnosis was made earlier in children hospitalized for severe
asthma. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of
rhinitis (p=0.2), gastro-intestinal reflux disease (p=0.4), obesity (p=0.3),
hypereosinophilia (p=0.4) and positive skin tests (p=0.4). Children with severe
exacerbation history were more exposed to passive smoking (p=0.05) and dust
(p=0.01). Poor treatment adherence and irregular follow-up were more observed
in hospitalized children (p=0.02 and 0.04 respectively). Airway obstruction
disorder was more noticed in severe patients (p=0.01). Free-running asthma test
was more likely to be positive in this group of patients (p=0.05). The mean dose of
inhaled corticoids was similar in both groups. Meanwhile, anti-leukotrienes were
more prescribed in the other group (P=0.04).

Conclusion

A reduction in the risk of hospitalizationmust go through regular monitoring and
avoidance of passive smoking and dust.Children with abnormal pulmonary
function need closer follow-up.