Because of insufficient local comparative data, this study was designed to determine the outcome of intravenous dexamethasone in contrast to oral prednisolone in acute exacerbation of asthmatic children.
The findings of this study would furnish the local data. The results would also provide recommendations to use more appropriate steroid options in the local settings, resulting in aid to improve the quality of life of asthmatic children and their quicker return to daily routine activities.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
224
Patients received single IV dose of Dexamethasone at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg
Patients received oral prednisone at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day (max 60 mg) as a single dose for 3 days.
Nishtar Medical University Hospital
Multan, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Asthma exacerbation
The Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score was used to assess the severity of asthma exacerbation. This score consisted of 5 items and had a maximum score of 12: suprasternal retractions (0-2), scalene muscle contraction (0-2), air entry in chest (0-3), wheeze (0-3), and oxygen saturation (0-2). A score of 1-3 showed mild exacerbation, 4-7 showed moderate exacerbation, and 8-12 revealed severe exacerbation of asthma.
Time frame: 4 days
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