Lødrup Carlsen KC, Hedlin G, Bush A, Wennergren G, de Benedictis FM, De Jongste JC, Baraldi E, Pedroletti C, Barbato A, Malmström K, Pohunek P, Pedersen S, Piacentini GL, Middelveld RJ, Carlsen KH; PSACI (Problematic Severe Asthma in Childhood Initiative) group. Eur Respir J. 2011 Feb;37(2):432–40. Epub 2010 Oct 28. IF: 5.527
Abstract:
Assessment of problematic severe asthma in children should be performed in a step-wise manner to ensure an optimal approach. A four-step assessment scheme is proposed. First, a full diagnostic work-up is performed to exclude other diseases which mimic asthma. Secondly, a multi-disciplinary assessment is performed to identify issues that may need attention, including comorbidities. Thirdly, the pattern of inflammation is assessed, and finally steroid responsiveness is documented. Based upon these four steps an optimal individualised treatment plan is developed. In this article the many gaps in our current knowledge in all these steps are highlighted, and recommendations for current clinical practice and future research are made. The lack of good data and the heterogeneity of problematic severe asthma still limit our ability to optimise the management on an individual basis in this small, but challenging group of patients.
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