Quality of life in caregivers of children with asthma: Validity and reliability of the IFABI-R questionnaire

BACKGROUND: Parents'/caregivers' quality of life is an important aspect to consider when handling paediatric asthma, but there is a paucity of valid and reliable instruments to measure it. The Family Impact of Childhood Bronchial Asthma (IFABI-R) is a recently developed questionnaire to facilitate the assessment of asthma-related parents'/caregivers' quality of life. This study researches the psychometric properties of IFABI-R. METHODS: Parents/main caregivers of 462 children between 4 and 14 years of age with active asthma were included in the sample. IFABI-R was administered on two different occasions and a number of other variables related to the parents'/caregivers' quality of life were measured: child's asthma control, family functioning, and parents'/caregivers' perception of asthma symptoms in the child. IFABI-R evaluative and discriminative properties were analysed, and the minimal important change in the IFABI-R score was identified. RESULTS: IFABI-R showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.941), cross-sectional construct validity (correlation with the degree of child's asthma control, family functioning and parent/caregiver perception of the child's asthma symptoms), longitudinal construct validity (correlation of changes in the IFABI-R with changes in asthma control and changes in the perception of symptoms), sensitivity to change and test-retest reliability. An absolute change of 0.3 units in IFABI-R related to a minimal significant change in the parents'/caregivers' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: IFABI-R is a reliable and valid instrument to study the quality of life of parents/caregivers of children with asthma

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Quality of life in caregivers of children with asthma: Validity and reliability of the IFABI-R questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Parents'/caregivers' quality of life is an important aspect to consider when handling paediatric asthma, but there is a paucity of valid and reliable instruments to measure it. The Family Impact of Childhood Bronchial Asthma (IFABI-R) is a recently developed questionnaire to facilitate the assessment of asthma-related parents'/caregivers' quality of life. This study researches the psychometric properties of IFABI-R. METHODS: Parents/main caregivers of 462 children between 4 and 14 years of age with active asthma were included in the sample. IFABI-R was administered on two different occasions and a number of other variables related to the parents'/caregivers' quality of life were measured: child's asthma control, family functioning, and parents'/caregivers' perception of asthma symptoms in the child. IFABI-R evaluative and discriminative properties were analysed, and the minimal important change in the IFABI-R score was identified. RESULTS: IFABI-R showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.941), cross-sectional construct validity (correlation with the degree of child's asthma control, family functioning and parent/caregiver perception of the child's asthma symptoms), longitudinal construct validity (correlation of changes in the IFABI-R with changes in asthma control and changes in the perception of symptoms), sensitivity to change and test-retest reliability. An absolute change of 0.3 units in IFABI-R related to a minimal significant change in the parents'/caregivers' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: IFABI-R is a reliable and valid instrument to study the quality of life of parents/caregivers of children with asthma.

Control del asma en niños: validez del cuestionario CAN y surelación con la función pulmonar y el óxido nítrico exhalado / Controlling asthma in children: validity of the Asthma Control Questionnaire and its relationship with pulmonary function and exhaled nitric oxide

Objetivos. Estudiar la validez de criterio del cuestionario CAN para determinar el control del asma y su relación con medidas de función pulmonar y de inflamación de la vía aérea. Métodos. Niños de 6-14 años con asma de cualquier gravedad, atendidos en 7 centros de atención primaria. Los niños y uno de sus cuidadores respondieron al cuestionario CAN (versiones CAN-niño y CAN-cuidador), se midió la fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO), se realizó espirometría basal y prueba broncodilatadora, y se determinó el control del asma según la Global Initiative for Asthma(GINA) por un pediatra entrenado. Resultados. Se incluyeron 149 niños. El cuestionario fue correctamente contestado por el 98,2% de los niños de 9-14 años y el 95,3% de los cuidadores de niños de 6-14 años. No había correlación entre los resultados del CAN y las medidas de función pulmonar o la FeNO. Las puntuaciones obtenidas en los cuestionarios CAN aumentaban consistentemente a medida que el control del asma era peor. La sensibilidad/especificidad de las versiones CAN-niño y CAN-cuidador fueron 77,8/59,8% y 78,1/60,9%, respectivamente. Independientemente del control del asma, los niños de más edad y los que cumplían mejor el tratamiento daban respuestas más favorables en el cuestionario. Las madres daban respuestas más desfavorables que otros cuidadores. Ni el nivel de estudios en la familia ni las variables relacionadas con riesgo de pérdida de control influían en los resultados. Conclusión. El cuestionario CAN discrimina entre diferentes grados de deterioro en el control del asma, pero no es suficiente para valorar adecuadamente todos los aspectos de ese control (AU)

Aim. To study the criterion validity of the CAN questionnaire in measuring asthma control in children, and its relationships to pulmonary function and airway inflammation. Methods. Six-to-fourteen years old children with asthma of any severity, presented at 7 primary care centers in Spain. The children and their caregiver answered the CAN questionnaires (CAN-child and CAN-carer versions), the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured, basal and post-bronchodilator spirometry was conducted, and a formal evaluation of asthma control was performed by a trained pediatrician according to Global Initiative for Asthma(GINA).Results. One hundred and forty-nine children were included. CAN questionnaires were correctly answered by 98.2% of nine-to-fourteen years old children and by 95.3%of the caregivers of the six-to-fourteen years old children. There was not correlation between CAN and pulmonary function measures or FeNO. CAN results increased steadily as asthma control worsened. Sensitivity/specificity of the CAN-child and CAN-carer were respectively 77.8/59.8% and78.1/60.9%. Independently of asthma control, more favorable answers to CAN were given by older children and by children who were well adherent to therapy. Mothers rated control worse than other caregivers did. There were no influences in CAN results from educational level in the family or from variables related to risk of loss of control of asthma. Conclusion. CAN questionnaire differentiate between levels of impairment in asthma, but this is not enough to adequately assess all aspects of asthma control (AU)

Clinical correlates and determinants of airway inflammation in pediatric asthma.

BACKGROUND: Airway inflammation is a key component in the pathophysiology of asthma. However, neither its role in the clinical features of asthma nor the factors affecting the degree of inflammation have been fully defined. METHODS: We determined the fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FE(NO)) using a portable device (NIOX-MINO, Aerocrine, Solna, Sweden) in a consecutive sample of 149 asthmatic children aged 6 to 14 years. In order to establish an association with FE(NO), we analyzed symptoms, spirometric parameters before and after a bronchodilator test, and the impact of asthma on quality of life during the previous 4 weeks. We also investigated how clinical variables that regulate inflammation affected FE(NO). RESULTS: In patients not treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICs), FE(NO) was higher when specific symptoms (wheeze and cough) had been present during the previous 4 weeks; however, we were unable to establish a relationship with symptom frequency, bronchodilator use, asthma crises, hospital admissions, limitation of daily activities, or spirometry results. In patients treated with ICs, FE(NO) was not related to the clinical expression of asthma, except for a reduced ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity, both before and after bronchodilation. The main determinant of FE level in untreated patients was sensitization to house dust mite. In patients treated with ICs, FE(NO) was only associated with adherence to therapy. CONCLUSION: Airway inflammation, as determined by FE(NO), is only weakly associated with the clinical expression of asthma and spirometry results. Adherence to treatment is the main determinant of the degree of inflammation in patients taking ICs.

Perfil de sensibilización alérgica en niños de 0 a 5 años con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica / Allergic sensitization profile in 0–5 year old children with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis

Antecedentes Aunque las enfermedades alérgicas son frecuentes en la infancia, pocos estudios han caracterizado el perfil de sensibilización inmunoglobulina (Ig) E en niños pequeños con síntomas de posible origen alérgico. Objetivo Establecer la prevalencia y el tipo de sensibilización alérgica, y los factores demográficos y ambientales relacionados con ambas características, en niños de 0 a 5 años de edad con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica. Población y métodos Estudio transversal colaborativo en el que participaron 20 centros de atención primaria de diversas áreas geográficas de España. En conjunto, 468 niños con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica realizaron una evaluación alergológica que incluyó la determinación en sangre de anticuerpos IgE específicos frente a neumoalérgenos y trofoalérgenos prevalentes. Resultados Se detectó sensibilización alérgica en el 32,4% de los niños con sibilancias (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 26,3–38,6%), el 54,8% de los niños con dermatitis atópica (IC del 95%: 42,1–67,6%) y el 39,2% de los que tuvieron ambos procesos (IC del 95%: 32,0–46,4%). El riesgo de sensibilización se vio influido por el sexo (odds ratio ajustado [ORA] masculino versus femenino: 1,91; IC del 95%: 1,24–2,95), la edad (ORA 3–5 versus 0–2 años: 1,96; IC del 95%: 1,27–3,0), el tipo de lactancia (ORA materna versus artificial: 0,51; IC del 95%: 0,31–0,84) y el área geoclimática (ORA continental versus atlántica: 2,26; IC del 95%: 1,30–3,93). Con respecto al área atlántica, la sensibilización en el área continental fue menor a ácaros (ORA: 0,16; IC del 95%: 0,07–0,36) y mayor a gramíneas (ORA: 4,65; IC del 95%: 1,99–10,86), leche de vaca (ORA: 5,17; IC del 95%: 1,71–15,62) y huevo (ORA: 5,26; IC del 95%: 2,04–13,62), mientras que en el área mediterránea fue menor a ácaros (ORA: 0,29; IC del 95%: 0,13–0,64) y mayor a leche de vaca (ORA: 3,81; IC del 95%: 1,20–12,14) y huevo (ORA: 5,24; IC del 95%: 1,94–14,20). Conclusiones Una proporción relevante de los niños pequeños asistidos en atención primaria por sibilancias o dermatitis atópica presentan sensibilización alérgica. En España parecen existir variaciones según el área geoclimática en la prevalencia de sensibilización a inhalantes y alimentos en lactantes y niños preescolares con síntomas de posible origen alérgico (AU)

Background Although allergic diseases are frequent in childhood, few studies have characterised the IgE sensitization profile among young children with allergic-like symptoms. Objective To determine the prevalence and the type of allergic sensitization, as well as the demographic and environmental factors related to both characteristics, among 0–5 year old children presenting with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. Methods Collaborative cross-over study developed in the paediatric setting of 20 Spanish Primary Health Care Centres. An allergology evaluation including blood determination of specific IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens was performed on 468 children who presented with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. Results Allergic sensitization was detected in 32.4% of the children with wheezing (95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 26.3–38.6%), in 54.8% of the children who had atopic dermatitis (95%CI, 42.1–67.6%) and in 39.2% of the children with both processes (95%CI, 32.0–46.4%). The risk of allergic sensitization was sex related (male versus female adjusted odds ratio, ORA, 1.91, 95%CI, 1.24–2.95), and also related to the age (3–5 versus 0–2 year old ORA 1.96, 95%CI, 1.27–3.0), type of early feeding (maternal milk versus infant formula ORA 0.51, 95%CI, 0.31–0.84) and geoclimatic area (ORA Continental versus Atlantic 2.26, 95%CI, 1.30–3.93). Compared to the Atlantic area, the Continental area the sensitization was lower to mites (ORA 0.16, 95%CI, 0.07–0.36) and higher to grass (ORA 4.65, 95%CI 1.99–10.86), cow milk (ORA 5.17, 95%CI, 1.71–15.62) and egg (ORA 5.26, 95%CI, 2.04–13.62), whereas in the Mediterranean area the sensitization was lower to mites (ORA 0.29, 95%CI, 0.13–0.64) and higher to cow milk (ORA 3.81, 95%CI, 1.20–12.14) and egg (ORA 5.24, 95%CI, 1.94–14.20). Conclusion A significant proportion of small children treated at the paediatric primary health care centres due to wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis had allergic sensitization. There appears to be a geoclimatic variation in the prevalence of sensitization to inhalant and food allergens among young children with allergic like symptoms who live in Spain (AU)

[Allergic sensitization profile in 0-5 year old children with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis]. / Perfil de sensibilización alérgica en niños de 0 a 5 años con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica.

BACKGROUND: Although allergic diseases are frequent in childhood, few studies have characterised the IgE sensitization profile among young children with allergic-like symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and the type of allergic sensitization, as well as the demographic and environmental factors related to both characteristics, among 0-5 year old children presenting with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Collaborative cross-over study developed in the paediatric setting of 20 Spanish Primary Health Care Centres. An allergology evaluation including blood determination of specific IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens was performed on 468 children who presented with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. RESULTS: Allergic sensitization was detected in 32.4% of the children with wheezing (95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 26.3-38.6%), in 54.8% of the children who had atopic dermatitis (95%CI, 42.1-67.6%) and in 39.2% of the children with both processes (95%CI, 32.0-46.4%). The risk of allergic sensitization was sex related (male versus female adjusted odds ratio, OR(A), 1.91, 95%CI, 1.24-2.95), and also related to the age (3-5 versus 0-2 year old OR(A) 1.96, 95%CI, 1.27-3.0), type of early feeding (maternal milk versus infant formula OR(A) 0.51, 95%CI, 0.31-0.84) and geoclimatic area (OR(A) Continental versus Atlantic 2.26, 95%CI, 1.30-3.93). Compared to the Atlantic area, the Continental area the sensitization was lower to mites (OR(A) 0.16, 95%CI, 0.07-0.36) and higher to grass (OR(A) 4.65, 95%CI 1.99-10.86), cow milk (OR(A) 5.17, 95%CI, 1.71-15.62) and egg (OR(A) 5.26, 95%CI, 2.04-13.62), whereas in the Mediterranean area the sensitization was lower to mites (OR(A) 0.29, 95%CI, 0.13-0.64) and higher to cow milk (OR(A) 3.81, 95%CI, 1.20-12.14) and egg (OR(A) 5.24, 95%CI, 1.94-14.20). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of small children treated at the paediatric primary health care centres due to wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis had allergic sensitization. There appears to be a geoclimatic variation in the prevalence of sensitization to inhalant and food allergens among young children with allergic like symptoms who live in Spain.

Factibilidad de la medición en atención primaria de la fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico en niños con asma. Estudio CANON / Feasibility of FeNO measurement in asthmatic children in the primary care setting. CANON Study

Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad de la medición de la fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO) en niños con asma, mediante la utilización de un dispositivo portátil, en el contexto de la atención primaria de salud. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, transversal, de visita única, en 7 centros de salud de España. Cada centro incluyó, de forma consecutiva, a niños de 6 a 14 años con diagnóstico médico de asma. Cada niño debía realizar 2 maniobras válidas de la FeNO utilizando el medidor portátil NIOX MINO(R) (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Suecia). El análisis de factibilidad incluyó: a) porcentaje de niños capaces de realizar la maniobra; b) determinación del número de pruebas necesarias hasta obtener un resultado válido; c) tiempo empleado entre el inicio de la primera maniobra y la obtención del resultado, y d) opinión del técnico sobre la facilidad de la enseñanza de la maniobra y valoración de la dificultad para su realización. Resultados: Se invitó a participar a 151 niños, de los cuales 149 (98,7%) fueron capaces de hacer la maniobra de la FeNO. El 55% de los niños tenía experiencia previa en el uso del dispositivo. Para el conjunto de los niños, la mediana de intentos necesarios hasta una medición válida fue de 2 (amplitud intercuartílica [IQR]: 1 a 3) y la mediana de tiempo empleado fue de 4min (IQR: 3 a 5). El personal sanitario a cargo de la prueba consideró el procedimiento (enseñanza y maniobra) fácil o muy fácil para el 87,8% (enseñanza) y para el 86,5% (maniobra) de los niños. Comparativamente, los niños con experiencia previa realizaron la prueba en menos intentos y menos tiempo, y la enseñanza y la ejecución les resultaron significativamente más fáciles que a los niños sin experiencia. Conclusiones: La medición de la FeNO con el medidor NIOX MINO(R), en el contexto de la atención primaria, es técnicamente factible y aceptable para los niños y el personal sanitario. La experiencia previa ejerce un papel de aprendizaje positivo y proporciona resultados válidos en menor tiempo y con menor número de intentos (AU)

Aim: Asses the feasibility of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement in asthmatic children using a hand-held device in the primary care setting. Methods: Multicentre study performed in the paediatric clinics in seven Spanish primary health care centres. Each centre consecutively included 6–14 year-old children with doctor-diagnosed asthma. Children were asked to obtain two valid measurements of FeNO with the hand-held device NIOX MINO(R) (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden). Feasibility analysis included: (a) percentage of children able to perform the manoeuvre, (b) time required to obtain a successful determination, (c) number of attempts needed, and (d) acceptability of the technical procedure by clinical personnel involved in their guidance. Results: The Study enrolled 151 children. A total of 149 (98.7%) were able to perform the FeNO manoeuvre. The majority (55%) of children had previous experience of using the hand-held device. The Overall median (and Interquartile Range, IQR) of attempts needed to reach a first valid measurement was 2 (1–3) and median (IQR) of time taken was 4min (3–5). Nurses considered the overall procedure was very easy or easy in 87.8% (teaching) and 86.5% (performing) of children. Children with previous experience performed the manoeuvre in less attempts, less time and more easily than children without experience. Conclusions: Measurement of FeNO using NIOX MINO(R) device is technically feasible and acceptable for children and staff in the clinical context of asthma management in primary health care. Previous experience had a positive, learning effect, in teaching and performing the FeNO manoeuvre (AU)

[Feasibility of FeNO measurement in asthmatic children in the primary care setting. CANON Study]. / Factibilidad de la medición en atención primaria de la fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico en niños con asma. Estudio CANON.

AIM: Asses the feasibility of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement in asthmatic children using a hand-held device in the primary care setting. METHODS: Multicentre study performed in the paediatric clinics in seven Spanish primary health care centres. Each centre consecutively included 6-14 year-old children with doctor-diagnosed asthma. Children were asked to obtain two valid measurements of FeNO with the hand-held device NIOX MINO (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden). Feasibility analysis included: (a) percentage of children able to perform the manoeuvre, (b) time required to obtain a successful determination, (c) number of attempts needed, and (d) acceptability of the technical procedure by clinical personnel involved in their guidance. RESULTS: The Study enrolled 151 children. A total of 149 (98.7%) were able to perform the FeNO manoeuvre. The majority (55%) of children had previous experience of using the hand-held device. The Overall median (and Interquartile Range, IQR) of attempts needed to reach a first valid measurement was 2 (1-3) and median (IQR) of time taken was 4 min (3-5). Nurses considered the overall procedure was very easy or easy in 87.8% (teaching) and 86.5% (performing) of children. Children with previous experience performed the manoeuvre in less attempts, less time and more easily than children without experience. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of FeNO using NIOX MINO device is technically feasible and acceptable for children and staff in the clinical context of asthma management in primary health care. Previous experience had a positive, learning effect, in teaching and performing the FeNO manoeuvre.

Group education on asthma for children and caregivers: a randomized, controlled trial addressing effects on morbidity and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the efficacy in terms of morbidity and quality of life of a group education program on asthma aimed at children and caregivers. METHODS: An open, randomized, controlled trial was undertaken in 13 primary health care centers in Spain, Cuba, and Uruguay and involved 245 children with active asthma aged 9 to 13 years and their caregivers. The intervention consisted of 3 educational sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes each and was performed with 3 intervention groups: children alone, caregivers alone, and both children and caregivers. The outcome measures were difference between intervention and control groups in the rate of asthma attacks and hospital admission, as well as the quality of life of children and caregivers in the 6 months following the intervention. RESULTS: The rate of asthma attacks per patient-year decreased when the intervention was given only to children (mean difference, -1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.87 to -0.34) or to both children and caregivers (-1.60; 95% CI, -2.88 to -0.31). Hospital admissions per patient-year decreased in the intervention groups children alone (-0.28; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.05) and both children and caregivers (-0.25; 95% CI, -0.49 to -0.02). Education provided to caregivers alone was not associated with any changes in morbidity. No differences were observed in terms of quality of life between controls and any of the intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: Group education on asthma reduces morbidity but does not improve quality of life. The benefits are apparent when education is aimed at children but no additional benefit is obtained if the intervention is also aimed at their caregivers. Finally, group education for adult caregivers alone is not effective.

Seasons and other factors affecting the quality of life of asthmatic children.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of seasons on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of asthmatic children. METHODS: Four groups of asthmatic children 7 to 14 years old were recruited by pediatricians during each season of the year. Their HRQL was assessed by means of the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ). Other factors surveyed were asthma severity, atopy, medical treatment, immunotherapy, obesity, parental smoking, and anti-allergic measures. RESULTS: The mean (SD) overall PAQLQ score was highest in summer at 6.2 (1.0) and lowest in autumn at 5.5 (1.2). The same trend was found for domains in summer and autumn, respectively: symptoms, 6.2 (1.0) vs 5.4 (1.4); emotions, 6.5 (0.8) vs 6.0 (1.0); and activities, 5.9 (1.4) vs. 5.0 (1.5). Factors such as male gender (odds ratio [OR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.87), being on immunotherapy (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38-0.92), living in an urban environment (OR, 0.56; 0.33-0.93), and residing on the northern coast of Spain along the Bay of Biscay (OR, 0.56; 0.36-0.89) were independent protective factors against having a total PAQLQ score in the lower tertile. Conversely, being recruited in a primary care setting (OR, 1.55; 1.01-2.38) and having more severe asthma were risks for being in the lower tertile. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the severity of the disease, season has a significant influence on the HRQL of asthmatic children.

[Geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma symptoms in Spanish children and adolescents. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase 3, Spain]. / Variaciones geograficas en la prevalencia de sintomas de asma en los ninos y adolescentes espanoles. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) fase III Espana.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze geographic variations in the prevalence of symptoms related to asthma in Spanish children and adolescents. POPULATION AND METHODS: In 2001 and 2002, the Spanish arm of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase 3 collected information on 28 445 children in the age bracket of 6-7 years in 10 metropolitan areas (A Coruña, Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Castellón, Madrid, Pamplona, San Sebastián, and Valencia) and on 31 257 adolescents in the bracket 13-14 years in 11 areas (the previously named areas plus Valladolid). An asthma symptom questionnaire was filled in by parents or the adolescents themselves. Differences in symptoms between geographic areas were analyzed by fitting a logistic regression model. The relationship between symptoms and age was analyzed by linear correlation. RESULTS: The prevalence of recent wheezing (last 12 months) ranged from 7.1% to 12.9% among 6-7-year-olds and from 7.1% to 15.3% among the 13-14-year-olds. The greatest risk of recent wheezing was observed for children in A Coruña (odds ratio [OR] =1.96 in comparison with the area of lowest prevalence; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-2.33) and Bilbao (OR=1.83; 95% CI, 1.54-2.18) and for adolescents in A Coruña (OR=2.38; 95% CI, 2.04-2.79) and Asturias (OR=2.37; 95% CI, 2.03-2.77). A strong correlation (r=0.72) was observed between the prevalence of recent wheezing and age in each of the geographic areas. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma symptoms can be seen in Spain even among young children. Symptoms are more frequent in children and adolescents who live on the Spain s northern Atlantic coast.

Variaciones geográficas en la prevalencia de síntomas de asma en los niños y adolescentes españoles. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) fase III España / Geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma symptoms in Spanish children and adolecents. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase 3, Spain

Objetivo: Analizar las variaciones geográficas en la prevalencia de síntomas relacionados con el asma en niños y adolescentes españoles. Población y métodos: Durante los años 2001 y 2002, el International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) fase III estudió a 28.445 niños de 6-7 años de 10 áreas (A Coruña, Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Castellón, Madrid, Pamplona, San Sebastián y Valencia) y 31.257 adolescentes de 13-14 años de 11 áreas (las anteriores más Valladolid) españolas. Los síntomas de asma se recogieron en un cuestionario escrito completado por los padres de los niños o por los propios adolescentes. Las variaciones geográficas de las prevalencias de los síntomas se analizaron con un modelo de regresión logística y su correspondencia por edad mediante correlación lineal. Resultados: La prevalencia de sibilancias recientes (últimos 12 meses) varió entre el 7,1 y el 12,9% a los 6-7 años, y entre el 7,1 y el 15,3% a los 13-14 años. El riesgo más elevado (odds ratio [OR] respecto al área de menor prevalencia) de presentar sibilancias recientes correspondió a los niños de A Coruña (OR = 1,96; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,65-2,33) y Bilbao (OR = 1,83; IC del 95%, 1,54-2,18) y los adolescentes de A Coruña (OR = 2,38; IC del 95%, 2,04-2,79) y Asturias (OR = 2,37; IC del 95%, 2,03-2,77). Se comprobó una fuerte correlación por edad en las prevalencias de sibilancias recientes de cada área geográfica (r = 0,72). Conclusiones: En España existen, desde edades tempranas, variaciones geográficas notables en la prevalencia de síntomas de asma. Éstos son más frecuentes en los niños y adolescentes que habitan en la fachada atlántica del país

Objective: To analyze geographic variations in the prevalence of symptoms related to asthma in Spanish children and adolescents. Population and Methods: In 2001 and 2002, the Spanish arm of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase 3 collected information on 28 445 children in the age bracket of 6-7 years in 10 metropolitan areas (A Coruña, Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Castellón, Madrid, Pamplona, San Sebastián, and Valencia) and on 31 257 adolescents in the bracket 13-14 years in 11 areas (the previously named areas plus Valladolid). An asthma symptom questionnaire was filled in by parents or the adolescents themselves. Differences in symptoms between geographic areas were analyzed by fitting a logistic regression model. The relationship between symptoms and age was analyzed by linear correlation. Results: The prevalence of recent wheezing (last 12 months) ranged from 7.1% to 12.9% among 6-7-year-olds and from 7.1% to 15.3% among the 13-14-year-olds. The greatest risk of recent wheezing was observed for children in A Coruña (odds ratio [OR] =1.96 in comparison with the area of lowest prevalence; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-2.33) and Bilbao (OR=1.83; 95% CI, 1.54-2.18) and for adolescents in A Coruña (OR=2.38; 95% CI, 2.04-2.79) and Asturias (OR=2.37; 95% CI, 2.03-2.77). A strong correlation (r=0.72) was observed between the prevalence of recent wheezing and age in each of the geographic areas. Conclusions: Considerable geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma symptoms can be seen in Spain even among young children. Symptoms are more frequent in children and adolescents who live on the Spain´s northern Atlantic coast

Evaluación diagnóstica básica del niño y adolescente asmático en Atención Primaria / No disponible

El diagnóstico de asma se basa en la presencia de síntomas debidos a la obstrucción del flujo aéreo, en la demostración de una obstrucción del flujo aéreo reversible, y en la exclusión de posibles diagnósticos alternativos. Se debe realizar una historia clínica exhaustiva, una exploración física centrada en el tracto respiratorio superior, pulmón y piel, unas pruebas defunción pulmonar (espirometría), si el niño es capaz de colaborar, para evidenciar la obstrucción reversible del flujo aéreo, una clasificación de la gravedad del asma, y otras pruebas adicionales para evaluar diagnósticos alternativos e identificar factores precipitantes.El asma suele debutar en la infancia y se suele asociar con la atopia. La historia familiar de atopia es el factor de riesgo más importante para el desarrollo de atopia en el niño. La existencia de asma o rinitis en la madre es el factor de riesgo más significativo de iniciode asma en la infancia y su persistencia hasta la edad adulta. La atopia en el propio niño (diagnosticada mediante prick test o IgE específica en suero) está relacionada con la gravedad del “asma actual” y su persistencia a lo largo de la infancia

To establish the diagnosis of asthma, the clinician must determine that episodic symptoms of airflow obstruction are present, airflow obstruction is at least partially reversible and alternative diagnoses are excluded. Recommended mechanisms to establish the diagnosis are detailed medical history, physical exam focusing on the upper respiratory tract, chest and skin, and spirometry to demonstrate reversibility. Additional studies may be considered to evaluate alternative diagnoses, identify precipitating factors and assess the severity of asthma. Asthma often begins in childhood, and when it does, it is frequently found in association with atopy. A family history of atopy is the most important clearly defined risk factor for atopy in children. A maternal history of asthma and/or rhinitis is a significant risk factor for late childhood onset asthma. Markers of allergic disease at presentation (skin prick tests and peripheral blood markers) are related to severity of current asthma and persistence through childhood (AU)