Managing Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations: The Role of Timely Systemic Corticosteroid Administration in Emergency Care Settings—A Multicentric Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Asthma is the most prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children. An asthma exacerbation (AE) is a frequent reason for emergency department (ED) visits. An important step in the management of a moderate to severe AE is the administration of systemic corticosteroids (SCS) within 1 h after ED presentation. This study aimed to determine the timing of SCS administration and correlate this with the length of stay and oxygen therapy duration and to explore factors predicting timely administration. Methods: This study used a retrospective multicenter observational design based on electronic medical records review. Children aged < 18 years, presenting to the ED with a moderate to severe AE were included. Results: 205 patients were included. Only 28 patients received SCS within 60 min after ED arrival. The median time to SCS administration was 169 min (Q1 92–Q3 380). A correlation was found between timing and oxygen treatment duration (r = 0.363, p < 0.001) and length of stay (r = 0.368, p < 0.001). No patient characteristics predicted timely SCS administration. Conclusions: Three in four children who presented with a moderate to severe AE at the ED did not receive SCS within the first hour. A prolonged timing of SCS administration correlated with a prolonged length of stay and extended need for oxygen support.