[Asthma - Clinical and epidemiological aspects of 237 outpatients in a specialized pediatric unit].

OBJECTIVE

The authors describe and evaluate epidemiological and clinical features of asthmatic outpatients attending a specialized pediatric unit.

METHODS

Asthmatic patients of the Allergy and Immunology Unit of Department of Pediatrics (University of São Paulo) followed in the period from 1988 up to 1995 were evaluated in a non-randomized and retrospective study. The patients were submitted to a protocol for associated diseases (gastroesophageal reflux, toxocariasis, tuberculosis, immunodeficiencies and other atopic diseases). Asthma severity was classified according to the 1st Brazilian Consensus for Asthma Management.

RESULTS

237 patients (128M:109F) were admitted with mean age of 86 months. The first episode of wheezing occurred during the first year in 56% of them. Parental history of atopy was present in 61.6%. 53% of the patients had severe asthma in the first evaluation and it decreased for 35% at the time of this protocol. Cold weather (78.3%) and house dust (64.7%) were the commonest triggering factors. The following associated diseases were diagnosed: gastroesophageal reflux (n=57), toxocariasis (n=17), tuberculosis (n=7) and immunodeficiencies (n=16). 90.2% had other atopic conditions.

CONCLUSION

The authors emphasize that the first asthmatic episode occurred earlier but there is a delay in sending the patients to specialized centers. The evaluation of clinical and epidemiological findings besides familial history are necessary for adequate treatment and early introduction of prophylactic measures.