Epidemiological characterization of pediatric patients with status asthmaticus admitted to intensive care units.

Asthma morbidity and mortality have increased in the past two decades; Puerto Rican children have the highest prevalence of asthma in the United States. An asthma admission to PICU is a marker of asthma severity. This study describes the profile of the pediatric population admitted with status asthmaticus during a three year period to PICU at Hospital Episcopal San Lucas. An ambispective cohort chart review of 46 cases was performed; there was a mean average age of 6.2 years, male predominance (70%) and a strong family and personal history of asthma and allergies. 48% were classified as persistent asthmatics, only 19% of these received preventive mediation regimens. 72% of patients were covered under Puerto Rico's Health Care Reform and 28% had private insurance. Of the patients covered by Puerto Rico's Health Care Reform, classified as persistent asthmatics, 79% did not receive preventive treatment medication compared to 46% in private insurance. Background asthma management remains suboptimal in children needing hospitalization. Lack of preventive medication appears to be related to the type of health insurance.