Dexamethasone for Acute Asthma Exacerbations in Children: A Meta-analysis -

Dexamethasone for Acute Asthma Exacerbations in Children: A Meta-analysis
Information type: Systematic reviews
Source: Pediatrics
Specialities: Paediatric and neonatal medicine | Respiratory disorders
Summary
This meta-analysis (6 RCTs) reported no difference between one dose IM/oral dexamethasone and 5-day course oral prednisolone in relative risk of relapse at any time point (5 days RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.46–1.78, 10–14 days RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.77–1.67, 30 days RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.03–56.93).
UKMi comment
In clinical practice, oral prednisolone is the steroid that is normally used in children with acute asthma exacerbation. It is usually given at a dose of 1–2mg/kg (max 40mg) daily for up to 3 days.
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