Oral prednisolone reduced exacerbation of symptoms in children with virally induced lower airway disease
Q In children 6–35 months of age with virally induced lower airway disease (VILAD), is oral prednisolone (OP) more effective than placebo for reducing exacerbation of symptoms, hospital length of stay, and duration of symptoms?
Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★★☆ Paediatrics ★★★★★☆☆ Respirology ★★★★★☆☆ Emergency medicine ★★★★★★☆
METHODS
Design:
randomised placebo controlled trial.
Allocation:
concealed.*
Blinding:
blinded (participants and healthcare providers).*
Follow up period:
14 days.
Setting:
a university hospital in Tampere, Finland.
Patients:
248 children 6–35 years of age who presented to a paediatric emergency department with VILAD (acute tachypnoea, wheezing, or use of accessory respiratory muscles). Exclusion critera included asthma, inspiratory stridor, epiglottitis, foreign body aspiration, and chronic pulmonary diseases. 230 children (mean age 17 …
