Resumen de Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the control and severity of pediatric asthma
Silvia Sánchez García, Francisco Javier Ruiz Hornillos, Marta Bernaola Abraira, Alicia Habernau Mena, Eva María Lasa Luaces, Javier Contreras Porta, Rocío Candón Morillo, Cristina Antón Rodríguez, Carmelo Escudero Díez
Background: The novel disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused an unprecedented global pandemic. Care providers of asthmatic children are increasingly concerned; as viral infections are one of the primary triggers of asthma flare-up. However, the effect of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the generated worldwide lockdown on asthmatic children is unknown.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pandemic SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric asthma control.
Material and Methods: A retrospective, open, transversal study was performed at five tertiary hospitals. Recruited patients were aged <18 years and had physician-diagnosed asthma. Information regarding the 2019 and 2020 seasons were provided.
Results: Data were collected from 107 children (age range: 3–18 years, mean age: 12 years). Well-controlled asthma was observed in 58 (54.2%) patients in 2020 versus 30 (28%) in 2019, and 15 (14%) patients had poorly controlled asthma in 2020 versus 28 (26.2%) in 2019. In 2020, a decrease in exacerbations caused by allergies to pollen, dust mites, molds, and through other causes not related to SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed. An increase in exacerbations was observed due to animal dander, stress, physical exercise, and SARSCoV-2 infection. Children had a reduced need for asthma-controlling medication, made fewer visits to healthcare providers and had lesser need of treatment with oral corticosteroids if compared with the same season of 2019.
Conclusion: Pediatric asthma control improved, the need for controller medication declined, and fewer visits to healthcare providers were made during the pandemic if compared with the 2019 season.
