RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Use of dexamethasone and prednisone in acute asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 704
OP 706
VO 55
IS 7
A1 Allan E. Shefrin
A1 Ran D. Goldman
YR 2009
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/55/7/704.abstract
AB QUESTION Children frequently present to my rural emergency department with asthma exacerbations. Should I prescribe systemic corticosteroids? If so, which systemic corticosteroid should I prescribe? ANSWER A short course of steroids is indicated in the treatment of asthma exacerbations. Both prednisone (1 to 2 mg/kg daily for 5 days) and dexamethasone (0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg daily for 1 to 5 days) are effective in reducing hospital admissions and unscheduled return to care, with minimal side effects.