Prednisolone reduces recurrent wheezing after a first wheezing episode associated with rhinovirus infection or eczema

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Mar;119(3):570-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.11.003. Epub 2006 Dec 27.

Abstract

Background: Rhinovirus-induced early wheezing has been suggested as a new important risk factor for recurrent wheezing.

Objective: We sought to investigate the risk factors for recurrent wheezing and to determine post hoc the efficacy of prednisolone in risk groups.

Methods: We followed for 1 year 118 children (median age, 1.1 years) who had had their first episode of wheezing and had participated in a trial comparing prednisolone with placebo in hospitalized children. Demographics and laboratory data were obtained at study entry. The follow-up outcome was recurrent wheezing (3 physician-confirmed episodes).

Results: Recurrent wheezing was diagnosed in 44 (37%) children. Independent risk factors were age < 1 year, atopy, and maternal asthma. The probability of recurrent wheezing was higher in rhinovirus than respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-affected children among placebo recipients (hazard ratio, 5.05; 95% CI, 1.00-25.41). Prednisolone decreased the probability of recurrent wheezing in children with eczema (0.15; 95% CI, 0.04-0.63) but not in those without eczema (1.89; 95% CI, 0.83-4.29; P = .007 for interaction). Prednisolone was associated with less recurrent wheezing in the rhinovirus group (0.19; 95% CI, 0.05-0.71), but not in the RSV (2.12; 95% CI, 0.46-9.76) or in the RSV/rhinovirus-negative groups (2.03; 95% CI, 0.83-5.00; P = .017 for interaction).

Conclusion: Rhinovirus-induced early wheezing is a major viral risk factor for recurrent wheezing. Prednisolone may prevent recurrent wheezing in rhinovirus-affected first-time wheezers. The presence of eczema may also influence the response to prednisolone.

Clinical implications: A prospective trial is needed to test the hypothesis that prednisolone reduces recurrent wheezing in rhinovirus-affected wheezing children.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Eczema / complications*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Picornaviridae Infections / complications*
  • Placebos
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Respiratory Sounds / drug effects*
  • Respiratory Sounds / etiology
  • Rhinovirus*
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Prednisolone