Younger Asthmatics Are Less Likely to Receive Inhaled Corticosteroids and Asthma Education After Admission for Exacerbation

Background: Recommended care prior to discharge from an asthma hospitalization includes prescribing controller medications, providing asthma education, and scheduling a follow-up appointment. Objective: To identify factors associated with receipt of recommended preventive care among children hospitalized for asthma. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients 2-18 years with primary diagnosis of asthma admitted to MUSC Children’s Hospital in 2005. Gender, race, age (2-6 yrs v. 7-18 yrs), primary payer, and season of admission were recorded. Outcome variables were: prescription for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), asthma education, and scheduling a follow-up appointment