Hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation in Chilean children: A multicenter observational study

© 2018 SEICAPBackground: Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children have increased in the last 14 years, but little is known about the factors associated with this. Objective: Describe clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbation. Methods: Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals. Over a one-year period, children five years of age or older hospitalized with asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. Parents completed an online questionnaire with questions on demographic information, about asthma, indoor environmental contaminant exposure, comorbidities and beliefs about disease and treatment. Disease control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test. Inhalation technique was observed using a checklist. Results: 396 patients were enrolled. 168 children did not have an established diagnosis of asthma. Only 188 used at least one controller treatment at the time of hospitalization. 208 parents said they believed their child had asthma o