Dexamethasone Versus Prednisolone in Acute Exacerbation of Childhood Asthma

Comparison of Outcome Between Dexamethasone Versus Prednisolone Administration in Acute Exacerbation of Childhood Asthma

Because of insufficient local comparative data, this study was designed to determine the outcome of intravenous dexamethasone in contrast to oral prednisolone in acute exacerbation of asthmatic children.

The findings of this study would furnish the local data. The results would also provide recommendations to use more appropriate steroid options in the local settings, resulting in aid to improve the quality of life of asthmatic children and their quicker return to daily routine activities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children of any gender
• Aged 2-12 years
• Presenting with acute exacerbation of asthma within 24-hours

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with PRAM score of ≥ 10
• Used oral or parenteral corticosteroids in last 4-weeks
• With any chronic condition of lungs (TB, cystic fibrosis), liver (chronic liver disease), kidneys (chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome) or blood (thalassemia, malignancy)