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Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Review

Management of acute respiratory diseases in the pediatric population: the role of oral corticosteroids

Authors: Renato Cutrera, Eugenio Baraldi, Luciana Indinnimeo, Michele Miraglia Del Giudice, Giorgio Piacentini, Francesco Scaglione, Nicola Ullmann, Laura Moschino, Francesca Galdo, Marzia Duse

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Respiratory diseases account for about 25% of all pediatric consultations, and 10% of these are for asthma. The other main pediatric respiratory diseases, in terms of incidence, are bronchiolitis, acute bronchitis and respiratory infections. Oral corticosteroids, in particular prednisolone, are often used to treat acute respiratory diseases given their anti-inflammatory effects. However, the efficacy of treatment with oral corticosteroids differs among the various types of pediatric respiratory diseases. Notably, also the adverse effects of corticosteroid treatment can differ depending on dosage, duration of treatment and type of corticosteroid administered — a case in point being growth retardation in long-course treatment. A large body of data has accumulated on this topic. In this article, we have reviewed the data and guidelines related to the role of oral corticosteroids in the treatment and management of pediatric bronchiolitis, wheezing, asthma and croup in the attempt to provide guidance for physicians. Also included is a section on the management of acute respiratory failure in children.
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Metadata
Title
Management of acute respiratory diseases in the pediatric population: the role of oral corticosteroids
Authors
Renato Cutrera
Eugenio Baraldi
Luciana Indinnimeo
Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
Giorgio Piacentini
Francesco Scaglione
Nicola Ullmann
Laura Moschino
Francesca Galdo
Marzia Duse
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-017-0348-x

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