Clinical factors associated with treatment response to inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children with recurrent wheezing at Udon Thani Hospital
Keywords:
Preschool children, Recurrent wheezing, Inhaled corticosteroids, Associated factorsAbstract
Background: Recurrent wheezing in preschool children is common and demonstrates heterogeneous responses to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Identifying factors associated with treatment response may improve individualized management.
Objective: To determine clinical factors associated with response to ICS therapy and to evaluate the rate of good treatment response in preschool children with recurrent wheezing.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of children aged 1–5 years with recurrent wheezing who received continuous ICS therapy for at least three months at Udon Thani Hospital between January 2024 and June 2025. Treatment response was classified according to the Thai pediatric asthma guideline. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors.
Results: A total of 121 children were included; 88 cases (72.7%) demonstrated good treatment response. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age at ICS initiation (adjusted OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.18–3.13), and elevated blood eosinophils (adjusted OR 12.46; 95% CI 1.92–258.59) were significantly associated with good response. Exposure to household smoking (adjusted OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.09–0.71) and presence of allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.07–0.64) were significantly associated with poor response.
Conclusion: Most preschool children with recurrent wheezing responded well to ICS therapy. Age, household smoking exposure, comorbid allergic conditions, and elevated blood eosinophils were important factors associated with treatment response in preschool children with recurrent wheezing.
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