Bronchodilators for Wheeze in Young Children Presenting to Primary Care: a Randomised, Placebo-controlled, Multicentre, Parallel Group Trial

Summary

Ten percent of infants are prescribed short-acting bronchodilators (i.e. salbutamol) for wheezing every year, yet evidence to support this treatment in children younger than two years old is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of salbutamol for treatment of wheezing in young children who present to their primary care physician. In this study, the investigators will compare the effect of a 7-day treatment with salbutamol to the effect of 7-day treatment with a placebo. The main effect will be measured by evaluating a parent-reported symptom score. Additionally, the investigators will look at the presence of wheeze after 5 days, time to recovery, adverse events, healthcare utilisation, medication prescriptions, cost-effectiveness, and parent satisfaction with treatment.

Timeline

Start

2021-09

Primary completion

2023-04

Completion

2023-04

Publications

• Background Matricardi PM, Illi S, Gruber C, Keil T, Nickel R, Wahn U, Lau S. Wheezing in childhood: incidence, longitudinal patterns and factors predicting persistence. Eur Respir J. 2008 Sep;32(3):585-92. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00066307. Epub 2008 May 14.
• Background Martinez FD, Wright AL, Taussig LM, Holberg CJ, Halonen M, Morgan WJ. Asthma and wheezing in the first six years of life. The Group Health Medical Associates. N Engl J Med. 1995 Jan 19;332(3):133-8. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199501193320301.
• Background Mallol J, Garcia-Marcos L, Sole D, Brand P; EISL Study Group. International prevalence of recurrent wheezing during the first year of life: variability, treatment patterns and use of health resources. Thorax. 2010 Nov;65(11):1004-9. doi: 10.1136/thx.2009.115188. Epub 2010 Sep 20.
• Background Chavasse R, Seddon P, Bara A, McKean M. Short acting beta agonists for recurrent wheeze in children under 2 years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;2002(3):CD002873. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002873.

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.