Prescriptions of respiratory medications in children aged 0–10 years: A longitudinal drug utilization study in the POMME database
Respiratory tract disorders are common in children. However, there is no available data on the prescription of respiratory medications for children in France. This study aimed to provide an overview of medications for obstructive airway diseases prescriptions for children during the initial ten year...
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| Published in: | Respiratory medicine Vol. 232; p. 107741 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
England
Elsevier Ltd
01-10-2024
Elsevier |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Respiratory tract disorders are common in children. However, there is no available data on the prescription of respiratory medications for children in France. This study aimed to provide an overview of medications for obstructive airway diseases prescriptions for children during the initial ten years of their lives within POMME, a French population-based cohort of children.
This longitudinal, population-based study used data from the French POMME birth cohort, comprising children born in Haute Garonne between July 2010 and June 2011. Anonymous medical information, including medication reimbursement data, was collected between ages 0 and 10 years. Exposure was defined as at least one prescription for respiratory medications (ATC code R03*), focusing on specific subclasses. Data were analyzed by age, season, and prescribing physicians' specialties.
Out of 5956 children, 4951 (83.1 %) received respiratory medication prescriptions. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) were the most prescribed (95.3 %), followed by short-acting β2-agonists (68.8 %). The number of prescriptions increased with age, except for ICSs alone, which peaked between 6 months and 2 years. The average number of prescriptions per child was relatively low.
This study highlighted high prescription rates of respiratory medications in children under 10 years, with ICSs being the most prevalent. While these medications are primarily intended for asthma management, the findings suggested a significant proportion of off-label prescriptions, especially in young children. Further research and clinical guidance are warranted to ensure appropriate medication use in the pediatric population.
•❖POMME records all prescribed medications for children from birth to the age of 10.•Nearly 6000 children were included in the study.•More than 80 % of children were prescribed at least one respiratory drug.•Asthma drug prescriptions were in accordance with international recommendations.•However, many prescriptions were likely off-label for respiratory infection. |
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| Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
| ISSN: | 0954-6111 1532-3064 1532-3064 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107741 |