[P4112] Differential characteristics of outpatients asthmatic children by GINA categories

Asthma GINA classification indicates that severity classification should be assessed before treatment . Aim of our study is to describe host/environmental characteristics, asthma severity level and comorbidities among patients followed at the IBIM Pulmonary and Allergy Paediatric Clinic. A series of asthmatic patients (September 2011 - November 2013) were investigated through standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS release 19. Preliminary results refer to 215 patients: 113 Intermittent (I) (52,55%) and 102 Persistent (P) (47.44%); age (years): 9.25±2.7 I vs 9.06±2.7 P; preterm 9% I vs 16.8% P (p=0.088); BMI (Kg/m2): 20.24±4.95 I vs 19.11±4.42 P (p=0.085). With regard to atopy, I showed higher frequencies of polysensitization (68.1% vs 51,2%, p=0.021) and outdoor sensitization (50% vs 36.7%, p=0.053), whereas P showed higher frequencies of comorbidities: atopic dermatitis (33% vs 21.4%, p=0.050), anaphylaxis (10.9% vs 2.7%, p=0.017), food allergy (26.5% vs 17.1%, p=0.097) and lower pulmonary function tests: FEV1 (%Pred) 86.36±16.01 P vs 99.44±12.36 I (p<0.0001); FVC (%Pred) 93.01±16.46 P vs 100.10±13.47 I (p=0.001); FEF25-75(%Pred) 71.12±21.16 P vs 96.24±27.24 I (p<0.0001); FEV1/FVC (%Pred) 92.57±10.52 P vs 99.08±7.71 I (p=0.001). By regression logistic model, Preterm and Atopic dermatitis were the only significant risk factors (OR=2.09, 95%CI 0.90-4.85, p=0.085 and OR=1.87, 95%CI 1.01-3.46, P=0,047, respectively.In conclusion, in a consecutive series of asthmatic children differential characteristics in pattern of sensitization and comorbidities as well as in spirometric indices were found confirming the relevance of lung function assessment .