Pediatric asthma: An unmet need for more effective, focused treatments

Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, Adnan Čustović, Michael D. Cabana, Sharon D. Dell, Antoine Deschildre, Gunilla Hedlin, Elham Hossny, Peter Le Souëf, Paolo M. Matricardi, Antonio Nieto, Wanda Phipatanakul, Paulo M. Pitrez, Petr Pohunek, Marcela Gavornikova, Xavier Jaumont, David B. Price

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Despite remarkable advances in our understanding of asthma, there are still several unmet needs associated with the management of pediatric asthma. Methods: A two-day, face-to-face meeting was held in London, United Kingdom, on October 28 and 29, 2017, involving a group of international expert clinicians and scientists in asthma management to discuss the challenges and unmet needs that remain to be addressed in pediatric asthma. Results: These unmet needs include a lack of clinical efficacy and safety evidence, and limited availability of non-steroid-based alternative therapies in patients <6 years of age. An increased focus on children is needed in the context of clinical practice guidelines for asthma; current pediatric practice relies mostly on extrapolations from adult recommendations. Furthermore, no uniform definition of pediatric asthma exists, which hampers timely and robust diagnosis of the condition in affected patients. Conclusions: There is a need for a uniform definition of pediatric asthma, clearly distinguishable from adult asthma. Furthermore, guidelines which provide specific treatment recommendations for the management of pediatric asthma are also needed. Clinical trials and real-world evidence studies assessing anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapies and other monoclonal antibodies in children <6 years of age with asthma may provide further information regarding the most appropriate treatment options in these vulnerable patients. Early intervention with anti-IgE and non-steroid-based alternative therapies may delay disease progression, leading to improved clinical outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7-16
Number of pages10
JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology
Volume30
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • asthma management
  • omalizumab
  • pediatric asthma
  • unmet need

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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