The evaluation of risk factors for recurrent hospitalizations resulting from wheezing attacks in preschool children

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate the risk factors in preschool children admitted to inpatient services with a diagnosis of recurrent attacks of wheezing. Method: The medical files of 44 preschool children with 2 or more recurrent hospitalizations resulting from wheezing between November 2011 and January 2012 were retrospectively investigated. Results: There were 28 males (64 %) and 16 females. The median age was 14 months (2.0-50). The median numbers of previous wheezing attacks and hospitalizations were 4 (2-10) and 2 (2-8), respectively. Fourteen patients (32 %) had been treated for gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The previous and recent hospital evaluations were investigated. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and anemia were significantly more common in patients with 3 or more hospitalizations for wheezing than in those with 2 hospitalizations (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively). A review of the cases with 3 or more hospitalizations revealed that a history of GER and anemia were significant risk factors. Conclusion: Anemia and GER are risk factors for recurrent hospitalizations resulting from wheezing and should be treated. If the history and physical examination suggest asthma, inhaler therapy treatment should be administered, with other investigations planned for patients who do not respond to treatment as expected.