Use of inhaled corticosteroids on an intermittent or as-needed basis in
pediatric asthma: a systematic review of the literature.
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to summarize the principal
findings of all available studies that have evaluated the use of ICS on
an intermittent or as-needed basis as an add-on therapy to short-acting
β2-agonists (SABAs) or fast-acting β2-agonists (FABAs), given alone or
in addition to daily controller therapy, in pediatric asthmatic
patients. Methods: Studies published by February 2021 that evaluate the
use of ICS on an intermittent or as-needed basis as an add-on therapy to
SABAs or FABAs given alone or in addition to daily controller therapy in
pediatric asthma were identified. The quality of the studies was
assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias and the AMSTAR 2 tools.
Results: Of 294 references identified, 14 studies were included. The use
of ICS on an intermittent or as-needed basis (as an add-on therapy to
SABAs) has been shown to be more effective than treatment with SABA
alone and to be similarly or less effective compared to regular daily
ICS administration. Furthermore, strategies involving increasing the
dose of ICS only when needed (as an add-on therapy to FABAs such as
formoterol) and keeping it low during stable stages of the disease have
been shown to be similarly or more effective than comparators.
Conclusion: The use of ICS on an intermittent or as-needed basis as an
add-on therapy to SABAs or FABAs, given alone or in addition to daily
controller therapy in pediatric asthmatic patients, is an effective and
well-tolerated treatment strategy.