Measuring outcomes in pediatric asthma

Abstract

The incidence and severity of pediatric asthma continues to increase in developed countries throughout the world. In determining what works best in the management of the asthmatic child, outcome measurements specific for this population have been developed. There are three major categories of outcomes that should be addressed in pediatric asthma. First are the clinical and physiologic measurements, which include lung functions, clinical symptoms, and number of emergency department and hospital visits. Measurement of both generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HQL) is advocated because each provides complementary information about how the condition affects everyday functioning and well-being, and whether treatments have their intended effects. Finally, economic outcomes should be considered, which include direct costs, such as physician and medication costs, and indirect costs, such as missing school or the parents missing work due to their child's asthma.