Global prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in childhood: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in children and adolescents.

Method: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Virtual Health Library-BIREME from inception to December 23, 2017. We selected observational studies that reported the prevalence of EIB (diagnosed by exercise challenge test) in children and adolescents aged 5-18 years. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the pooled prevalence of EIB and 95% CI.

Results: We included 66 studies (55 696 participants, 5670 cases of EIB) in the review, of which 33 in general population of children and adolescents, 10 in child and adolescent athletes and 23 in children and adolescents with asthma. The global mean prevalence of EIB in the general population of children and adolescents was 9% (IC95%: 8-10%), with a higher rate (12%) in Asia-Pacific and America. The mean prevalence of EIB was 15% (95% CI: 9-21%) in child and adolescent athletes, and 46% (95% CI: 39-53%) in children and adolescents with asthma. We estimated that, globally, around 16.5 million (95% CI: 15-18 million) children and adolescents up to 18 years of age may have EIB.

Conclusion: EIB in childhood should be considered as a global public health problem that needs more attention. The substantial heterogeneity between studies highlights the need for evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis of EIB in this age group.

Keywords: childhood; exercise challenge test; exercise-induced bronchoconstriction; meta-analysis; prevalence; systematic review.