INDICES> Corticosteriods for acute asthma

[pharmacy@palaunet.com]

INDICES> Corticosteriods for acute asthma
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According to a review on "Advances in the Management of Acute Asthma"
(Pediatrics in Review, Vol 17. No. 7, July 1996) Prednisone (and
Methlyprednisone) can be used for Acute Severe Exacerbations of Asthma
at the following dose:

1mg/kg every 6 hours for 48 hours then 1 to 2 mg /kg/day in two divided
dosages until PEF is 70% of predicted normal or personal best.

This recommendation is currently being used in our hospital, however
there is no maximum dosage specified and as such some children are
receiving rather large doses of corticosteriods.  Other references I
have consulted recommend a maximum dose of 60 to 80 mg/day of prednisone
for children.

Has anyone had experience with the above regime and if so is there a
recommended maximum dose?

With thanks

Richard Duncan
Chief Pharmacist
Ministry of Health
Republic of Palau

Tel:  680 488 2552
Fax: 680 488 1211
pharmacy@palaunet.com

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