Severe asthma (SA) compared to non severe persistent asthma (PA) in children: An Italian on-line database

SA has been described as a heterogeneous disease with regard to clinical presentation and course. Few data are available in children. We present data on 37 patients 6-17 years old with SA defined according to recent ERS/ATS Guidelines (Eur Respir J 2014) in comparison with 64 age-matched peers with PA controlled by medium-dose inhaled steroids followed at specialised centres adhering to the Italian Society for Paediatric Respiratory Diseases (SIMRI). Each centre filled in questionnaires (medical + parental questionnaires + patient questionnaire if >12 yrs) on the web (CINECA). Cases included in 2013 are shown. The table summarizes main demographic and clinical history characteristics, lung function and atopic findings, comorbidities/contributory factors, and personal/family impact of the disease. ![Figure][1] These preliminary findings confirm that children with SA are a heterogeneous group. Distinguishing characteristics are age at asthma diagnosis, food sensitisation, atopic dermatitis, total IgE and lung function. SA represents an important burden to personal and family life. [1]: pending:yes