Negative Skin Prick Test Predicts Asthma Remission in Preschool Children

Rationale: The goal of asthma treatment is to achieve remission. Several studies have found an association between SPT results and asthma remission in school age children, but few studies have directly examined the relation of SPT results and asthma remission in preschool children.

Methods: A retrospective medical records review was conducted on asthmatic children ≤ 5 years of age during 2007-2013. Patients who used inhaled corticosteroids [ICS] > 3 months with follow up time after ICS cessation ≥ 12 months were included. Asthma remission was defined as free of asthmatic exacerbation that required re-starting ICS or admission within 12 months after ICS cessation. SPTs were performed before discontinuation of the ICS, and included standard aeroallergens such as grass, house dust mite, cockroach, cat and kapok.

Results: A total of 100 asthmatic children met the inclusion criteria. Fifty five percent had had negative SPT results. The overall remission rate in the first year of ICS cessation was 65%. The remission rates of negative and positive SPT patients were 82% and 44%, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed a negative SPT was a significant determinant  in predicting asthma remission (odds ratio 5.4, 95% CI 2.1-13.7).

Conclusions: A negative SPT is a predictor of preschool asthma remission after ICS cessation.