Primary Care Provider Corticosteroid Choice and Clinical Outcomes for Children with Acute Asthma Exacerbations

Background: There is variability in primary care provider (PCP) oral corticosteroid (OCS) preferences for treatment of children with acute asthma exacerbations. However, the impact of PCP steroid treatment choices on clinical outcomes has not been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate clinical outcomes in children with acute asthma exacerbations treated with prednisone/prednisolone versus dexamethasone at their primary care clinic. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of children ages 3-9 years in the Colorado All Payers Claim Database with a primary care clinic visit for asthma and an associated OCS prescription fill between January 22, 2013 and June 26, 2019. Index clinic …