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The following article is a part of conference coverage from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting, being held in Phoenix, Arizona, from February 25 to 28, 2022. The team at Pulmonology Advisor will be reporting on the latest news and research conducted by leading experts in the field. Check back for more from the AAAAI 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting. |
Respiratory virus infections are the leading trigger for pediatric asthma exacerbations (PAE), according to a study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2022 Annual Meeting, held in Phoenix, Arizona, February 25 to 28.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a natural experiment to study how changes in respiratory virus transmission affect PAE. In the current study, investigators hypothesized that social distancing and other nonpharmaceutical interventions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have reduced viral triggers for asthma exacerbation, thus leading to a reduction in critical asthma that is unrelated to changes in allergens and pollutants.
To test their hypothesis, the investigators conducted a retrospective analysis of PAE and respiratory virus testing at a quaternary hospital system from January 2014 through June 2021. PAE was identified in electronic medical records using continuous albuterol administration as a surrogate marker of critical asthma. The researchers found from 15 to 52 weeks after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had prescribed local implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions for preventing the spread of COVID-19, weekly encounters for PAE decreased from an average of 64.7 for the period of 2014 through 2019 to 13.4 in 2020. Correspondingly, average respiratory virus positivity rates decreased from 56.5% for the period of 2014 through 2019 to 30.9% in 2020, even though pollen counts, mold counts, and the Air Quality Index did not change significantly in 2020.
The investigators also identified rhino/enterovirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, seasonal coronavirus, adenovirus, Air Quality Index, and tree as being significantly associated with PAEs. However, the strongest associations were demonstrated between respiratory virus positivity rates and PAE volumes.
The researchers concluded, “The natural experiment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic provides confirmation that respiratory virus infections are the leading trigger for PAE.” They added, “Reduced [respiratory virus] transmission should be emphasized in pediatric asthma management.”
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Visit Pulmonology Advisor’s conference section for complete coverage of the AAAAI 2022 Annual Meeting. |
Reference
Poole A, Holcomb M, Jamieson A, et al. Social distancing reveals determinants of pediatric asthma exacerbations. Presented at: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2022 Annual Meeting; February 25–28, 2022; Phoenix, AZ. Abstract 178.
