Tastes great, less filling! Randomized trial comparing perceived palatability of dexamethasone preparations in children

Dexamethasone has been shown to be effective for croup and acute asthma exacerbations in children. Current guidelines do not recommend 1 systemic corticosteroid over another, but there is some evidence to suggest dexamethasone may result in fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects. A meta-analysis aimed at determining the equivalence or superiority of dexamethasone to prednisone or prednisolone for pediatric acute asthma exacerbations found no difference in the relative risk of relapse between the 2 groups, and patients receiving dexamethasone were less likely to experience vomiting. 1 Keeney GE Gray MP Morrison AK Levas MN Kessler EA Hill GD et al. Dexamethasone for acute asthma exacerbations in children: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2014; 133: 493-499 Crossref PubMed Scopus (85) Google Scholar An observational study comparing prednisolone and dexamethasone preparations in pediatric patients with asthma or croup showed that dexamethasone had a more favorable taste. 2 Aljebab F Alanazi M Choonara I Conroy S. Observational study on the palatability and tolerability of oral prednisolone and oral dexamethasone in children in Saudi Arabia and the UK. Arch Dis Child. 2018; 103: 83-88 Crossref PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar Pediatric research studies: The Yin and the YangAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & ImmunologyVol. 130Issue 2PreviewAlthough previous artistic images of children represented little adults, by the time of the Renaissance, artists realized that children are not miniature adults. However, the medical field was slower in incorporating this idea until almost the mid-20th century.1 Children have unique risks and vulnerabilities that are affected by the world around them. Their response to medical treatments is also unique and can change with their developing age. Hence, one of the very special aspects of the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology is that we have the honor of treating patients of all ages. Full-Text PDF