Ways of administration of corticosteroids in moderate asthma crisis

Objective: to determine the differences between the parenteral and the oral administration of systemic corticosteroids in moderate asthma crisis and the cost. Method: prospective and descriptive study performed in 105 patients, who presented with a moderate asthma crisis at "Juan Manuel Marquez" pediatric hospital from September 1, 2009 through May 31st, 2011. The patients were randomly selected and assigned to one of the following groups: Group A was given hydrocortisone intramuscularly, group B was administered methylprednisolone intramuscularly, and group C was given prednisone orally. Results: the duration of crisis according to the route of administration of corticosteroids was 1 to 3 days in 26 (74.3 %) patients in group A, in 24 (68.6 %) of group B, and in 32 (91.4 %) in group C. The duration of the crisis in terms of the number of days with breathing difficulties and night cough behaved similarly in the three groups. The cost of systemic corticosteroids based on the route of administration was 13 times higher in group A and 35 times higher in group B than in group C. Conclusions: the corticosteroids administered either orally or intramuscularly have the same effects in relation to the improvement of symptoms in patients with moderate asthma crisis. The use of the oral medication means a substantial saving for the country, and at the same time, it avoids the undesired effects of the parenteral route.