Oral prednisolone did not improve outcomes in preschool children with an attack of virus-induced wheezing
QUESTION
Does a short course of oral prednisolone improve outcomes in preschool children with an attack of wheezing associated with upper respiratory viral infection?
METHODS
Design:
randomised placebo-controlled trial. ISRCTN58363576.
Allocation:
concealed.
Blinding:
blinded (patients, parents, healthcare providers, and outcome assessors).
Follow-up period:
1 month.
Setting:
3 hospitals in the UK.
Patients:
700 children 10–60 months of age (mean age 26 mo, 64% boys) who presented to hospital with an attack of wheezing associated with a clinically diagnosed upper respiratory viral infection. Exclusion criteria included shock, bacterial sepsis, heart or lung disease, immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive therapy, and varicella infection or recent exposure.
Intervention:
oral prednisolone (10 mg/d if ⩽24 mo of age or 20 mg/d if >24 …
