Written asthma action plans versus real-life use of short-acting beta-agonists by children with asthma and their families: a multicentre, prospective, observational study

<bold>Introduction.</bold> Guidelines recommend that children with asthma and their families receive a written asthma action plan (WAAP) that explains how to increase the reliever treatment in the event of asthma worsening. However, the dose of short-acting betaagonist (SABA) recommended in WAAPs varies considerably between guidelines, highlighting the lack of clinical data regarding the use of SABA at home by families. The aim of this study was to examine how families manage asthma symptoms at home and whether they are compliant to their WAAP. <bold>Methods.</bold> This multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study included children with asthma aged 3-11 years prescribed a pMDI of SABA as their reliever treatment (<ext-link>NCT04810169</ext-link>). Using an electronic monitoring device, parents completed a questionnaire on an app each time the SABA was actuated during 6 months. The primary outcome was the number of SABA puffs used for each symptom (cough, wheezing, etc.) leading to symptom resolution within 24 hours. <bold>Results.</bold> Of the 120 children included, 56 actuated their SABA for 191 intakes, 112 (63%) related to an asthma symptom, 94 (84%) of which led to resolution of symptoms within 24 hours. The median number of puffs was 2 to 3 in cases of dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath, and 6 in cases of respiratory distress (p=0.13). <bold>Conclusion.</bold> Most parents simply administer 2-3 puffs of salbutamol in the event of asthma symptoms (excluding respiratory distress), and this generally lead to symptom resolution. Families' compliance with WAAP is being analysed and results will be presented at the congress.