Comparative Efficacy of Dexamethasone versus Hydrocortisone in Severe Acute Pediatric Asthma

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone in the treatment of acute paediatric asthma. Forty seven asthmatic children were randomised to receive either dexamethasone (0.6 mg/ml, maximum 16 mg) in a single dose or hydrocortisone (8-10 mg/kg/day) in 4 equal doses for 2 days. Our findings showed that the mean length of hospitalization in children receiving dexamethasone was significantly shorter than those receiving hydrocortisone.