The prevalence of ibuprofen-sensitive asthma in children: a randomized controlled bronchoprovocation challenge study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of ibuprofen-sensitive asthma in school-aged children with mild or moderate persistent asthma.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover bronchoprovocation challenge study in children 6 to 18 years of age with mild or moderate persistent asthma. Patients received a single dose of ibuprofen or placebo, per randomization, and then returned 2 to 7 days later to repeat the procedures after taking that study drug not received at the first visit. At each visit, patients performed spirometry before and (1/2), 1, 2, and 4 hours after administration of study drug. We defined bronchospasm as a > or =20% decrease from baseline in the forced expired volume in the first second (FEV1) and ibuprofen sensitivity as bronchospasm following administration of ibuprofen but not placebo.


RESULTS
Of the 127 patients screened, 100 (mean age, 11 years) completed the study. Two patients met criteria for ibuprofen-sensitive asthma, resulting in a prevalence of 2% (95% CI: 0.2%-7%). Neither patient was known to have had any exposure to ibuprofen before the study.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of ibuprofen-sensitive asthma was low but non-zero in this group of children with mild or moderate asthma. The possibility of ibuprofen-induced bronchospasm should be considered before administering ibuprofen to children with asthma.
Debley
Jason S
JS
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. jason.debley@seattlechildrens.org
Carter
Edward R
ER
Gibson
Ronald L
RL
Rosenfeld
Margaret
M
Redding
Gregory J
GJ
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen