title: The role of parent-initiated oral corticosteroids in preschool wheeze and school-aged asthma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the theoretical background and current evidence regarding parent-initiated oral corticosteroid (PIOCS) therapy in preschool wheeze and asthma in school-aged children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In school-aged children with asthma PIOCS, given during acute episodes, has been associated with a modest reduction in asthma symptoms and health resource utilisation. In preschool wheeze, OCS (including PIOCS) therapy appears to be ineffective.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PIOCS is associated with modest benefits among school-aged children with acute asthma but is not effective among children with preschool wheeze. In older children with asthma, the potential benefits of PIOCS must be balanced against potential adverse effects associated with increased OCS administration.
authors.affiliation: Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. peterv@barwonhealth.org.au
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Vuillermin
authors.forename: Colin F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: South
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000367:Age Factors; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents; D011153:Population; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones