Is severity assessment after one hour of treatment better for predicting the need for admission in acute asthma?

Abstract

Aim: To determine if severity assessment after 1 h of treatment is better than assessment at presentation for predicting the requirement for hospital admission for emergency department (ED) patients with acute asthma. Methods: Prospective, observational study conducted in 36 Australian ED for a 2-week period in 2001 involving patients aged 1-55 years presenting with asthma. Data collected included severity assessment according to the National Asthma Guidelines (Australia) at presentation and 1 h, and disposition. Descriptive analysis was applied. Results: 720 cases were analysed. Patients with 'mild' asthma at either assessment time had a greater than 80% chance of discharge home. Patients a..