Uijen, J.H.J.M.

ENT problems in Dutch Children: Trends in incidence rates, antibiotic prescribing and referrals 2002-2008 (Article)

2011-06-01T00:00:00Z

Background. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems are common in childhood and are important reasons to visit the general practitioner. Objective. To examine trends in incidence rates, antibiotic prescribing, and referrals of five common ENT problems in children. Design. Netherlands Information Network of General Practice (LINH), a nationally representative general practice database. Setting. A total of 50 000 children, aged 0-17 years, registered in Dutch general practice over the period 2002-2008. Methods. Incidence rates were calculated and trends were analysed using linear regression analysis, with incidence rates per age group, proportion treated with antibiotics, and referrals as dependent variables and year of observation as independent variable. Results. In general, incidence rates of acute otitis media, serous otitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and tonsil hypertrophy remained stable over the period 2002--2008. An increasing trend was observed for serous otitis media in children aged 0-4 years (RR == 1.04, p < 0.001). A decreasing trend was observed for sinusitis in children aged 5-11 and for tonsillitis in children aged 11-17 years (RR 0.99, p < 0.001 and RR 0.94, p < 0.001, respectively). Antibiotics were prescribed in 10-60% of the diagnoses. An increasing trend for antibiotic prescription was found for acute otitis media (beta == 0.07, p < 0.001), mainly on account of amoxicillin. Although antibiotic treatment of tonsillitis remained stable, pheneticillin prescriptions showed a downward trend (beta == −−0.10, p < 0.001). First-choice antibiotics were prescribed in >80% of cases. Conclusions. This study showed remarkably stable trends in incidence rates, antibiotic prescribing, and referrals of common ENT problems. The low proportion of antibiotic treatment in ENT problems did not show negative consequences.

Respiratory Diseases in Children: studies in general practice (Doctoral Thesis)

2011-01-12T00:00:00Z

The work presented in this thesis covers various aspects of the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of various respiratory symptoms and diseases in children frequently encountered in general practice. These respiratory tract symptoms and diseases can be categorized into symptoms and diseases of the upper respiratory tract (ENT problems, including cough, earache, sore throat, otitis media, tonsillitis), and symptoms and diseases of the lower airways (e.g. cough, wheezing, dyspnoea, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma). The general aim of this work was to provide information for optimizing the care for children with respiratory symptoms and diseases in general practice. We have provided epidemiological data about respiratory symptoms and diseases in children, and examined the general practitioners' (GPs) management with respect to medication prescribing and referring these children to specialist care. The study aims were achieved by examining data from the second Dutch National Survey of General Practice, the Netherlands Information Network of General Practice, the Dutch National Medical Registration, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Asthma prescription patterns for children: can GPs do better? (Article)

2010-11-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract Background: Assessing prescription patterns of asthma medication for children is helpful to optimize prescribing by general practitioners (GPs). The aim was to explore prescription patterns in children with physician-diagnosed asthma and its determinants in general practice. Methods: We used the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice (DNSGP-2) with children aged 0-17 years registered in 87 general practices. All children with at least one asthma prescription were included (n = 2993). Prescription rates and prescription of continuous (≥3 prescriptions/year) versus intermittent asthma medication were calculated. Data, including several GP characteristics, were analysed using multivariate logistic regression accounting for clustering within practices. Results: During one year, 16% of the children with physician-diagnosed asthma (n = 3562) received no asthma medication. Of the 2993 children with asthma receiving asthma medication (on average 2.9 prescriptions/year), 61% received one or two prescriptions, 39% received three or more. Continuous medication with a bronchodilator and/or a corticosteroid was prescribed in 22% of these children. One out of 5 children receiving continuous medication was prescribed a bronchodilator only. In 7.5% of the prescriptions, asthma medications other than bronchodilators or corticosteroids were prescribed. Prescribing asthma medication varied widely between practices, but none of the children and GP determinants had an independent effect on prescribing continuous versus intermittent medication. Conclusion: In general practice, the annual number of asthma prescriptions per child with asthma is relatively low. One in 20 children is prescribed bronchodilators only continuously, indicating room for improvement. Child and GP characteristics cannot be used for targeting educational efforts.

Low hospital admission rates for respiratory diseases in children (Article)

2010-10-12T00:00:00Z

Background. Population-based data on hospital admissions for children aged 0-17 years concerning all respiratory diseases are scarce. This study examined hospital admissions in relation to the preceding consultations in general practice in this age group. Methods. Data on children aged 0-17 years with respiratory diseases included in the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice (DNSGP-2) were linked to all hospital admissions in the Dutch National Medical Registration. Admission rates for respiratory diseases were calculated. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Results. Of all 79,272 children within the DNSGP-2, 1.8% were admitted to hospital for any respiratory diagnosis. The highest admission rates per 1000 children were for chronic disease of tonsils and adenoids (12.9); pneumonia and influenza (0.97); and asthma (0.92). Children aged 0-4 years and boys were admitted more frequently. Of children with asthma, 2.3% were admitted for respiratory diseases. For asthma, admission rates varied by urbanisation level: 0.47/1000 children/year in cities with 30,000 inhabitants, 1.12 for cities with 50,000 inhabitants, and 1.73 for the three largest cities (p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression showed that within two weeks after a GP consultation, younger age (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.76-0.88) and more severe respiratory diseases (5.55, 95% CI 2.99-8.11) predicted hospital admission. Conclusions. Children in the general population with respiratory diseases (especially asthma) had very low hospital admission rates. In urban regions children were more frequently admitted due to respiratory morbidity. For effectiveness studies in a primary care setting, hospital admission rates should not be used as quality end-point.

Low hospital admission rates for respiratory diseases in children (Article)

2010-10-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract BACKGROUND: Population-based data on hospital admissions for children aged 0-17 years concerning all respiratory diseases are scarce. This study examined hospital admissions in relation to the preceding consultations in general practice in this age group. METHODS: Data on children aged 0-17 years with respiratory diseases included in the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice (DNSGP-2) were linked to all hospital admissions in the Dutch National Medical Registration. Admission rates for respiratory diseases were calculated. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of all 79,272 children within the DNSGP-2, 1.8% were admitted to hospital for any respiratory diagnosis. The highest admission rates per 1000 children were for chronic disease of tonsils and adenoids (12.9); pneumonia and influenza (0.97); and asthma (0.92). Children aged 0-4 years and boys were admitted more frequently. Of children with asthma, 2.3% were admitted for respiratory diseases. For asthma, admission rates varied by urbanisation level: 0.47/1000 children/year in cities with ≤ 30,000 inhabitants, 1.12 for cities with ≥ 50,000 inhabitants, and 1.73 for the three largest cities (p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression showed that within two weeks after a GP consultation, younger age (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.76-0.88) and more severe respiratory diseases (5.55, 95% CI 2.99-8.11) predicted hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Children in the general population with respiratory diseases (especially asthma) had very low hospital admission rates. In urban regions children were more frequently admitted due to respiratory morbidity. For effectiveness studies in a primary care setting, hospital admission rates should not be used as quality end-point.

Adequate use of asthma inhalation medication in children: More involvement of the parents seems useful (Article)

2009-12-01T00:00:00Z

Background. Asthma and other chronic airway diseases can be effectively treated by inhaler therapy. Inhaler therapy depends on appropriate use of the inhaler. This study evaluates the knowledge among Dutch children and their parents regarding asthma inhaler therapy and appropriateness of its use. Findings. Five general practices selected all children aged 0 to 12 years on asthma inhalation medication. Children demonstrated inhaler use and were interviewed with their parents. 46 subjects were enrolled; mean age 5.5 years (SD 3.4) years; 26 (57%) were boys. Of the children using one inhaler only, 70% used the inhaler as indicated and of those using more than one inhaler 46%. On average 2.6 mistakes were made during demonstration of the technique, and 2 mistakes were reported in the interview. In total, 87% of the parents decided when and how the inhaler had to be used. Spacer cleaning was performed correctly by 49%; 26% reported a correct way of assessing how many doses were remaining. Conclusion. Dutch children make essential mistakes related to inhaler use that are easy to avoid. We recommend a better explanation and demonstration of the technique, and recommend involvement of the parents during instruction.

Inhaled sodium cromoglycate for asthma in children (Article)

2008-11-05T00:00:00Z

Background: Sodium cromoglycate has been recommended as maintenance treatment for childhood asthma for many years. Its use has decreased since 1990, when inhaled corticosteroids became popular, but it is still used in many countries. Objectives: To determine the efficacy of sodium cromoglycate compared to placebo in the prophylactic treatment of children with asthma. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trials Register (October 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2007), MEDLINE (January 1966 to November 2007), EMBASE (January 1985 to November 2007) and reference lists of articles. We also contacted the pharmaceutical company manufacturing sodium cromoglycate. In 2007 we updated the review. Selection criteria: All double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trials, which addressed the effectiveness of inhaled sodium cromoglycate as maintenance therapy, studying children aged 0 up to 18 years with asthma. Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We pooled study results. Main results: Of 3500 titles retrieved from the literature, 24 papers reporting on 23 studies could be included in the review. The studies were published between 1970 and 1997 and together included 1026 participants. Most were cross-over studies. Few studies provided sufficient information to judge the concealment of allocation. Four studies provided results for the percentage of symptom-free days. Pooling the results did not reveal a statistically significant difference between sodium cromoglycate and placebo. For the other pooled outcomes, most of the symptom-related outcomes and bronchodilator use showed statistically significant results, but treatment effects were small. Considering the confidence intervals of the outcome measures, a clinically relevant effect of sodium cromoglycate cannot be excluded. The funnel plot showed an under-representation of small studies with negative results, suggesting publication bias. Authors' conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to be sure about the efficacy of sodium cromoglycate over placebo. Publication bias is likely to have overestimated the beneficial effects of sodium cromoglycate as maintenance therapy in childhood asthma.

Characteristics of children consulting for cough, sore throat, or earache (Article)

2008-04-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract BACKGROUND: GPs are often consulted for respiratory tract symptoms in children. AIM: To explore characteristics of children, their parents, and their GPs that are correlated with consulting a GP for cough, sore throat, or earache. DESIGN OF STUDY: Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice (DNSGP-2) with a health interview and an additional questionnaire. SETTING: Children aged 0-17 years registered with 122 GPs in Dutch general practice. METHOD: Characteristics of patients and their GPs were derived from the DNSGP-2 health interview and a questionnaire, respectively. Characteristics of the illness symptoms and GP consultation were acquired by means of an additional questionnaire. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of all children who completed the questionnaire, 550 reported cough, sore throat, or earache in the 2 weeks preceding the interview with 147 of them consulting their GP. Young children more frequently consulted the GP for respiratory symptoms, as did children with fever, longer duration of symptoms, those reporting their health to be 'poor to good', and living in an urban area. When parents were worried, and when a child or their parents were cued by someone else, the GP was also consulted more often. GP-related determinants were not associated with GP consultation by children. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises the importance of establishing the reasons behind children with respiratory tract symptoms consulting their GP. When GPs are aware of possible determinants of the decision to consult a GP, more appropriate advice and reassurance can be given regarding these respiratory symptoms, which are generally self-limiting.

Kinderen met hoesten, keelpijn en oorpijn: wie raadpleegt de huisarts? (Article)

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Samenvatting Inleiding: Luchtwegklachten als hoesten, keelpijn en oorpijn komen bij kinderen vaak voor en gaan meestal vanzelf over. Toch raadplegen veel (ouders van) patiënten hiervoor de huisarts. We onderzochten welke kenmerken van kinderen, hun ouders en hun huisartsen samenhangen met het besluit om voor deze klachten naar de huisarts te gaan. Methode: We gebruikten de Tweede Nationale Studie naar ziekten en verrichtingen in de huisartspraktijk om kenmerken van kinderen van nul tot zeventien jaar en hun huisartsen in kaart te brengen. We stuurden een vragenlijst naar patiënten om de aanwezigheid van luchtwegklachten te achterhalen en na te gaan of ze er hun huisarts voor hadden bezocht. We analyseerden de gegevens aan de hand van een multivariate logistische regressieanalyse. Resultaten: Van de 550 kinderen die in de twee weken voorafgaande aan het interview hoestten, of keelpijn of oorpijn hadden, bezochten er 147 hun huisarts. Jonge kinderen gingen vaker naar de huisarts voor respiratoire symptomen dan oudere kinderen. Dit gold tevens voor kinderen bij wie sprake was van koorts, langere ziekteduur, en voor kinderen die hun gezondheid als ‘slecht’ tot ‘goed’ beoordeelden of die in een stedelijk gebied woonden. Ook gingen kinderen vaker naar de huisarts als de ouders ongerust waren en als de kinderen of de ouders door iemand anders waren geadviseerd om naar de huisarts te gaan. Huisartskenmerken hingen niet samen met de mate van consultatie. Beschouwing: Dit onderzoek benadrukt hoe belangrijk het is om na te gaan waarom (de ouders van) kinderen met luchtwegklachten de huisarts raadplegen. Wanneer de huisarts zich bewust is van de mogelijke determinanten van het besluit om de huisarts te raadplegen, zal deze vaker een passend advies kunnen geven en patiënten gerust kunnen stellen. Luchtwegklachten zijn immers meestal self-limiting.

Inhaled disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) as maintenance therapy in children with asthma: a systematic review (Article)

2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

BACKGROUND: Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) is included in the BTS guidelines on the treatment of asthma for use in children, but is now used only infrequently. We have identified and interpreted the findings of all published randomised, placebo controlled trials of DSCG in the prophylactic treatment of children with asthma. METHODS: Several databases were searched to identify trials. Studies were included if they investigated subjects with asthma aged 0-18 years old, addressed maintenance treatment with inhaled DSCG, and were published in English. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed independently by three reviewers. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of differences in the treatment effect for cough and wheeze between placebo and treatment with DSCG were computed. The estimates were pooled and tested for homogeneity and, to assess possible publication bias, a funnel plot was made and tested for symmetry. RESULTS: Of the 24 randomised, placebo controlled trials identified, the methodological scores varied widely. The null hypothesis of homogeneity was rejected. Under the assumption of heterogeneity the overall CI for wheeze was 0.11 to 0.26 and for cough was 0.13 to 0.27. The overall tolerance intervals (-0.11 to 0. 48 and -0.04 to 0.43 for wheeze and cough, respectively) both included zero, so it cannot be concluded that future studies will show an effect of DSCG compared with placebo. Older studies were more often in favour of DSCG. The funnel plots suggest publication bias; small studies with negative or equal outcomes are lacking. CONCLUSION: Given the apparent publication bias, the small overall treatment effect, and the tolerance interval including zero, there is insufficient evidence that DSCG has a beneficial effect as maintenance treatment in children with asthma.

Preschool children with asthma: Do their GPs know? (Miscellaneous)

1999-01-01T00:00:00Z

Objective: To answer the following question: Are children with asthma known to their GP? Methods: Parents of all 464 children, 1-3 years of age and registered with five general practices, received a postal questionnaire asking about asthma symptoms of the child, and past and present asthma medication. Thus, children were classified as having no, mild, moderate or severe asthma. The GPs' records were checked for recorded asthma symptoms, medication and asthma-related diagnoses. The presence of these items was compared with asthma severity. Results: Eighty-seven percent of parents responded to the questionnaire (mean age of children 30.1 months). For all classes of severity, 75% of children with asthma were known to their GP. Although all children with severe asthma were known to their GP, the proportion of asthmatic children known to their GP fell with decreasing severity. Symptoms and medication were recorded more often than asthma-related diagnoses. Conclusions: Most preschool children with asthma are known to their GP. The diagnosis is recorded less often than asthma symptoms and medication.

Randomised placebo-controlled trial of inhaled sodium cromoglycate in 1-4-year-old children with moderate asthma (Article)

1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Abstract BACKGROUND: Inhalation therapy with sodium cromoglycate is recommended as the first-line prophylactic treatment for moderate asthma in children. The availability of spacer devices with face-masks has extended the applicability of metered-dose inhalers to younger children. We studied the feasibility and effects of this therapy compared with placebo in children aged 1-4 years. METHODS: 218 children aged 1-4 years with moderate asthma were recruited through 151 general practitioners between March, 1995, and March, 1996. They were randomly assigned sodium cromoglycate (10 mg three times daily) or placebo, given by inhaler with spacer device and face-mask for 5 months. Rescue medication (ipratropium plus fenoterol aerosol) was available during the baseline period of 1 month and the intervention period. Parents completed a daily symptom-score list. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of symptom-free days in months 2 to 5. Analysis was by both intention to treat and on treatment. FINDINGS: 167 (77%) children completed the trial. 131 (78%) of these children used at least 80% of the recommended dose. Of the 51 children who stopped prematurely, 23 had difficulties with inhaled treatment. The mean proportion of symptom-free days for both groups was greater for the treatment period than for the baseline period (95% CI for mean difference 5.1 to 17.5 cromoglycate, 11.9 to 23.3 placebo). However there were no differences between the sodium cromoglycate and placebo groups in the proportion of symptom-free days (mean 65.7 [SD 25.3] vs 64.3 [24.5]%; 95% CI for difference -8.46 to 5.70) or in any other outcome measure. INTERPRETATION: Our study in a general practice setting shows that inhalation therapy with a spacer device and face-mask is feasible in a majority of children below the age of 4 years. However, long-term prophylactic therapy with inhaled sodium cromoglycate is not more effective than placebo in this age-group.