Improved Outcomes Childhood Aasthma and Preschool Wheeze

Until now, using blood eosinophils to identify which preschool children with wheeze respond to inhaled steroids has only been shown in retrospective studies and relied on venepuncture, which can be difficult in young children. We’ve explored a more practical approach by testing whether finger-prick blood samples and point-of-care (POC) testing can help predict wheeze attacks.

Our study showed that POC testing is both feasible and acceptable in over 95% of children. Using a decision tree model, we found that combining blood eosinophil levels with symptom scores can help predict the likelihood of wheeze attacks over the next three months.

This approach is now being piloted in under-5s respiratory clinics in Northwest London (Ealing and Hillingdon) and will also be used in the new childhood asthma diagnostic hubs in Ealing and Willesden.