[The quality of life of the asthmatic child caregiver].

Despite better understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma, the application of better drugs (potent anti-inflammatory medications and beta2 adrenergics with long-lasting effects), some symptoms persist and the illness itself, at the same time with exacerbation, may compromise the integrity of the patient. This calls for an evaluation of the impact of the ailment in different aspects of daily life of patients and of his/her caregivers. To address these situations, quality-of-life questionnaires for patients and caregivers were designed. With this study, our objective was to make up a quality-of-life questionnaire to be filled out by caregivers of asthmatic children treated with one of two therapeutic schemes: with inhaled steroids (EI), or the EI plus prolonged action bronchodilator (BAP).

METHODS

Controlled, experimental, and comparative clinical trial polling asthmatic child caregivers, applying a questionnaire designed by Elizabeth Juniper (PACQLQ). Patients and caregivers were randomized in two groups: group A was treated with IE (Beclomethasone) plus BAP (Salmeterol) during a 6-week period, followed by a 2-week wash-out period followed by a 6-week period with only IE. Group B were treated only with EI followed by a 2-week period of wash-out and a six-week period with IE plus BAP. Caregivers filled in the questionnaires at the beginning, and at second, fourth, and sixth weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

We included 30 patients and their caregivers who were randomized in two groups. Values in every group showed significant improvement in quality of life, as compared to basal values. Values between groups showed greater improvement in groups who received EI plus BAP at the beginning.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that administering treatment for asthma improves significantly the caregiver's appreciation of quality of life with respect to the PACQLQ questionnaire. The group that received EI therapy plus BAP at the beginning showed greater improvement. These results coincide with those published to date. We recommend the use of questionnaires at the beginning of the treatment as part of the integral evaluation of every patient with asthma.