Abstract
The causes of life-threatening asthma (LTA) were analyzed on 79 patient from 1989 to October, 1995. Ages ranged 0-27 years old (mean 9.7±6.4 years), consisting of 41 boys and 38 girls. Of 79 patients, comprised 11 cases of mild, 21 cases of moderate, 28 cases of severe asthma, and 19 cases of unknown. The contributory factors to LTA attack were thought to be unexpected sudden exacerbation. A strong dependence on β-stimulant with MDI was observed in 16.5% of the patients, which rate was approximately half as compared with that of asthma death. In thirteen cases, the possible causes of LTA attack were thought to be undertreatment or low compliance. Four cases of 79 patients were oral steroid dependent patients.
