Admission to the PICU due to severe asthma exacerbation not only increases the risk of recurrent asthma exacerbations but also serves as a risk factor for stepping up maintenance treatment according to GINA guidelines during long-term follow-up.

The study comprised 83 patients with a mean age of 72.9 (±45.5) months, predominantly male (63.9%).

The average follow-up duration post-discharge was 40.7 ± 26.9 months.

Patients received respiratory support in the ICU for a mean of 3.8 (±2.8) days and systemic steroid therapy for 4 (±1.5) days.

Respiratory viral panel results identified pathogens in 42 patients, with rhinovirus being the most frequent.

Post-discharge, 72.3% of patients continued follow-up at pediatric allergy clinics.

Of the 60 patients contacted, 67.5% were on current asthma treatment and 48.2% had experienced an exacerbation in the past year.

Asthma management steps remained unchanged for 33 patients, decreased for 13, and increased for 47 (44.6%).

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