SUDDEN-DEATH FROM ASTHMA IN 108 CHILDREN AND YOUNG-ADULTS

To identify factors that may contribute to asthma mortality, 108 acute asthma deaths were reviewed. Information was obtained from medical re cords, next-of-kin, and autopsy records. The fatal asthmatic was chara cterized by early-onset asthma, severe disease requiring systemic cort icosteroids, and prior hospitalization. Risk factors associated with g ender, season, employment, and region were also identified. The fatal attack was characterized by an identifiable trigger, delay in seeking medical attention, and rapid deterioration in clinical status. Death d ue to asthma was confirmed in 95% of autopsied cases. Adrenal cortical abnormalities were recorded for 18.7% of cases. We conclude that, in addition to established risk factors, complications associated with th e use of systemic steroids may contribute to the risk for sudden death in this age group.