Marked Variation in Paediatric Problematic Severe Asthma Services Across Australia and New Zealand

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Queensland Children's Hospital conducted a cross-sectional observational study to assess the management of problematic severe asthma (PSA) in children across Australia and New Zealand. The study found significant variability in service availability and PSA management across tertiary sites, with most centers lacking multidisciplinary team (MDT) models of care, which are considered the international best-practice standard for management of children with PSA. The study highlights the need for standardization of care and transition planning for children with PSA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that asthma affects 10% of children in Australia and New Zealand, with up to 5% having severe disease, presenting a management challenge.
  • The number of children with PSA across 12 sites was estimated to be 561, with 53 prescribed biologic treatment.
  • Most sites (n = 8) did not have a MDT approach either as MDT clinics or meetings, with patients being managed in either asthma or general respiratory clinics.
  • Only four sites (29%) had established processes for transition to adult care.
  • Most centers lack MDT models of care, which are considered the international best-practice standard for management of children with PSA.
  • The study highlights the need for standardization of care and transition planning for children with PSA.
  • The research was supported by Novartis and has been peer-reviewed.
  • Additional authors for the research include Paul D. Robinson, Samuel Dalton, Bernadette Goddard, Laura Mitchell, Eloise Graham, Louisa Owens, Melinda Gray, Tom Goddard, Stuart Haggie, Jagdev Singh, Ingrid Laing, Anna Mulholland, Stephen Oo, Robert Roseby, and Shivanthan Shanhikumar.

Statistics:

  • 10% of children in Australia and New Zealand have asthma.
  • Up to 5% of children with asthma have severe disease.
  • 561 children were estimated to have PSA across 12 sites.
  • 53 children with PSA were prescribed biologic treatment.
  • 8 out of 12 sites did not have a MDT approach.
  • 4 out of 14 sites had established processes for transition to adult care.
  • 29% of sites had established processes for transition to adult care.

Sources:

  • Marked Variation In Paediatric Problematic Severe Asthma Services Across Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2025.
  • Queensland Children's Hospital, Dept. of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Research was supported by Novartis.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Queensland Children's Hospital in the Area of Asthma Described (Marked Variation In Paediatric Problematic Severe Asthma Services Across Australia and New Zealand). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 20, 2025; p 674.