61st RESPIRATORY CARE Journal Conference
Pediatric Asthma: Management Across the Continuum of Care
June 19–21, 2024
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
Tampa, Florida
Andrew Miller MSc RRT RRT-NPS RRT-ACCS FAARC
Denise Willis MSc RRT RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC
Ariel Berlinski MD FAARC
Conference Co-chairs
Presented under the auspices of the
Attendance limited to faculty, representatives from supporting organizations, and staff.
Overview
Asthma is the most common cause of chronic respiratory disease in children across the globe. This conference includes important topics in pediatric asthma that are relevant to respiratory care across a variety of care settings. Diagnosis of pediatric asthma can be challenging when diagnostic testing such as spirometry is not available due to age or ability. Understanding asthma phenotypes is an important consideration in asthma management that has implications for treatment. Health disparities have significant impact on asthma care. Biologics are successfully used in severe pediatric asthma. As many smart inhalers, device monitors, and smartphone applications become available it is important to understand their limitations and appropriate place in asthma care. The use of telemedicine increased during the COVID pandemic. It is important to understand its role in delivering asthma care. Clinicians caring for children with acute asthma should be familiar with evidence to support pharmacological management, aerosol delivery, and invasive and noninvasive respiratory support. Using respiratory therapist-driven asthma protocols to provide asthma education, respiratory therapists have a vital role in caring for children with asthma. Asthma education occurs across a variety of care settings including the hospital, emergency department, and outpatient clinics. Asthma education includes a variety of components as well as tools and strategies for self-management. Manuscripts and associated discussions derived from these presentations will generate an entire issue of Respiratory Care.
Presentation Rules
- Each presenter will have 30 minutes for a concise presentation. No additional time will be allotted. At the conclusion of each presentation, there will be a 15-minute open discussion.
- Each presentation must focus on the key issues and include thoughts for the future with respect to the assigned topic. The goal of each presentation is to review the pertinent available data but, as importantly, to discuss the topic in terms of new and upcoming strategies.
- Remember that the on-site audience is composed of only the conference faculty, and, thus, there is no need to review basic material. All conference presenters are deemed experts in the field. However, the manuscript should be written for the readers of Respiratory Care.
- One of the key goals of the presentation is to stimulate discussion. Controversial topics and perspectives are encouraged.
Instructions for Manuscripts
- Unlike the presentation, the manuscript should be a comprehensive review of the assigned topic. Each manuscript should include a pertinent review of the available literature, the topics presented at the conference, and thoughts for the future care of adult patients with respect to the assigned topic.
- Manuscripts should include a liberal use of figures and tables to illustrate key points and support the text.
- It is vital to the success of the conference for the controversial nature of issues to be emphasized for the readers.
- The discussion associated with each presentation will be audiotaped, transcribed, and published with their respective manuscripts. You will be able to edit your comments prior to publication.
Publication Timeline
| June 19–21, 2024 | Conference held in Tampa, FL |
| Aug. 23 | Discussion transcripts sent to speakers for editing |
| Aug. 30 | Edited discussion transcripts returned |
| Sept. 6 | Submit manuscript (sooner is desirable) Author Guidelines Manuscript Submission |
| Nov. 22 | Peer review complete |
| Dec. 31 | Submission of revised manuscript |
| Feb. 7, 2025 | All manuscripts accepted |
| March 7 | Manuscripts to production |
| March 28 | All proof reviewed and revised |
| June 1 | Manuscripts and discussions published in the June 2025 issue of Respiratory Care |
Wednesday, June 19
Thursday, June 20
7:45 a.m.–8:00 a.m.
Welcome, Overview, Introductions, Ground Rules
Dean Hess, Andrew Miller, Denise Willis, Ariel Berlinski
8:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Diagnosing Asthma in Children
Christian Rosas-Salazar
Nashville, TN
Asthma is one of the most common pediatric diseases. A key to effective disease management is correct diagnosis. What are the standards for diagnosing asthma in children? How is asthma diagnosed in younger children? How common is misdiagnosis of asthma, particularly young children?
8:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Rosas-Salazar’s presentation.
8:45 a.m.–9:15 a.m.
The Role of FeNO and Oscillometry in Pediatric Asthma
Michael Davis
Indianapolis, IN
Spirometry has been historically used in diagnosis of management of asthma but other testing such as FeNO and impulse oscillometry (IOS) are more widely available. What is the role of FeNO and IOS in children with asthma? Do these tests replace spirometry, exercise testing, and cold-air challenges or do they complement them? Do they guide treatment? When should they be used?
9:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Davis’s presentation.
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Health Disparities in Pediatric Asthma
Juan C. Celedón
Pittsburgh, PA
Social determinants of health have a major impact on health outcomes. What are the nonmedical factors that can influence outcomes for children with asthma? What do clinicians need to know about social determinants of health? What resources are available to help improve asthma control when nonmedical factors affect treatment?
10:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Celedón’s presentation.
10:15 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Asthma Phenotypes and Biomarkers
Jocelyn Grunwell
Atlanta, GA
What are the different phenotypes in pediatric asthma? How are these determined? Is there a phenotype-based treatment? Can biomarkers be used to guide therapy in the outpatient and inpatient settings?
11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Grunwell’s presentation.
11:15 p.m.–11:45 a.m.
Biologic Therapies for Severe Asthma
Leonard Bacharier
Nashville, TN
What therapies are available for children with severe asthma who do not respond well to standard asthma treatment? What is the role of biologic therapy in treating severe asthma and what are the indications for use? What are the age limitations for these therapies?
11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Discussion of Dr. Bacharier’s presentation.
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Recess (On your own)
2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Monitoring Devices and Smart Inhalers
Joyce Baker
Colorado, CO
What devices are currently available? What are the advantages and disadvantages to using them? Do they improve adherence to therapy or other outcomes? How can these devices be incorporated into standard medical care of pediatric asthma?
2:30 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Discussion of Ms. Baker’s presentation.
2:45 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Leveraging Telemedicine and Smartphones to Deliver Asthma Care
Tamara Perry
Little Rock, AR
How is telemedicine used to deliver asthma care? How is asthma managed remotely through education and pulmonary function testing? Does telemedicine have a role in the school setting? What are the medical and financial implications? Are there mobile applications for asthma care?
3:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Discussion of Dr. Perry’s presentation.
3:30 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
Break
3:45 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
Role of the Respiratory Therapist in Asthma Education
Denise Willis
Little Rock, AR
Respiratory therapists have a unique opportunity to provide asthma education to patients and families across a variety of care settings. What does asthma education entail? What are the strategies for providing education?
4:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Discussion of Dr. Willis’s presentation.
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Aerosol Delivery Strategies for Pediatric Asthma
Ariel Berlinski
Little Rock, AR
What patient or device factors affect aerosol deposition? How should aerosolized medications be delivered across the continuum? What are the elements to consider for device selection?
5:00 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
Discussion of Dr. Berlinski’s presentation.
5:15 p.m.
Recess until Friday morning, 8:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Reception
Families and friends are welcome.
Friday, June 21
8:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Non-Physician-Driven Asthma Protocols
Kyle Rehder
Durham, NC
Should acute asthma care be protocolized? Does this result in better outcomes for children with asthma? What settings (outpatient, emergency department, hospital wards, ICU) can they be deployed? What are the challenges for implementing and maintaining protocols? Is there a role for artificial intelligence in asthma management?
8:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Rehder’s presentation.
8:45 a.m.–9:15 a.m.
Pharmacologic Management of Critical Asthma
Samer Abu-Sultaneh
Indianapolis, IN
Critical asthma is a common reason for emergency department visits and hospital admissions for children. What pharmacologic agents are used? How often should inhaled drugs be given? What dosages should be delivered for beta2 agonists? What is the route of administration and dose for corticosteroids? Which intravenous medications are used? What are the gaps in the literature and what are the priorities?
9:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Abu-Sultaneh’s presentation.
9:30 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Break
9:45 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Noninvasive Respiratory Support in Critical Pediatric Asthma
Andrew Miller
Durham, NC
Where can patients needing noninvasive respiratory support be treated? What is the role of high-flow nasal cannula in critical asthma? When should we initiate noninvasive ventilation? Is there a role for helium-oxygen mixture in critical asthma?
10:15 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Miller’s presentation.
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Invasive Respiratory Support in Critical Pediatric Asthma
Christopher Newth
Los Angeles, CA
When should children with critical asthma be intubated? How can we maximize safety during intubation? After intubation, what are the best strategies for mechanical ventilation? What are the roles of inhaled anesthetic gases and extracorporeal life support? When should advanced therapies (anesthetic gases and extracorporeal support) be considered?
11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Discussion of Dr. Newth’s presentation.
11:15 a.m.
Adjourn
Faculty
Samer Abu-Sultaneh MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN
[email protected]
Leonard Bacharier MD
Professor of Pediatrics
Janie Robinson and John Moore Lee Chair in Pediatrics
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
[email protected]
Joyce Baker MBA RRT RRT-NPS FAARC
Professor of Pediatrics
Asthma Clinical Specialty Coordinator for the Breathing Institute
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Aurora, CO
[email protected]
Ariel Berlinski MD FAARC
Professor of Pediatrics
UAMS College of Medicine
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Little Rock, AR
[email protected]
Juan C. Celedón MD DrPH
Professor of Pediatrics
Niels K. Jerne Professor of Pediatrics
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
[email protected]
Michael Davis PhD RRT FAARC
Associate Research Professor of Pediatrics
University of Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
[email protected]
Jocelyn Grunwell MD PhD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
[email protected]
Andrew Miller MSc RRT-ACCS RRT-NPS FAARC
Respiratory Therapist and ECMO Specialist
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, NC
Section Editor, Respiratory Care
[email protected]
Christopher Newth MD
Professor of Pediatrics
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Los Angeles, CA
[email protected]
Tamara Perry MD
Professor of Pediatrics
Dr. & Mrs. Leeman King Endowed Chair
UAMS College of Medicine
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Little Rock, AR
[email protected]
Kyle Rehder MD
Professor of Pediatrics
Duke University
Durham, NC
[email protected]
Christian Rosas-Salazar MD MPH
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
[email protected]
Denise Willis MSc RRT RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC
Research Respiratory Therapist
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Little Rock, AR
Section Editor, Respiratory Care
[email protected]
Journal and AARC Staff
Richard D Branson MSc RRT FAARC
Editor-In-Chief, Respiratory Care
[email protected]
Dean R Hess PhD RRT FAARC
Managing Editor, Respiratory Care
[email protected]
Sara F Moore
Assistant Editor, Respiratory Care
[email protected]
Lynda T. Goodfellow EdD RRT FAARC
Director of Clinical Practice Guideline Development
[email protected]
Daniel D. Garrett
Publisher, Respiratory Care
[email protected]