Cohort Analysis of Clinical and Biological Severe Childhood Asthma

Severe asthma involves about 5 % of asthmatic children and is associated with a high impact on hospitalizations, absenteeism and quality of life. Although our knowledge has progressed in a substantial way during the last ten years, a number of unresolved questions persist in particular as regard to the contributing factors and outcomes from early childhood to adulthood. After parental agreement the following elements will be collected at inclusion: clinical environmental data, pulmonary function, allergy test data (skin prick tests and specific IgE), blood and serum samples for biobank (DNA / SERUM). In a restricted number of children a more extensive work up will be performed which may include flexible bronchoscopy, bronchial brushing and bronchoalveolar lavage. The follow-up will be performed every 6 months within the framework of the usual care including collection of clinical data and pulmonary function tests. The allergic status will be done again at 6-7 years, 12 years and 18 years. In the group of children having non-severe asthma, the follow-up will be annual with collection of clinical data and pulmonary function tests.