Pharmacogenomics and Pediatric Asthmatic Medications

Abstract

Asthma is a respiratory condition often stemming from childhood, characterized by difficulty breathing and/or chest tightness. Current treatment options for both adults and children include beta-2 agonists, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and leukotriene modifiers (LTM). Despite recommendations by the Global Initiative for Asthma, a substantial number of patients are unresponsive to treatment and unable to control symptoms. Pharmacogenomics have increasingly become the front line of precision medicine, especially with the recent use of candidate gene and genome- wide association studies (GWAS). Screening patients preemptively could likely decrease adverse events and therapeutic failure. However, research in asthma, specifically in pediatrics, has been low. Although numerous adult trials have evaluated the impact of pharmacogenomics and treatment response, the lack of evidence in children has hindered progress towards clinical application. This review aims to discuss the impact of genetic variability and response to asthmatic medications in the pediatric population.