ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
beclomethasone
;
bronchial asthma
;
corticosteroids
;
beta2-adrenergic agonists
;
adrenal responsiveness
;
leukocyte count
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Sixteen patients suffering from bronchial astham, with or without chronic bronchitits, sufficiently severe to be treated with inhaled corticosteroids, were studied in a single-blind trial (blind observer) of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) given in three randomized dosage regimens: 500, 1000 and 2000 µg per day, each for 4 weeks. The β2-adrenergic agoinst response curve showed a dose-dependent increase in FEV1 which was not affected by different doses of BDP. A small but significant reduction in basal cortisol levels was observed after BDP 500 µg/day. There was no significant difference between the various doses of BDP in reducting cortisol level and stimulation with tetracosactide remained unchanged. The study showed a gradual, dose-dependent improvement in lung function, statistically significant for morning peak expiratory flow rate at BDP 2000 µg/day. Dyspnoea score and β2-agonist use decreased, reflecting the anti-asthmatic effects. An increase in total leukocyte count was observed, together with a decrease in the eosinophil count. Oral candidiasis was seen in 2 out of 16 patients. It is concluded that the clinical anti-asthmatic effects of corticosteroid treatment by inhalation are not due to modulation of β2-receptor function in the airways.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00615220
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