二丙酸倍氯米松干粉剂治疗晚发老年哮喘的临床观察

目的 观察吸入类固醇二丙酸倍氯米松（ＤＢＰ）干粉剂对晚发老年哮喘（ＬＯＡ）的疗效。方法 将２２例ＬＯＡ患者与２３例非老年２哮喘患者进行对比研究,观察吸入β２受体激动剂沙丁胺醇干粉剂后１秒钟用力呼气容积（ＦＥＶ１）的变化以及吸入ＤＢＰ干粉剂后ＦＥＶ１及其占预计值百分比（ＦＥＶ１％）、早晚最大呼气流速（ＰＥＦＲ）及其日内变异率等变化。结果 两组患者在吸入沙丁胺醇干粉剂后ＦＥＶ１均明显增高（Ｐ〈０．０１     

Dose-related effect of beclomethasone dipropionate on airway responsiveness in asthma

The effects of twice daily inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) at two dose levels (500 and 1,000 micrograms daily) on the airway responsiveness to inhaled histamine was evaluated by a randomized, single-blind, cross-over study in 10 patients with stable asthma. The 12-week study began with a 3-week run-in period of baseline treatment, which was continued unchanged throughout the study, and the two treatment periods were separated by a 3-week placebo period. Patients attended the laboratory every 3 weeks for spirometry and histamine inhalation tests to determine the provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PC20 of FEV1). There was a similar significant improvement (p less than 0.05) in mean FEV1 after both treatments. There was no significant change in PC20 after treatment with 500 micrograms daily, the geometric mean being 0.587 mg/ml after the placebo period and 0.860 mg/ml after BDP treatment. There was a significant improvement in PC20 (1.930 mg/ml) after treatment with 1,000 micrograms BDP daily in comparison with the placebo and treatment periods with 500 micrograms BDP daily (p less than 0.001). These results suggest that higher doses than usual of inhaled BDP must be used to control airway responsiveness in asthmatics.     

Use of beta-agonist inhalation concomitantly with regular beclomethasone dipropionate in patients with bronchial asthma--as required or on a regular basis]

We investigated whether regular use of beta-agonist inhalation concomitantly with regular beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) inhalation is necessary in chronic bronchial asthma. Twenty chronic asthmatic patients who were stable on regular BDP and beta-agonist inhalation were studied. After a 2 week observation period, the patients were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received BDP 400 micrograms/day (2 puffs 4 times) and beta-agonist inhalation as required for 4 weeks. This period was followed by 4 weeks of treatment with BDP 400 micrograms/day and regular beta-agonist inhalation. The other group received these treatments in the reverse order. No significant differences among the two groups were observed in attack score, ADL score, sleep score, and %PEFR. In addition, no differences were detected in these parameters between the periods of regular use of beta-agonist and the periods of use as required. The frequency of inhalation of beta-agonist during the use as required period correlated with the sleep score and difference in %PEFR between morning and night, and was significantly lower than the frequency of inhalation during the period of regular. From these results, we conclude that inhalation of beta-agonist on a regular basis is not necessary to achieve the same degree of relief of symptoms as treatment with beta 2-agonist and BDP inhalation on regular basis in patients with chronic asthma.     

老年血液透析病人动静脉内瘘血流量对心功能及炎症反应的影响

目的 探讨老年血液透析病人动静脉内瘘血流量(AVFB)对心功能及炎症反应的影响.方法 选取2017年2月至2018年3月我院利用动静脉内瘘进行血液透析治疗的老年病人124例为研究对象,根据病人动静脉内瘘吻合术后1个月AVFB的流量大小,将病人分为高流量组(>600 mL/min,n=38)、中流量组(400～600 m...     

The clinical benefit of high dose inhalation therapy with beclomethasone dipropionate for patients with chronic bronchial asthma

Conventional doses of aerosolized beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) of up to 400 micrograms/day by inhalation has often failed to normalize the pulmonary function of chronic adult patients. Therefore it may be necessary to administer the individual maximum dose of BDP to reduce bronchial inflammation. In 13 patients (2 males and 11 females, mean age 49.2 +/- 3.7 years old) with chronic asthma whose minimum %PEFRs were lower than 80% under treatment with conventional doses of BDP, the clinical benefit of high dose inhalation therapy with BDP was studied for four consecutive weeks by comparing % peak expiratory flow rate (%PEFR) measured four times a day both before and 10 minutes after inhaled procaterol (PCR) in a cross-over fashion. Mean morning %PEFRs before inhaled PCR during the first two weeks with a lower dose of BDP (419 +/- 24 micrograms/day) and during the following two weeks with a higher dose of BDP (904 +/- 55 micrograms/day) were 60.6 +/- 3.1% and 77.5 +/- 4.1%, respectively (p less than 0.01). Average increases in %PEFR during the higher dose period before and after inhaled PCR were 12.1% and 12.4%, respectively, which was observed by the end of the first week after the start of higher dose of BDP in 12 out of 13 patients. Since there were no adverse reactions such as hoarseness, oral thrush and candidiasis during the period with higher doses of BDP, it was concluded that we should promptly employ higher doses of BDP in patients who did not respond satisfactorily to conventional doses of BDP.     

Efficacy of fluticasone propionate compared with beclomethasone dipropionate in bronchial asthma: improvement in compliance and symptoms by fluticasone.

Recent studies have shown that fluticasone propionate (FP) was more effective than beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) inhalation even at a dose reduced by twofold or more in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Here, we further compared the effectiveness of FP and BDP, including rates of drug compliance. Forty-two symptomatic patients were treated by BDP (1000 +/- 345; mean +/- SD; microgram/day) for 8 weeks, followed by FP at one-half the respective dose, and peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 second were investigated. In addition, the patients were asked about drug compliance and factors related to compliance (expressed using a visual analogue scale). Significant increases of peak expiratory flow (from 316 +/- 96 L/minute to 345 +/- 86 L/minute) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (from 1.7 +/- 0.5 L to 1.9 +/- 0.4 L) were found. Furthermore, significantly higher scores were obtained for compliance and various factors related to compliance. These data indicate that FP is more effective than a twofold higher dosage of BDP and that better compliance with the use of FP, probably because of improved various factors associated with FP compliance, contributes to FP efficacy.     

Peak Expiratory Flow Associated with Change in Positioning of the Instrument: Comparison of Five Peak Flow Meters

To determine if peak expiratory flow (PEF) is altered by incorrect positioning of five peak flow meters (PFMs), 16 adults with clinically stable persistent asthma were evaluated. After inhaling two puffs of albuterol via AeroChamber, patients were instructed over the next 15 min in correct PFM technique and two incorrect techniques (PFM angled 20° left in mouth and PFM pointed 20° downward as patient leaned forward with maximal exhalation). Order of use of five peak flow meters and correct vs. incorrect techniques were random. Although mean values generally indicated no clinically meaningful effect of positioning of the PFM, inaccurate PEFs were recorded for several subjects with both incorrect methods and all PFMs.     

Formoterol and beclomethasone versus higher dose beclomethasone as maintenance therapy in adult asthma.

A total of 132 adult asthmatics who were symptomatic on 500 microg x day(-1) inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) were studied in an open-label randomized, parallel group, 12 week, clinical trial. The addition of 12 microg formoterol fumarate solution aerosol (pressurized metered dose inhaler) b.i.d. to BDP at a dose of 500 microg x day(-1) was compared with a higher dose of 1,000 microg x day(-1) BDP. Mean morning premedication peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) during the final week of treatment (primary end-point) increased in both groups compared to baseline. The estimated treatment difference of 20.4 L x min(-1) (95% confidence interval 3.2-37.6) after 12 weeks of treatment was statistically significant (p<0.05) in favour of the formoterol/BDP group. The overall mean morning premedication PEF for the entire treatment period was higher in the formotero/BDP group (p=0.002). The overall number of puffs of rescue medication and asthma symptom scores were less in the formotero/BDP group (p<0.01). Safety and tolerability evaluations were satisfactory in both groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that the addition of formoterol fumarate to the existing dose of an inhaled corticosteroid should be considered as an alternative to increasing the dose of inhaled corticosteroid in the inadequately controlled asthmatic.     

Efficacy of budesonide Turbuhaler compared with that of beclomethasone dipropionate pMDI in Japanese patients with moderately persistent asthma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of budesonide Turbuhaler with that of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) pMDI. METHODOLOGY: Three hundred and fifty adult asthma patients (mean age 52.7 years, mean baseline morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) 294 L/min (< 80% predicted normal)), taking BDP via pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), 400 microg daily for at least 2 months, were randomized in an open 6 week study to receive daily doses of either budesonide 100 microg or 400 microg twice daily via Turbuhaler or continued treatment with BDP, 100 microg four times daily. The primary efficacy variable was the mean change in morning PEF from baseline to the end of treatment. Outcome was also assessed using symptom scores and investigators' assessments employed in Japanese clinical trials. RESULTS: At the end of the 6 week treatment period, mean morning PEF improved significantly from baseline in both budesonide groups, 16 L/min and 33 L/min in the 200 microg and 800 microg groups, respectively, but not in the BDP group, 5 L/min. There was no significant difference between 200 microg budesonide and 400 microg BDP treatment in the effect on PEF (P = 0.29), but 800 microg budesonide was significantly superior to BDP (P < 0.001). Final assessment of improvement and usefulness ratings showed that both budesonide treatments were significantly superior to BDP (P < 0.001). All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Budesonide Turbuhaler (200 microg) was as effective as 400 microg BDP pMDI. The efficacy of budesonide was improved significantly by increasing the dosage to 800 microg daily. The study design shows the importance of including a higher dose treatment group when comparing two formulations of inhaled corticosteroids in order to determine whether the treatments to be compared are on the steep part of the dose-response curve. Without that information, comparative studies are usually inconclusive.     

Acute safety of beclomethasone dipropionate in a new CFC-free propellant system in asthmatic patients.

Hydrofluoroalkane-134a (HFA-134a) is a new chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free propellant for use in metered dose inhalers. It provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to CFC propellants because it does not contain chlorine which is responsible for ozone depletion by CFCs. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is widely used for inhalation asthma therapy and is most commonly delivered by a CFC propellant system. The present study evaluated the acute safety of BDP formulated with the new propellant (HFA-134a BDP) compared with BDP in a CFC-11/12 formulation by measuring the acute bronchial response in asthmatic patients. The study was conducted as a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, four-period cross-over trial. Asthmatic patients received eight inhalations of four treatment regimens (HFA-134a BDP, 1600 mg total dose; CFC-11/12 BDP, 2000 mg total dose; HFA-134a placebo and CFC-11/12 placebo) in random order over four study days. Forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1) was measured before and 2, 10, 20, 40 and 60 min after inhalation of the study treatments. The number of coughs was counted from the start of the first inhalation to 60 s after the last inhalation. There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups for changes in FEV1, for the number of coughs or for the occurrence or severity of bronchoconstriction. In asthmatic patients withholding bronchodilators, the new HFA-134a BDP propellant system proved as safe and was as well tolerated as the current CFC-11/12 BDP system. The two propellant systems without active drug were also equally well tolerated.     

Effectiveness of Low Doses (50 and 100 μg b.i.d.) of Beclomethasone Dipropionate Delivered as a CFC-Free Extrafine Aerosol in Adults with Mild to Moderate Asthma

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low doses (50 and 100 μg b.i.d.) of hydrofluoroalkane-134a (HFA) beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) extrafine aerosol in improving asthma control. Reformulation of BDP in a new chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free propellant (HFA) has produced an extrafine aerosol with increased delivery of the drug to the airways of the lung. The study population comprised 270 steroid-naive patients with mild to moderate asthma (mean baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV,] as a percentage of predicted normal of 65%-85%). This was a 6-week, blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Patients were randomized to receive 50 or 100 μg b.i.d. HFA-BDP or HFA-placebo. Treatment with either 50 or 100 μg b.i.d. HFA-BDP resulted in a significantly greater improvement compared with placebo in FEV, (mean change from baseline as percentage of predicted normal of 6.7%, 8.6%, and 0.4%, respectively; p ≤ 0.01 active treatment groups vs. placebo), with a significant trend toward increasing improvement with increasing doses (p ≤ 0.0001). Treatment also resulted in significantly greater mean changes from baseline in morning peak expiratory flow compared with placebo (29.5, 33.8, and 5.0 L/min, respectively; p ≤ 0.01 active treatment groups vs. placebo). All other pulmonary function and asthma symptom measures supported these data. The study treatments were well tolerated. These results show that low doses of HFA-BDP extrafine aerosol effectively improve asthma control in adult patients with mild to moderate asthma. However, it is important that inhaled corticosteroid therapy is still given at a dose high enough to control airway inflammation as well as asthma symptoms.     

小剂量吸入必可酮对哮喘患者的疗效观察

目的；研究小剂量吸入激素与大剂量吸入激素对中度哮喘患症状、肺功能改善的影响。方法：通过4周较大剂量必可酮（BDP）600mg,每日2次治疗，47例中度哮喘患随机分为2组，包括A组吸入DBP300mg,每日2次；B组BDP100mg，每日2次，并加用舒弗美200mg口服，每晚1次，治疗共6个月。结果：4周大剂量基础治疗后，患症状明显缓解，肺功能明显改善，并且在以后的治疗研究阶段患多较稳定，多数无急性发作。在实验观察4月后，B组舒喘灵使用次数明显低于A组，比较差异有显性（P＜0．01）。结论：研究结果显示，大剂量吸入并加用茶硷似有更好疗效。     

Clinical comparison of fenoterol and albuterol administered by inhalation. A double-blind study.

The effects of inhaling 0.4 mg of fenoterol hydrobromide (Berotec), 0.2 mg of albuterol (salbutamol), or placebo were compared in a double-blind three-way crossover study in a group of 12 asthmatic patients. After inhalation of fenoterol, the maximum increase in the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 0.76 L (48 percent) and in the peak expiratory flow (PEF) was 100 L/min (47 percent). The corresponding figures after inhalation of albuterol were 0.68 L (46 percent) and 98 L/min (48 percent), respectively. In comparison with administration of placebo, the FEV1 was significantly increased until six hours after inhalation of either drug. From three to six hours after inhalation, the effect of administration of fenoterol (as measured by FEV1 or PEF) significantly exceeded that of albuterol. Administration of either drug resulted in approximately equal bronchodilation (as measured by the increase in FEV1 or PEF), the effect of inhalation of fenoterol being of longer duration.     

Comparison of hydrofluoroalkane-beclomethasone dipropionate Autohaler with budesonide Turbuhaler in asthma control.

BACKGROUND: Hydrofluoroalkane-beclomethasone dipropionate Autohaler (HFA-BDP AH) is a breath-actuated chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free metered dose inhaler in which BDP is in a solution of HFA propellant. Budesonide Turbuhaler (BUD TH) is a breath-dependent dry powder inhaler. OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that half the daily dose of HFA-BDP AH would provide an equivalent control of asthma symptoms to the BUD TH. METHODS: This was an 8-week open study in patients with symptomatic moderate-to-severe asthma, previously on BUD 500-1,000 microg x day(-1), or an equivalent. After 5-14 days' run-in, patients were randomized to HFA-BDP AH 800 microg x day(-1) or BUD TH 1,600 microg x day(-1). The intent-to-treat population consisted of 111 patients on HFA-BDP AH and 98 patients on BUD TH. RESULTS: Mean change from baseline in PEF in the morning (AM PEF) at week 8 was 23.95 liters x min(-1) for HFA-BDP AH and 24.46 liters x min(-1) for BUD TH. A two-sided equivalence test using the 0.51 liter x min(-1) difference gave 95% confidence intervals within a defined equivalence interval of (-infinity, 25 liters x min(-1)) indicating that the mean change in AM PEF was equivalent for the two groups. There were no significant differences in the mean change from baseline in FEV1 or beta-agonist use. Patients using HFA-BDP AH had a significantly greater mean change from baseline in the percentage of days free from shortness of breath (p = 0.05), chest tightness (p = 0.02) and nights without sleep disturbance (p = 0.04) at week 3, and wheeze (p = 0.01), shortness of breath (p = 0.02), chest tightness (p < 0.01) and daily asthma symptoms (p = 0.03) at week 8. The incidence, type and severity of adverse events were similar in each group. At week 8, the mean change from baseline in corrected urine cortisol/creatinine ratio in a subgroup of patients was -0.36 for HFA-BDP and -4.88 for BUD TH (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HFA-BDP 800 microg x day(-1) provided control of moderate-to-severe asthma with efficacy and safety at least similar to BUD TH 1,600 microg x day(-1).     

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Beclomethasone Dipropionate Dry Powder Inhaler (Clickhaler®) for the Treatment of Adult Asthma

A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy protocol was used to compare the safety and efficacy of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) delivered by a novel dry powder inhaler (DPI, Clickhaler®) or by a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer. There was a four-week run-in period, completed by 240 adult patients, who received BDP via an MDI. Patients with stable asthma were then randomized into a 12-week treatment period and received BDP (<2 mg/day via DPI or MDI). There were no significant differences in morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) (primary endpoint), evening PEF, overall daytime or nighttime symptom scores, or lung function parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, forced vital capacity) between DPI and MDI. The safety profiles were similar and patient acceptability for Clickhaler was high. In conclusion, BDP administered via Clickhaler was found to be clinically equivalent to an optimally used MDI. Patients with stable asthma currently receiving BDP via MDI may be effectively switched to treatment via Clickhaler DPI.     

Effect of 4% lidocaine inhalation in bronchial asthma

The effect of 4% lidocaine inhalation was studied in a single-blind fashion in 18 patients with chronic stable asthma. Inhalation of normal saline solution was used as placebo. None of the parameters except flow rate at 50% of vital capacity (V50) showed any statistically significant change from baseline values. V50 at 15 min was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) after 4% lidocaine inhalation. Considering more than 10% change from the baseline value as significant, 8 of 15 patients showed decrease in airway resistance (Raw) and 7 of the 15 patients showed an increase in specific airway conductance (SGaw) after 15 min of inhalation. However, V50 (8/18 patients), flow rate at 25% vital capacity [V25 (6/15 patients], and forced expiratory flow rate at 25-75% of the vital capacity (FEF25-75) (5/15 patients) showed a decrease after 15 min of 4% lidocaine inhalation. No change in pulmonary function was noted after 30 min of lidocaine inhalation. It is concluded from this study that lidocaine produces a small bronchodilatory effect on the large airways and a bronchoconstrictor effect on the small airways after 15 min of inhalation, but this effect is not statistically significant. It can be safely used as topical agent for bronchoscopy in patients with bronchial asthma.     

Once-daily dosing with budesonide/formoterol compared with twice-daily budesonide/formoterol and once-daily budesonide in adults with mild to moderate asthma

Adherence to maintenance therapy is often poor in patients with asthma. Simplifying dosing regimens has the potential to improve both adherence and asthma-related morbidity. In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study, 617 patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma (mean forced expiratory volume in 1s [FEV1] 78.5% predicted) who were not optimally controlled on inhaled corticosteroids (200-500 microg/day) were randomized to once-daily budesonide/formoterol (80/4.5 microg, 2 inhalations in the evening), twice-daily budesonide/formoterol (80/4.5 microg, 1 inhalation), or a corresponding dose of budesonide once-daily (200 microg, 1 inhalation in the evening). All patients received budesonide (100 microg twice daily) during a 2-week run-in. Changes in mean morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) were similar for od budesonide/formoterol (23.4 l/min) and twice-daily budesonide/formoterol (24.1 l/min), and both were greater than with budesonide (5.5 l/min; both P<0.001). Evening PEF, symptom-free days, reliever-free days, and asthma control days were improved with budesonide/formoterol therapy vs. budesonide (P<0.05 vs. budesonide for all variables). All treatments were well tolerated. Budesonide/formoterol administered once daily in the evening is a convenient treatment regimen that is as effective in improving asthma control as twice-daily dosing in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma.     

小量吸入布地乃德对支气管哮喘的疗效

目的研究小剂量吸入激素合用茶碱对中度哮喘患者症状、肺功能的影响。方法通过4周较大剂量(布地乃德BUD400ug bid)治疗,66例中度哮喘患者随机分为3组,包括A组吸入BUD300μg bid;B组BUD100μg bid;C组BUD100μg bid并加用茶碱缓释片200mg口服每天2次,以上治疗共6月。结果4周大剂量基础治疗后,患者症状明显缓解、肺功能明显改善,并且在以后4个月的治疗研究阶段患者多较稳定,只有少数急性发作,急性发作次数或天数,C组少于B组(P<0.05),各组患者肺功能进一步好转,但B组肺功能变化与基础治疗后比较差异不显著。结论大剂量BUD吸入对中度哮喘具有良好的治疗效果,在稳定阶段给予小剂量BUD加用茶硷似有更好疗效。     

Zileuton added to low-dose inhaled beclomethasone for the treatment of moderate to severe persistent asthma

OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic effects of oral zileuton tablets combined with low-dose beclomethasone compared to doubling the dose of beclomethasone, in improving lung function and reducing asthma symptoms. METHODS: Randomized, active-control, double-blind, parallel, multi-center study of zileuton (400 or 600 mg QID)+200 microg beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) BID versus placebo+BDP 400 microg BID in asthmatics with baseline FEV(1) percent predicted values between 40% and 80% following a single-blind ICS (BDP 200 microg BID) 2-week run-in. During the 3-month double-blind treatment period, assessments included safety, daytime and nighttime symptoms, acute asthma exacerbations, beta(2)-agonist use, AM and PM peak expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV(1). RESULTS: The addition of a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor added to a low-dose of BDP showed no significant difference in FEV(1) compared to doubling the dose of BDP. FEV(1) improved in all 3 treatment groups, with mean increases of 10% with zileuton 600 mg QID+BDP 200 microg BID, 12% with zileuton 400mg QID+BDP 200 microg BID, and 11% with BDP 400 microg BID by study end. Within each treatment group, there were significant improvements in asthma symptoms and AM and PM PEF compared to baseline. No significant differences were observed between groups with regards to salbutamol use, acute asthma exacerbations, the requirement for oral/parenteral corticosteroids and adverse clinical events. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a 5-LO inhibitor added to low-dose beclomethasone may be an alternative to higher-doses of ICS in patients unable to achieve sufficient asthma control on low-dose ICS therapy.     

Beclometasone dipropionate extrafine aerosol versus fluticasone propionate in children with asthma

Beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) extrafine is a hydrofluoroalkane-based, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free inhalation aerosol. This study was conducted to determine whether BDP extrafine and CFC-fluticasone proprionate (FP) aerosols were equivalent in terms of efficacy and tolerability in children with symptomatic mild-to-moderate asthma. Male and female patients (aged 5-12 yr) with an asthma diagnosis for > or =3 months, peak expiratory flow (PEF) > or =60% of predicted normal and suboptimal asthma control were randomised to double-blind treatment with BDP extrafine 200 microg day(-1) (n=139) or CFC-FP 200 microg day(-1) (n=141) for up to 18 weeks. After 6 and 12 weeks, study medication was 'stepped down' to 100 and 50 microg day(-1), respectively, if patients had achieved good asthma control. Patients with poor asthma control discontinued from the study and those with intermediate control continued in the study but did not undergo a dose reduction. The estimated treatment difference in morning PEF% predicted at 6 weeks was -1.9% (90% CI -4.9, 1.0). There was a trend towards a greater increase in forced vital capacity (% predicted) in the BDP extrafine group (5.3 versus 0.4%; p=0.084). A 'step-down' in therapy to 100 microg day(-1) was possible in 36% and 42% of patients in the BDP extrafine and CFC-FP groups, respectively, at 6 weeks. Both drugs were well tolerated. BDP extrafine and CFC-FP aerosols were equally effective at improving asthma control in children with mild-to-moderate asthma at the same daily dose.