Double blind, placebo controlled study of nedocromil sodium in asthma.

After a two week baseline, 209 asthmatic children (mean age 10 years, range 6-17) were randomly allocated to receive 4 mg nedocromil sodium (n = 110) or placebo (n = 99) four times daily for 12 weeks in addition to their current treatment. The children completed daily diary cards and visited the clinic at four week intervals. Statistically significant differences in favour of nedocromil sodium were seen for clinician assessment of asthma severity and diary card symptom scores, pulmonary function and inhaled beta 2 bronchodilator use. Total symptom score decreased by 50% from baseline in the nedocromil sodium group and by 9% in the placebo group during the final four weeks. Nedocromil sodium was considered very or moderately effective by 78% of children/parents (placebo 59%) and 73% of clinicians (placebo 50%). Nausea, headache and sleepiness, and dyspnoea led to withdrawal of one child from nedocromil sodium and placebo treatments, respectively. Reports of sore throat and headache were marginally greater with the nedocromil sodium treatment. It is concluded that nedocromil sodium was both effective and safe in the treatment of asthma in children.     

Efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate hydrofluoroalkane inhalation aerosol in pre-school-age children with asthma: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of fluticasone propionate (FP) hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) in children age 1 to < 4 years with asthma. STUDY DESIGN: Children were assigned (2:1) to receive FP HFA 88 mug (n = 239) or placebo HFA (n = 120) twice daily through a metered-dose inhaler with a valved holding chamber and attached facemask for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy measure was mean percent change from baseline to endpoint in 24-hour daily (composite of daytime and nighttime) asthma symptom scores. RESULTS: The FP-treated children had significantly greater (P < or = .05) reductions in 24-hour daily asthma symptom scores (-53.9% vs -44.1%) and nighttime symptom scores over the entire treatment period compared with the placebo group. Daytime asthma symptom scores and albuterol use were slightly more decreased with FP than with placebo; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Increases in the percentage of symptom-free days were comparable. The percentage of patients who experienced at least 1 adverse event was similar in the 2 groups. Baseline median urinary cortisol excretion values were comparable between the groups, and there was little change from baseline at endpoint. FP plasma concentrations demonstrated that systemic exposure was low. CONCLUSIONS: FP HFA 88 mug twice daily was effective and well tolerated in pre-school-age children with asthma.     

A multiple-dosing, placebo-controlled study of budesonide inhalation suspension given once or twice daily for treatment of persistent asthma in young children and infants

RATIONALE: Topical antiinflammatory medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are recommended for therapy of asthma, but no formulation suitable for administration to infants and young children is available in the United States. METHODS: This was a 12-week, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study comparing the efficacy and safety of four dosing regimens of bude-sonide inhalation suspension (BIS) or placebo in 480 asthmatic infants and children (64% boys), ages 6 months to 8 years, with moderate persistent asthma. Approximately 30% of children were previously on inhaled corticosteroids that were discontinued before the study. Active treatments were comprised of BIS 0.25 mg once daily (QD), 0.25 mg twice a day (BID), 0.5 mg BID, or 1.0 mg QD. Efficacy was assessed by twice daily recording at home of asthma symptom scores and use of rescue medication, and discontinuation from the study because of worsening asthma and/or a requirement for systemic steroids. Peak flow measurements were recorded twice daily on diary and spirometry was recorded at clinic visits for those children able to perform these tests. Safety was assessed by reported adverse events and by cortisol testing (adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation) in a subset of patients. RESULTS: Patients enrolled had an average duration of asthma of 34 months; the mean asthma symptom score was approximately 1.3 (scale of 0-3). All dosing regimens with BIS produced statistically significant improvement in various clinical efficacy measures for asthma control compared with placebo. The lowest dose used, 0.25 mg QD, was efficacious but with fewer efficacy parameters than seen with the other doses administered. Separation between active treatment and placebo in daytime and nighttime symptom scores were observed by week 2 of treatment for all BIS treatment regimens. A significant increase in peak flow measurement was observed in most active treatment groups compared with placebo in the subset of children able to do pulmonary function testing. All treatment groups showed numerical improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second but only the 0.5-mg BID dose was significantly different from placebo. Adverse events for the entire group and response to adrenocorticotropic hormone in a subgroup of children who underwent cortisol testing before and at the end of the treatment period were no different in budesonide-treated patients in comparison to placebo. CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrate that BIS is effective and safe for infants and young children with moderate persistent asthma in a multiple dose range, and that QD dosing is an important option to be considered by the prescribing physician.     

Validation of an asthma symptom diary for interventional studies.

OBJECTIVE: The Pediatric Asthma Diary was developed and validated to assess efficacy of interventions in children with asthma. DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND SETTING: Diary validation was performed in a three week, prospective study of 106 children aged 6-14 years with asthma. Children were classified at baseline as either stable (requiring no additional asthma treatment) or new onset/worse (requiring either addition of or increase in anti-inflammatory treatment). RESULTS: A daytime symptom scale and "day without asthma" were defined from diary questions. Both measures demonstrated significant validity and responsiveness to anti-inflammatory treatment. The stable group experienced a higher percentage of days without asthma during week 1 compared with the new onset/worse group (39.6% v 11.6%, respectively). The new onset/worse patients experienced significant improvement in days without asthma (24.5%) compared with stable patients (6.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The Pediatric Asthma Diary daytime symptom scale and day without asthma are acceptable measures for use in asthma intervention studies of children aged 6-14 years.     

Once-daily ciclesonide in children: efficacy and safety in asthma

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of once-daily inhaled ciclesonide 40 mug (CIC40), 80 mug (CIC80), and 160 mug (CIC160) with placebo in children with persistent asthma of all severities. STUDY DESIGN: Overall, 1031 children age 4 to 11 years were randomized into 2 identical double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group studies consisting of a run-in phase followed by 12 weeks of treatment. Both studies were designed to allow for a prespecified integrated analysis. The primary outcome variable was change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) percent predicted between baseline and study end; treatment comparisons were assessed using analysis of covariance. Additional endpoints included asthma symptom scores, daily albuterol use, and safety, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable; 59.4% of patients had moderate asthma, and 24.1% had severe asthma. All ciclesonide doses were associated with greater improvements in baseline to week 12 FEV(1) percent predicted versus placebo (CIC40, 11.97; CIC80, 13.58, P <.05; CIC160, 14.17, P < .01). Significant improvements in asthma symptoms (P < .01) and reductions in albuterol use were reported. Ciclesonide was well tolerated with no effect on HPA axis function. CONCLUSIONS: In this integrated analysis, ciclesonide was effective and well tolerated in children with persistent asthma.     

Comparative effect of triamcinolone, nedocromil and montelukast on asthma control in children: A randomized pragmatic study

Asthma severity can be judged by measurements of symptoms, lung function, and medication requirements. The objective was to compare the effect of a 4-wk monotherapy with low-dose triamcinolone, montelukast and nedocromil on asthma control, lung function, eosinophil blood count, and bronchial hyper-reactivity in children with mild to moderate asthma allergic to dust mite. Two hundred fifty-six children, aged 6-18 yr, with mild to moderate asthma, participated in an 8-wk study. This was a three-arm, randomized no blinding or placebo pragmatic trial comparing the effect of triamcinolone acetonide (400 microg/day), inhaled nedocromil and montelukast sodium on clinical parameters of asthma [score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1))], PC20H, and eosinophil blood count. Two hundred forty-six children completed the study. After 4 wk of treatment with triamcinolone and montelukast, FEV(1) and PC20H significantly increased, and mean total symptoms score and mean number of eosinophil count in serum significantly decreased. Triamcinolone had a stronger effect on PC20H than montelukast. Nedocromil improved total asthma symptoms score and lung function. There was a reduction in the daytime and night-time symptom scores after treatment with all three drugs. Triamcinolone and montelukast had a stronger effect on asthma symptoms than nedocromil. There were statistically significant differences in reduction of nocturnal asthma symptoms between the triamcinolone and nedocromil groups (p < 0.001) and between montelukast and nedocromil (p = 0.001) groups, but not between the triamcinolone and montelukast groups. There was a reduction in beta-agonists use after treatment with all three drugs, with the strongest effect of triamcinolone. The study showed the strongest effect of low-dose inhaled steroids on clinical symptoms, lung function, bronchial hyper-reactivity and eosinophil blood count when compared to other asthma medications.     

Nebulised sodium cromoglycate in recurrently wheezy preschool children.

A double blind crossover study of nebulised sodium cromoglycate in 27 asthmatic preschool children was carried out over a one year period. All subjects had sufficiently severe asthma to have had at least one admission to hospital. The active treatment was sodium cromoglycate 20 mg (in 2 ml) administered by a nebuliser four times daily. Assessment was made by a diary card and clinical examination. Results were analysed in 24 subjects who completed the study. Statistical analysis allowed for order of treatment and seasonal effects. Significant results in favour of treatment with sodium cromoglycate were obtained for night cough, day activity, percentage of symptom free days, and overall severity of asthma. During active treatment there was no reduction in the rate of admissions to hospital or intravenous drugs used. The wheeze score during the week after an upper respiratory tract infection was not reduced during treatment with sodium cromoglycate. Nebulised sodium cromoglycate is a tedious prophylactic treatment for the young asthmatic child but is useful when other treatments have failed.     

Short-term effects of budesonide, nedocromil sodium and salmeterol on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in childhood asthma

Abstract Background: The effects of budesonide, nedocromil sodium and salmeterol on bronchial hyperresponsiveness were determined over a period of 3 weeks.
Methods: Forty-three asymptomatic children (22 male, 21 female, aged7–17 years) with mild-to-moderate asthma were evaluated. The study was placebo-controlled and double-blind. At the beginning the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) was measured and a methacholine challenge was performed to determine PC₂₀ (provocative concentration of inhaled methacholine required to reduce FEV_t by 20%). The patients in group I (n = 12), group II (n = 10), group III (n = 11), and group IV ( n = 10) inhaled 200 μg of budesonide, 2 mg of nedocromil sodium, 25 μg of salmeterol and a placebo, respectively, twice a day over the period of 3 weeks. Then the methacholine PC₂₀ values of all patients were measured again and the results were compared statistically with their previous values.
Results: The statistical data revealed that the methacholine doses in PC₂₀ before and after treatment were different in group I (P < 0.01). However, these differences were not statistically significant in the other groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: The short term usage of budesonide decreases bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but nedocromil sodium and salmeterol in the given doses do not affect bronchial hyperresponsiveness.     

轻度持续性支气管哮喘患儿单用孟鲁司特的疗效

目的评估在实际生活条件影响下轻度持续性支气管哮喘(哮喘)患儿单独使用孟鲁司特进行控制治疗的效果。方法选取2～14岁在社区进行治疗的轻度持续哮喘患儿,进行前瞻性、单组、非盲观察性研究。孟鲁司特每天1次,2～5岁年龄组每次4 mg,6～14岁年龄组每次5 mg,持续12周,患儿通过监护人员给药,采取门诊复诊、随访的方式进行治疗及评估。分别在研究的0、4、8、12周,对过去7 d的日间症状、夜间症状进行严重程度评分,对峰值流速(PEF)、短效β2受体激动剂使用量进行检测和记录。采用SPSS 16.0统计软件进行统计分析。结果 2个年龄组日间症状、夜间症状严重程度评分在各随访时间点的评分逐步降低,各相邻时间点均数差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);短期使用短效β2受体激动剂的量明显下降,从第0周到第4周观察到显著的减少量(P<0.05);PEF不断改善,终点观察值(第12周)与起始值(第0周)比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论对轻度持续哮喘患儿在社区实际生活条件影响下单用孟鲁司特仍可以有效控制哮喘症状的发作。     

Increased airway responsiveness in children of low birth weight at school age: effect of topical corticosteroids.

The effect of treatment with topical inhaled corticosteroids was assessed in 15 children of low birth weight (mean (SD) birth weight 1435 (268) g, gestational age 30.5 (2.9) weeks, age at study 8.2 (0.4) years) who were symptomatic and showed a positive airway response to histamine aerosol. The study was of a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design with four week long treatment periods with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (400 micrograms daily) or placebo. Daily symptom scores were recorded and physiological measurements were performed at the beginning and end of each treatment period. There was no significant difference in respiratory symptom score, baseline airway function, or the airway response to histamine between treatment periods. The findings argue against an inflammatory basis for airway hyper-responsiveness in these children and raise questions as to its pathophysiological basis.     

Increased airway responsiveness in children of low birth weight at school age: effect of topical corticosteroids

The effect of treatment with topical inhaled corticosteroids was assessed in 15 children of low birth weight (mean (SD) birth weight 1435 (268) g, gestational age 30.5 (2.9) weeks, age at study 8.2 (0.4) years) who were symptomatic and showed a positive airway response to histamine aerosol. The study was of a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design with four week long treatment periods with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (400 micrograms daily) or placebo. Daily symptom scores were recorded and physiological measurements were performed at the beginning and end of each treatment period. There was no significant difference in respiratory symptom score, baseline airway function, or the airway response to histamine between treatment periods. The findings argue against an inflammatory basis for airway hyper-responsiveness in these children and raise questions as to its pathophysiological basis.     

舌下含服粉尘螨滴剂治疗儿童过敏性哮喘和变应性鼻炎的临床评价

目的评估舌下特异性免疫治疗药物“粉尘螨滴剂”治疗儿童过敏性哮喘及变应性鼻炎的疗效及安全性。方法采用随机双盲、安慰剂平行对照的研究方法,将278例年龄4—18岁粉尘螨过敏的哮喘和（或）鼻炎患儿随机分为治疗组（139例）和安慰剂组（139例）,分别给予舌下含服“粉尘螨滴剂”或安慰剂,在治疗第2,3,4,6,10,14,18,22周进行随访,治疗第25周结束临床观察。对两组治疗前后的哮喘和鼻炎症状与体征评分、用药计分、肺功能及各项实验室指标、不良事件进行分析比较,并在试验结束前让患儿进行疾病转归的自我评价。结果（1）278例研究对象中,共251例完成试验;（2）治疗组过敏性哮喘患者PEF日内变异率改变量-1．38,而安慰剂组仅为-0．90（P〈0．05）;（3）治疗结束后,过敏性哮喘治疗组应急用药改变量较基线有所下降（x=-0．08）,而安慰剂组用药则有所增加（x=0．52）,两组用药剂量较基线改变量的差异有显著性（W=-2．45,P〈0．05）;（4）治疗组鼻炎患者每日症状积分改变量为-1．96,而安慰剂组为-1．03（W=3．90,P〈0．01）;（5）鼻炎患者安慰剂组应急用药量较基线改变量为0．01,治疗组为-0．25,但两组差异无统计学意义（W=1．40,P〉0．05）;（6）用药25周以后,两组血清特异性IgE（sIgE）水平较用药前无显著改变,而治疗组的血清特异性IgG4平均水平显著增高（P〈0．05）;（7）试验期间未发生严重不良事件,与研究药物可能有关的不良反应主要表现为哮喘轻度发作和局部皮疹。结论“粉尘螨滴剂”是一种安全有效治疗儿童过敏性哮喘和变应性鼻炎的舌下特异性免疫治疗药物。     

Low‐dose budesonide improves exercise‐induced bronchospasm in schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of low‐dose inhaled budesonide (once or twice daily) and placebo, administered via Turbuhaler^®, on exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in children with mild asthma. Fifty‐seven steroid‐naive children (7–16 years old; 41 boys, 16 girls) with EIB participated in this sub‐population study according to the following inclusion criterion: a maximum fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV ₁) ≥ 10% after a standardized treadmill test. Mean baseline FEV ₁ was 100.3% of predicted, and mean maximum fall in FEV ₁ after the standardized exercise test was 22%. The study was a double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group design. After 2 weeks of run‐in, the children received inhaled budesonide 100 µg or 200 µg once daily in the morning, 100 µg twice daily, or placebo, for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, the fall in FEV ₁ after the exercise test was significantly less in all three budesonide groups (7.2–7.8%) vs. placebo (16.7%). Daytime symptom scores were significantly lower in all three budesonide groups compared with placebo (p < 0.02). The three budesonide groups did not differ significantly, and no significant change in lung function was found in any group. Therefore children with mild asthma, but with significant EIB, improved their exercise tolerance and symptom control after 3 months of treatment with a low dose of inhaled budesonide given once or twice daily.     

A placebo-controlled trial of cetirizine in seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis in children aged 6 to 12 years

A total of 124 children of both sexes aged between 6 and 12 years with pollen-associated rhino-conjunctivitis were included in a multicentre double-blind study of parallel group design to compare the effects of cetirizine 10 mg daily, given as 5 mg morning and evening for 2 weeks, with those of placebo of identical appearance. Rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction and nasal and ocular pruritus were evaluated using symptom scores by patients on daily self-evaluation cards and by investigators who, in addition, made a global evaluation at the end of treatment. Appropriate wash-out periods for previous medicines were observed. Unchanged treatment of asthma was allowed and inhaled corticosteroids were continued in 3 placebo patients. Compliance was checked and found to be less than 80% of the prescribed dosage in 2 cetirizine patients. The mean percentage of study days when symptoms were absent or at the most mild (i.e. present but not disturbing), as reported daily by the patients, was significantly greater with cetirizine (56.2%) than placebo (29.7%). This 26.5% difference was considered clinically significant. The value of this method of expressing treatment effects in allergic rhinitis is discussed. Improvement in maximum symptom scores (severest symptoms) assessed by investigators was better for cetirizine than placebo after treatment for 1 week and 2 weeks. Improvement in individual daily symptoms was greater for cetirizine than placebo after a few days. Global evaluations of response by investigators at the end of the study showed improvement in both groups that was significantly greater with cetirizine, providing a response that was considered excellent or good in 79% of patients on cetirizine compared with 50% of patients on placebo. Tolerance was good. Somnolence that was generally mild and transient was reported in 6 patients of the cetirizine group and in 2 patients of the placebo group.     

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of inhaled fluticasone propionate 200 micrograms/day with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate 400 micrograms/day in mild and moderate asthma

This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of a new inhaled corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate at a total daily dose of 200 micrograms, with beclomethasone dipropionate 400 micrograms/day in childhood asthma. A total of 398 asthmatic children (aged 4-19 years) were randomised to receive either fluticasone propionate 200 micrograms daily or beclomethasone dipropionate 400 micrograms daily for six weeks inhaled via a spacer device from a metered dose inhaler. During the study the patients recorded morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), symptom scores, and use of beta 2 agonist rescue medication. In addition, clinic visit PEFR and forced expiratory volume in one second were measured. Safety was assessed by recording all adverse events and by performing routine biochemistry and haematology screens including plasma cortisol concentration before and after treatment. For the purposes of analysis the diary card data were grouped into three periods: week 3 (days 15-21), week 6 (days 36-42), and weeks 1-6 (days 1-42). The results showed no significant difference between treatments on most efficacy parameters. However, there were significant differences in changes from baseline in favour of fluticasone propionate for % predicted morning PEFR both at week 3 (fluticasone propionate 6.1%, beclomethasone dipropionate 3.9%) and at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 8.3%, beclomethasone dipropionate 5. 9%) and % predicted evening PEFR at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 7.3%, beclomethasone dipropionate 4.9% and over weeks 1-6 (fluticasone propionate 5.5%, beclomethasone dipropionate 3.6%. Comparison between groups showed that the group receiving fluticasone propionate had a lower % of days with symptom-free exercise at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 87%, beclomethasone dipropionate 81%) and % days without rescue medication at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 87%, beclomethasone dipropionate 80%) and over weeks 1-6 (fluticasone propionate 80%, beclomethasone dipropionate 73%). Except for a higher incidence of sore throat in the fluticasone propionate group, the two treatments did not differ with regard to safety. There was no evidence of adrenal suppression with either treatment. In conclusion, fluticasone propionate 200 microgram daily ws at least as effective and as well tolerated as beclomethasone dipropionate 400 microgram daily in childhood asthma.     

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of inhaled fluticasone propionate 200 micrograms/day with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate 400 micrograms/day in mild and moderate asthma.

This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of a new inhaled corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate at a total daily dose of 200 micrograms, with beclomethasone dipropionate 400 micrograms/day in childhood asthma. A total of 398 asthmatic children (aged 4-19 years) were randomised to receive either fluticasone propionate 200 micrograms daily or beclomethasone dipropionate 400 micrograms daily for six weeks inhaled via a spacer device from a metered dose inhaler. During the study the patients recorded morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), symptom scores, and use of beta 2 agonist rescue medication. In addition, clinic visit PEFR and forced expiratory volume in one second were measured. Safety was assessed by recording all adverse events and by performing routine biochemistry and haematology screens including plasma cortisol concentration before and after treatment. For the purposes of analysis the diary card data were grouped into three periods: week 3 (days 15-21), week 6 (days 36-42), and weeks 1-6 (days 1-42). The results showed no significant difference between treatments on most efficacy parameters. However, there were significant differences in changes from baseline in favour of fluticasone propionate for % predicted morning PEFR both at week 3 (fluticasone propionate 6.1%, beclomethasone dipropionate 3.9%) and at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 8.3%, beclomethasone dipropionate 5. 9%) and % predicted evening PEFR at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 7.3%, beclomethasone dipropionate 4.9% and over weeks 1-6 (fluticasone propionate 5.5%, beclomethasone dipropionate 3.6%. Comparison between groups showed that the group receiving fluticasone propionate had a lower % of days with symptom-free exercise at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 87%, beclomethasone dipropionate 81%) and % days without rescue medication at week 6 (fluticasone propionate 87%, beclomethasone dipropionate 80%) and over weeks 1-6 (fluticasone propionate 80%, beclomethasone dipropionate 73%). Except for a higher incidence of sore throat in the fluticasone propionate group, the two treatments did not differ with regard to safety. There was no evidence of adrenal suppression with either treatment. In conclusion, fluticasone propionate 200 microgram daily ws at least as effective and as well tolerated as beclomethasone dipropionate 400 microgram daily in childhood asthma.     

Effect of formoterol on clinical parameters and lung functions in patients with bronchial asthma: a randomised controlled trial.

AIMS: To determine the role of formoterol in the treatment of children with bronchial asthma who are symptomatic despite regular use of inhaled corticosteroids. METHODS: A randomised, double blind, parallel group, placebo controlled study to investigate the effects of inhaled formoterol (12 microg twice a day) in 32 children with moderate to severe bronchial asthma. The study consisted of two week run in periods and six week treatment periods, during both of which the patients continued their regular anti-inflammatory drugs. The efficacy parameters were symptom scores, bronchodilator use, daily peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR), methacholine hyper-reactivity, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), lung volumes, and airway conductance. RESULTS: Formoterol treatment for six weeks decreased symptom scores, PEFR variability, and the number of rescue salbutamol doses, and increased morning and evening PEFR significantly. No adverse reactions were seen. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that inhaled formoterol is effective in controlling chronic asthma symptoms in children who are symptomatic despite regular use of inhaled corticosteroids.     

The effect of beclomethasone dipropionate in ultrafine particles on bronchial hyper-reactivity in young children

Aim: Bronchial hyper‐reactivity (BHR) provides a tool for asthma diagnosis, assessment of severity and response to treatment. The effect of beclomethasone dipropionate in ultrafine particles (BDP‐HFA) on BHR as measured by the adenosine challenge test in young children has not yet been determined. Our aim was to determine the effect of BDP‐HFA (100 μg twice daily) on BHR as evaluated by a reduction of 20% from baseline FEV1 (PC20‐FEV1) values in young asthmatic children. Methods: Twenty‐one young children (13 males), mean age 4.95 ± 1.05 years, with partially controlled or controlled asthma completed a double‐blind randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. Each child received 4 weeks of treatment with either 100 μg BDP‐HFA twice daily or placebo, and after a 2‐week washout period the other way around. Primary outcomes were PC20‐FEV1 concentration, and the stage number at which FEV1 values dropped by 20%. Results: Following 4 weeks of treatment, median PC20‐FEV1 was 81.28 mg/mL while on BDP‐HFA, compared with 9.64 mg/mL on placebo (p < 0.001). The median increase in stages required to achieve PC20 on BDP‐HFA compared with placebo was three (95% CI 2.28–4.86). Conclusion: Four weeks of treatment with BDP‐HFA resulted in significantly decreased BHR in young children.     

Efficacy of cromoglycate in persistently wheezing infants

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of (sodium) cromoglycate in the treatment of persistent wheezing in 31 children between 4 and 12 months of age. The subjects were randomised to receive either 40 mg of cromoglycate (n = 16) or physiological saline as placebo (n = 15) three times a day by wet nebulisation in a double blind fashion for a period of six weeks. The patients were evaluated with daily symptom scores and respiratory function testing measuring maximal expiratory flow at functional residual capacity (VmaxFRC) before initiating treatment and upon completion. At baseline, mean (SD) symptom scores between the two groups were comparable (cromoglycate 99.5 (29.8), placebo 104.5 (29.7)) as were VmaxFRC expressed as per cent of predicted normals (cromoglycate 48 (28), placebo 46 (20)). Upon completion of the treatment protocol, no significant difference could be found between the two groups for either symptom score (cromoglycate 67.6 (40.2), placebo 58.6 (41.4)), or VmaxFRC (cromoglycate 52 (24), placebo 60 (32)). It is concluded, therefore, that 40 mg of cromoglycate three times a day administered via facemask and wet nebulisation was no more effective than placebo in the treatment of our sample of persistently wheezing infants under 1 year of age.     

Validation of an asthma symptom diary for interventional studies

OBJECTIVE—The Pediatric Asthma Diary was developed and validated to assess efficacy of interventions in children with asthma.
DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND SETTING—Diary validation was performed in a three week, prospective study of 106 children aged 6-14 years with asthma. Children were classified at baseline as either stable (requiring no additional asthma treatment) or new onset/worse (requiring either addition of or increase in anti-inflammatory treatment).
RESULTS—A daytime symptom scale and "day without asthma" were defined from diary questions. Both measures demonstrated significant validity and responsiveness to anti-inflammatory treatment. The stable group experienced a higher percentage of days without asthma during week 1 compared with the new onset/worse group (39.6% v 11.6%, respectively). The new onset/worse patients experienced significant improvement in days without asthma (24.5%) compared with stable patients (6.4%).
CONCLUSIONS—The Pediatric Asthma Diary daytime symptom scale and day without asthma are acceptable measures for use in asthma intervention studies of children aged 6-14 years.