ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and metabolism of inhaled steroids to prevent recurrent wheezing after bronchiolitis. METHODS: Sixty two patients were randomly divided into study (n=31) and control (n=31) groups. All of them received budesonide 500 microgram and salbutamol 1.25 mg 4 times a day via nebulizer during admission period (5.5+/-2.5 days). After discharge, the study group patients received fluticasone 50 microgram twice a day with metered dose inhaler with mask spacer for 12 weeks, and the control group received none of inhaled steroids. Serum cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations were measured at admission and at the end of the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy. Weight and height of all patients were checked during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Atopic dermatitis of the patient and allergy family history proved statistically significant. Among high risk group patients, the attack rate of recurrent wheezing in the study group was significantly reduced as compared with the control group. Cortisol levels checked at the end of the ICS therapy were not significantly different from the level checked at admission. In the study group, there was no statistically significant difference between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) level at admission and at the end of the ICS therapy. There was no statistically significant difference of height and weight SDS (standard deviation score) between baseline and 12 weeks later. CONCLUSION: This study suggest that inhaled corticosteroid can be used prophylactically for reducing recurrent wheezing after bronchiolitis in high risk group for asthma.