Clinical Efficacy of Beclomethasone Dipropionate in Korean Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in Korean patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients with active UC who were treated with BDP were retrospectively reviewed. Partial Mayo Clinic score (pMS) was calculated to determine disease activity. After 4 weeks of therapy, clinical remission, clinical response, and response failure rates were evaluated. Clinical remission was defined as a post-treatment pMS of 0 or 1, clinical response as a decrease of two of three points in pMS and >30% from baseline, and response failure as a lack of clinical response. Also, we considered that clinical remission was included in clinical response. RESULTS: Between July 2013 and April 2015, 95 patients with UC received BDP therapy at our institution (median age, 44 years; range, 12–81 years). After 4 weeks of therapy, clinical remission and clinical response rates were 50.5% and 73.7%, respectively. Mean change of pMS before and after BDP therapy was 2.4. There was no significant side effect reported. In multivariate analysis, disease activity was the only factor associated with a favorable response. Clinical remission rate was significantly higher in the mild disease activity group (66.7%) than that in the moderate or severe disease activity group (41.9%) (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: BDP is efficacious in inducing a clinical response or remission in Korean patients with UC. Patients with mild UC were more likely to be in remission than those with moderate or severe UC after receiving BDP for 4 weeks. BDP exhibited a good safety profile.

Propionato de fluticasona para o tratamento de crianças e adultos com asma moderada a grave / Fluticasone propionate for the treatment of children and adults with moderate to severe asthma

CONTEXTO: A asma é uma doença inflamatória crônica das vias aéreas associada à hiperresponsividade das vias aéreas, que leva a episódios recorrentes de sibilos, dispneia, opressão torácica e tosse, particularmente à noite ou no início da manhã. A asma brônquica é uma das doenças crônicas mais comuns, acometendo crianças e adultos, ao redor do mundo. Estima-se que existam 20 milhões de asmáticos no Brasil, considerando-se uma prevalência global de 10%. A base do tratamento medicamentoso da asma persistente, em consonância com o conhecimento atual da fisiopatologia, é o uso continuado de medicamentos com ação anti-inflamatória, também chamados controladores, sendo corticosteroides inalatórios os principais deles. No Brasil, está em vigor o Protocolo Clínico e Diretriz Terapêutica de asma por meio da Portaria SAS/MS nº 1.317 - 25/11/2013 (alterado pela Portaria SAS/MS nº 603, de 21 de julho de 2014), na qual são recomendados os seguintes fármacos: beclometasona, budesonida, fenoterol, formoterol, formoterol associado à budesonida, salbutamol, salmeterol, prednisona e prednisolona. O demandante apresentou dossiê técnico solicitando a incorporação do Flixotide® (propionato de fluticasona) à relação de fármacos disponíveis no SUS, como mais uma opção clínica no arsenal terapêutico de tratamento de asma no Brasil, alegando que, além de ser mais uma alternativa, essa incorporação geraria economia e competitividade no mercado de corticoides inalatórios. EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Analisou-se o conjunto de evidências encaminhado pelo demandante, no qual foram incluídas três revisões sistemáticas e 18 ensaios clínicos randomizados, sendo que nove deles compararam o propionato de fluticasona com a beclometasona e os outros nove com a budesonida. Os resultados dos estudos mostraram que não há diferença estatisticamente significante tanto para eficácia, medida pela função pulmonar, como para a segurança entre os medicamentos comparados. De acordo com os resultados dos estudos, a efetividade deste medicamento é similar àquela de outros corticoides inalatórios, não apresentando diferenças expressivas nos eventos adversos, quando utilizados em doses equipotentes. RECOMENDAÇÃO DA CONITEC: A CONITEC, em sua 37ª reunião ordinária realizada no dia 02/07/2015, deliberou por unanimidade recomendar a não incorporação da fluticasona para a redução dos sintomas e exacerbações da asma em pacientes tratados com broncodilatadores isolados ou outra terapia profilática. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foram recebidas 99 contribuições na consulta pública, sendo 88 de paciente/responsável e 11 de conteúdo técnico-científico. Em geral, as contribuições foram a favor da incorporação da fluticasona. Os principais motivos citados incluem mais uma opção para o tratamento de asma, menor dose necessária para obter os efeitos desejados e que a fluticasona tem um menor impacto no crescimento de crianças. A empresa fabricante da tecnologia fez uma contribuição com observações sobre o cálculo da estimativa de impacto orçamentário, essas observações foram analisadas e o impacto orçamentário foi revisado, chegando a uma estimativa que varia entre uma economia de aproximadamente R$ 16 milhões e gasto adicional de R$ 110 milhões no primeiro ano após incorporação, e entre uma economia de R$ 89 milhões e gasto adicional de R$ 583 milhões no total dos próximos 5 anos após a incorporação. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Aos 03 (três) dias do mês de setembro de 2015, reuniu-se a Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde ­ CONITEC, regulamentada pelo Decreto nº 7.646, de 21 de dezembro de 2011, que, na presença dos membros, deliberou por unanimidade recomendar a não incorporação da fluticasona para a redução dos sintomas e exacerbações da asma em pacientes tratados com broncodilatadores isolados ou outra terapia profilática. Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº142/2015. DECISÃO: Não incorporar a fluticasona para a redução dos sintomas e exacerbações da asma em pacientes tratados com broncodilatadores isolados ou outra terapia profilática no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS. Portaria nº 46, de 29 de setembro de 2015.

Efectividad y seguridad del corticosteroide nasal mometasona comparado con beclometasona, budesonida, ciclesonida y fluticasona para el tratamiento de pólipos nasales en adultos y niños / Effectiveness and safety of nasal corticosteroid mometasone compared to beclomethasone, budesonide, ciclesonide and fluticasone for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults and children

Introducción: los pólipos nasales son una manifestación de la inflamación crónica de la mucosa nasal y senos paranasales. Generalmente surgen desde la mucosa que rodea al meato medio y muchas veces causan bloqueo nasal y restricción al flujo de aire a través de las fosas nasales. Su prevalencia ha sido reportada entre un 0.5% y un 4% en la población general. El principal objetivo del tratamiento de la poliposis nasal es aliviar los síntomas nasales debido a la eliminación o reducción en el tamaño del pólipo. Debido a sus propiedades antiinflamatorias, los corticoesteroides son el pilar del tratamiento de la poliposis nasal. Objetivo: esta evaluación de tecnología tiene como objetivo examinar los beneficios y riesgos del uso del corticosteroide tópico nasal Mometasona en comparación con otros corticoesteroides nasales para el tratamiento de poliposis nasal. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda sistemática y exhaustiva de literatura. Todo el proceso se acogió a los estándares de calidad internacional utilizados por la Colaboración Cochrane. Resultados: de las búsquedas, se obtuvieron 166 referencias, de las que, luego de tamización de título y resumen, se obtuvieron 5 para evaluar en texto completo, y de las cuáles se excluyeron 3, para incluir dos en éste reporte. Las razones por las cuales fueron excluidas las anteriores referencias se describen a continuación: 1) versión anterior de una de las RSL incluidas en los resultados del reporte, 2) la población no respondía a los criterios de inclusión, y 3) un reporte era un resumen de conferencia. Conclusiones: no se encontró evidencia directa, ni indirecta, que permitiera conocer las diferencias entre mometasona y el resto de los CEN. En general, los corticoesteroides nasales son mejores que el placebo en efectividad sobre casi todos los desenlaces clínicos importantes y críticos. En general todos los CEN presentaron más efectos adversos que el placebo, aunque todos fueron leves. No se encontró evidencia de diferencias en cuanto a eventos adversos entre los CEN entre sí.(AU)

An Open, Comparative, Randomized, Parallel, Post Marketing, Multicentric Trial to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Formula A (Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Terbinafine Hydrochloride + Clobetasol Propionate) versus Formula B (Clotrimazole + Beclometasone Dipropionate + Neomycin Sulphate), Formula C (Clotrimazole + Beclometasone Dipropionate + Neomycin Sulphate) and Formula D (Clotrimazole + Beclometasone Dipropionate + Neomycin Sulphate) in the Treatment of Patients with Vaginitis.

Vaginitis is among the most common conditions for which women seek medical care, with vaginal discharge accounting for approximately 10 million office visits each year. Since there are no published studies till date that evaluated the Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Topical Cream of Formula A [Ofloxacin (0.75 % w/w) + Ornidazole (2% w/w) + Terbinafine Hydrochloride (1% w/w) + Clobetasol Propionate (0.05% w/w)] compared to Formula B [Clotrimazole (1%w/w) + Beclometasone Dipropionate (0.025%w/w) + Neomycin Sulphate (0.5% w/w)], Formula C [Clotrimazole (1%w/w) + Beclometasone Dipropionate (0.025%w/w) + Neomycin Sulphate (0.5% w/w)], and Formula D [Clotrimazole (1%w/w) + Beclometasone Dipropionate (0.025%w/w) + Neomycin Sulphate (0.5% w/w)], in mild to moderate vaginitis, hence we undertook this randomized controlled Post Marketing Multicentric trial. Materials and methods: Female subjects diagnosed with mild to moderate symptoms of Vaginitis were eligible and those fulfilling the subject selection criteria were randomized to receive either Formula A, Formula B, Formula C or Formula D for 14 days. The Primary efficacy measures were assessment of symptoms of Vaginitis i.e. vaginal pruritis, vaginal irritation, vaginal soreness or pain, dyspareunia, vaginal erosion and vaginal inflammation and Secondary efficacy measures were assessment of Physical characteristics of vaginal discharge, assessment of pH of vaginal discharge and Microbiological evaluation. Assessment of Safety was done by recording the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. Results: The clinical success rates were comparable and even far better in case of Formula A group (in vaginal pain, Dyspareunia and vaginal erosion it was 100 %, in case of vaginal inflammation it was 92.655 % while in case of vaginal irritation, it was 94.767 % and vaginal pruritus, it was 87.096 %). Adverse events were mild and self limiting while it was totally absent in case of Formula A group. Conclusion: Topical Cream of Formula A is safe and effective for the treatment of mild to moderate vaginitis.

Local adverse effects associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with moderate or severe asthma / Eventos adversos locais associados ao uso de corticosteroides inalatorios em pacientes com asma moderada ou grave

OBJECTIVE: To describe and characterize local adverse effects (in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx) associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in patients with moderate or severe asthma. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of 200 asthma patients followed in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care of the Bahia State Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Control Program Referral Center, located in the city of Salvador, Brazil. The patients were ≥ 18 years of age and had been using ICSs regularly for at least 6 months. Local adverse effects (irritation, pain, dry throat, throat clearing, hoarseness, reduced vocal intensity, loss of voice, sensation of thirst, cough during ICS use, altered sense of taste, and presence of oral candidiasis) were assessed using a 30-day recall questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients studied, 159 (79.5%) were women. The mean age was 50.7 ± 14.4 years. In this sample, 55 patients (27.5%) were using high doses of ICS, with a median treatment duration of 38 months. Regarding the symptoms, 163 patients (81.5%) reported at least one adverse effect, and 131 (65.5%) had a daily perception of at least one symptom. Vocal and pharyngeal symptoms were identified in 57 (28.5%) and 154 (77.0%) of the patients, respectively. The most commonly reported adverse effects were dry throat, throat clearing, sensation of thirst, and hoarseness. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported adverse effects ...

OBJETIVO: Descrever e caracterizar os eventos adversos locais na orofaringe e laringe associados ao uso de corticosteroide inalatório (CI) em pacientes com asma moderada ou grave. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, com amostra de conveniência composta por 200 pacientes acompanhados no Serviço de Assistência Farmacêutica da Central de Referência do Programa para Controle da Asma na Bahia, em Salvador (BA). Os pacientes tinham ≥ 18 anos e estavam em uso regular de CI por período ≥ 6 meses. Os eventos adversos locais (irritação, dor, garganta seca, pigarro, rouquidão, redução da potência da voz, perda de voz; sensação de sede, tosse durante inalação, alteração do paladar e presença de monilíase oral) foram avaliados por meio de um questionário com período recordatório de 30 dias. RESULTADOS: Dos 200 pacientes estudados, 159 (79,5%) eram mulheres. A média de idade foi de 50,7 ± 14,4 anos. Nesta amostra, 55 pacientes (27,5%) utilizavam altas doses de CI, com mediana de duração de tratamento de 38 meses. Em relação aos sintomas, 163 pacientes (81,5%) reportaram ao menos um evento adverso, e 131 (65,5%) tinham a percepção diária de pelo menos um sintoma. Os sintomas de voz e de faringe foram identificados em 57 (28,5%) e 154 (77,0%) pacientes, respectivamente. Os eventos adversos mais frequentemente relatados foram garganta seca, ...

O impacto do tratamento fonoaudiológico no controle da asma e da rinite alérgica em crianças e adolescentes respiradores orais / The impact of speech therapy on asthma and allergic rhinitis control in mouth breathing children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Detectar o impacto do tratamento fonoaudiológico no controle da asma e da rinite alérgica em crianças e adolescentes respiradores orais. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental; foram randomizados 24 pacientes com asma, rinite alérgica e respiração oral, idade de 6 a 15 anos. Todos os pacientes usavam dipropionato beclometasona inalação oral. No momento em que aceitaram participar da pesquisa, a inalação oral foi substituída pela inalação exclusivamente nasal na inspiração e, após 1 mês, associou-se ao tratamento fonoaudiológico em metade dos pacientes. Esses receberam 16 sessões de tratamento fonoaudiológico em 8 semanas, além do dipropionato de beclometasona inalação exclusivamente nasal (grupo DBF). O grupo de comparação recebeu somente dipropionato beclometasona inalação exclusivamente nasal (grupo DBI). Os dois grupos foram avaliados em cinco tempos. Utilizou-se o escore clínico da rinite alérgica, da asma, o protocolo de avaliação miofuncional orofacial adaptado de Marchesan (2003), a observação dos responsáveis, dados de espirometria, de pico de fluxo inspiratório e de pico de fluxo expiratório. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora significativa do grupo DBF: escores clínicos da asma no tempo 5 (p = 0,046); valores do pico de fluxo inspiratório no tempo 4 (p = 0,030); pico de fluxo expiratório no tempo 3 (p = 0,008); modo respiratório e postura de lábios (p = 0,000) a partir do tempo 3; observação dos responsáveis, no tempo 2, tempo 4 e tempo 5 (p = 0,010; p = 0,027; p = 0,030). CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento fonoaudiológico associado ao dipropionato beclometasona por inalação exclusivamente nasal promoveu um controle clínico e funcional mais precoce e duradouro da asma, da rinite alérgica e da respiração oral entre os grupos estudados.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of speech therapy on asthma and allergic rhinitis control in mouth breathing children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental randomized study of 24 mouth breathing patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis, aged from 6 to 15 years. All patients were taking beclomethasone diproprionate through oral inhalation at the start of the study. At enrollment on the study, oral inhalation was substituted with exclusively nasal inhalation and 1 month later half of the patients began speech therapy. They attended 16 speech therapy sessions in 8 weeks and continued taking beclomethasone dipropionate through exclusively nasal inhalation (BDT group). The comparison group received only beclomethasone diproprionate through exclusively nasal inhalation (BDI group). Both groups were assessed five times. Clinical scores were calculated for allergic rhinitis and asthma, an adapted version of the Marchesan orofacial myofunctional assessment protocol was applied, and parents/guardians' observations were recorded, in addition to spirometry measurements of peak inspiratory and peak expiratory flow. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the BDT group: clinical asthma score at T5 (p = 0.046); peak inspiratory flow at T4 (p = 0.030); peak expiratory flow at T3 (p = 0.008); breathing mode and lip position (p = 0.000) from T3 onwards; and parents/guardians' observations at T2, T4, and T5 (p = 0.010; p = 0.027; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Speech therapy in combination with beclomethasone diproprionate through exclusively nasal inhalation resulted in earlier and longer-lasting clinical and functional control of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and mouth breathing than was achieved in the group that only took beclomethasone diproprionate.

Asthme : traitement au long cours

Il faut garder a l'esprit que la crise d'astheme peuvent survenir pendant un traitement au long court.Ce qui necessite une prise en charge a part .Nous resumons ici les traitements continus visant a minimiser la frequence des troubles respiratoires

Adesão ao uso de corticóide inalatório na asma: taxas relatadas pelos responsáveis e mensuradas pela farmácia / Compliance with inhaled corticosteroid treatment: rates reported by guardians and measured by the pharmacy

OBJETIVO: A morbidade associada à asma é elevada, principalmente nos países em desenvolvimento, e as falhas na adesão ao uso de corticóide inalatório contribuem para esta elevação. Este estudo objetiva comparar as taxas de adesão ao uso de beclometasona relatadas pelos responsáveis e as mensuradas pelos registros de dispensação farmacêutica do medicamento. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte concorrente com duração de 12 meses, do qual participaram 106 crianças e adolescentes asmáticos, selecionados aleatoriamente. Através da regressão linear, as taxas de adesão relatadas pelos responsáveis e pelos registros de dispensação da farmácia do serviço foram correlacionadas, quadrimestralmente, a partir da admissão no estudo. RESULTADOS: As taxas de adesão relatadas pelos pais e/ou responsáveis foram sempre superiores (p < 0,001) e apresentaram fraca correlação com aquelas mensuradas pelos registros de farmácia nos períodos estudados, quarto (r = 0,37) e 12º (r = 0,31) mês do seguimento.CONCLUSÃO: As taxas de adesão relatadas pelos pais foram superestimadas em todos os períodos do estudo. Crianças com asma deveriam ter suas taxas de adesão também monitoradas por outros métodos e, neste caso, os registros de farmácia foram efetivos em revelar as falhas na adesão. Dado ao seu baixo custo, esse método está indicado para a verificação dessas taxas.

OBJECTIVE: There is elevated morbidity associated with asthma, particularly in developing countries, and failure to comply with inhaled corticosteroid treatment contributes to this morbidity. The objective of this study is to compare rates of compliance with beclomethasone treatment reported by parents or guardians with those measured by pharmacy dispensing records. METHODS: A concurrent cohort study of 12 months' duration was carried out, enrolling 106 asthmatic children and adolescents, selected at random. Linear regression was used to compare rates of compliance reported by parents or guardians with the pharmacy dispensing records at the service, every 4 months after enrollment on the study. RESULTS: Compliance rates reported by parents and/or guardians were always higher (p < 0.001) and exhibited a weak correlation with pharmacy records during the period studied; fourth (r = 0.37) and twelfth (r = 0.31) months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of compliance reported by parents were overestimated during all study periods. The compliance rates of children with asthma should also be monitored by other methods and, in this case, pharmacy records effectively revealed compliance failures. Given its low cost, this method is indicated for verification of these compliance rates.

Effect of antiasthmatic medication on dental disease: dental caries and periodontal disease.

The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the 1980s. Asthma and tooth decay are the two major causes of school absenteeism. There are few studies present in the literature. The objectives of the present study were to know the severity of dental caries and periodontal problems in children before and after taking antiasthmatic medication. The present study was conducted on 105, six- to fourteen-year-old asthmatic children to determine the condition of their dental caries and their periodontal status before and after taking antiasthmatic medication, for a period of 1 year and these were matched with their controls. The results showed that salbutamol inhaler shows increased caries rate with high significance over other groups, which was followed by salbutamol tablets and beclamethasone inhaler respectively. It has been concluded that antiasthmatic medication has its effects on dental caries and periodontal disease and asthmatic patients are recommended to adopt more precautionary oral hygiene practices and keep their caries activity and periodontal health under constant check.

Comparative efficacy of steroid nasal spray versus antihistamine nasal spray in allergic rhinitis.

This prospective randomized case controlled study was conducted to determine the efficacy of antihistamine (azelastine) nasal spray and compare it to steroid (beclomethasone) nasal spray on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Seventy five symptomatic patients of allergic rhinitis were included in this study. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history and physical examination. The patients were divided into three groups randomly. Group A was treated with Azelastine nasal spray, Group B was treated with Beclomethasone nasal spray and Group C was control group and only treated with steam inhalation. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed in the terms of Total Rhinitis Symptom Complex (TSC) scores and individual symptom score which was calculated on the basis of Okuda's grading system. Base line total symptom complex (TSC) scores were reduced in group A and group B by 84.0% after 4 week treatment whereas in group C it was reduced by only 38.0%. Decrease in mean score for sneezing was 95.0% in group A and group B whereas it was only 28.3% in group C. Similarly decrease in mean score for rhinorrhoea in azelastine group was 94.4% and in beclomethasone group was 95.3% in comparison to steam inhalation group where it was 25.0%. Only the beclomethasone reduced nasal stuffiness score significantly by 95.0%. No significant adverse effects of the drugs were observed. The present study establishes the relative efficacy and tolerability ofazelastine nasal spray as compared to beclomethasone nasal spray in symptomatic patients of allergic rhinitis.

Study on serum and urinary cortisol levels of asthmatic patients after treatment with high dose inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide.

BACKGROUND: The potential for long-term adverse effects from inhaled corticosteroids relates to their systemic absorption. With increasing use of high dose inhaled corticosteroids, there is need to establish whether similar doses of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and budesonide (BUD) produce clinically important differences in untoward side effects specially hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression. METHODS: Fifteen asthmatic patients were started on BDP or BUD (2000 microg/day) through spacer for six weeks. Serum cortisol (9 AM and 4 PM), 24-hour urinary steroid and pulmonary function testing parameters were performed. RESULTS: The serum cortisol levels were not found to be suppressed with either BDP or BUD. Similarly no significant changes were found in 24 hours urinary excretion of steroids with either of the drugs. Significant improvement was found in values of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) with BDP. With BUD the changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1 were found to be significant. CONCLUSION: BDP or BUD in high doses of 2000 microg/day given upto six weeks through spacer are equally effective for treatment of bronchial asthma and do not cause any significant change in serum and urinary cortisol levels, and adrenal function/HPA axis.

Effect of single inhalation of a salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and beclomethasone on mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic obstructive airway disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD) is associated with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the mucus producing glands. The beneficial effect of inhaled drug may be due to improved mucociliary function. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation on mucociliary clearance in patients with COAD. METHODS: Ten patients of COAD were taken up, two patients however did not complete the study. Salbutamol, ipratropium bromide, beclomethasone dipropionate and placebo inhalation were given randomly to each patient on four separate days. Radioaerosol inhalation lung cine-scintigraphy after inhalation of the different drugs was followed up to two hours and than after 24 hours. RESULTS: There was no significant visually noticeable increased mucociliary clearance on any of the days. Two patients showed definite steep slope in the time activity curves with salbutamol as compared to other drugs or placebo. All the quantitative indices analysed at the end of one hour and two hours for the three drugs were comparable to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of inhaled salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and beclomethasone dipropionate has no appreciable effect on mucociliary clearance in patients with COAD.

Salbutamol and/or beclomethasone diproprionate in asthma.

OBJECTIVE: Acute severe exacerbation of asthma is potentially life threatening and requires critical assessment and appropriate therapy. Now a days, steroids are often combined with bronchodilators for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to compare effectiveness of beclomethasone diproprionate-salbutamol combination versus salbutamol alone by MDI (with or without spacer) in acute asthma. METHODS: A total of 57 paediatric patients (5-12 years) with acute attack of bronchial asthma attending emergency department of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital was randomised to receive salbutamol (100 microg/puff) alone or with BDP (50 microg/puff) by metered dose inhaler with or without spacer. All baseline investigations were repeated one hour after the therapy. RESULTS: Clinical parameters indicative of severity of asthma improved statistically in all treatment groups. The increase in PEFR was better with MDI-S+B with spacer as compared to other groups, though it failed to reach statistical significance. The fall in serum potassium level is significantly more with MDI-S+B group when spacer was not used. No serious adverse effects were observed in any of the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Metered dose inhalation of BDP-salbutamol combination with spacer provides better recovery whereas fall in serum potassium with MDI-S+B suggests use of spacer and monitoring of serum potassium during treatment.

Candid-B cream in the treatment of candidiasis with inflammatory dermatoses--National Study Group.

Physicians (n = 84) across the country prescribed candid-B cream (clotrimazole 1% + beclomethasone dipropionate 0.025%) on 822 patients suffering from candidiasis with inflammatory diseases to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination. The results showed reduction in severity was more than 80% for all symptoms/signs except scaling and lichenification where the reduction was 76.05% and 66.03% respectively. Only one patient complained of adverse reaction. So in the treatment of coexisting candidiasis and inflammatory dermatoses the combination of clotrimazole 1% + beclomethasone 0.025% (candid-B cream) was found to be highly effective.

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function in asthmatics taking low dose inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate.

OBJECTIVES: Anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly inhaled corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment of bronchial asthma. However, these drugs have potential side effects. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (400 and 800 micrograms) over a period of six months on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) suppression. METHODS: Assessment of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function was carried out by tetracosactrin test at time zero, (before start of treatment), three months, and six months. The baseline values served as the controls for each patient. Serum cortisol was estimated by radioimmuno assay. The response to short tetracosactrin test was classified as normal if serum cortisol levels rose at least 200 nmol/L to a minimum of 500 nmol/L. RESULTS: There were seven patients who were inhaling beclomethasone dipropionate in a dose of 400 micrograms/day and another seven patients were taking the same drug in a dose of 800 micrograms/day. There was no side effect of the drug in any patient except in one patient who had dysphonia. The mean basal cortisol levels were normal in all the subjects at 0, 3 and 6 months of therapy. Tetracosactrin stimulation test was also normal in all patients at all the times who were receiving the dose of 400 micrograms/day. However, one patient (14%) receiving 800 micrograms/day had HPA axis suppression at six months. Two patients in this group also had low basal cortisol levels. There was no clinical evidence of such suppression/deficiency. CONCLUSION: Beclomethasone dipropionate in a dose of 800 micrograms/day may suppress the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis if used for long periods (six months). However, this may not have any clinical significance.

El control de los desencadenantes inhalables disminuye el requerimiento prolongado de farmacoterapia en pacientes asmáticos / Control of inhalable triggering factors decrease pharmacotherapy requirement in patients with asthma

Los conocimientos adquiridos durante la última década de investigación sobre la inmunopatología del asma han demostrado que el proceso inflamatorio es un factor preponderante de la enfermedad. Además de la herencia, la presencia de desencadenantes inhalables son los elementos predisponibles más importantes. El presente trabajo constituye un estudio clínico terapéutico longitudinal, diseñado para valorar el efecto de la combinación del uso de farmacoterapia y control medio-ambiental, en 45 pacientes asmáticos pediátricos procedentes de la consulta de Inmunología Clínica. Los pacientes admitidos en el estudio, presentaron por lo menos dos crisis asmáticas mensuales durante los últimos cuatro meses. Al ingresar en nuestra consulta, los pacientes recibieron tratamiento farmacológico único con teofilina (grupo A), beclometasona (grupo B) o salbutamol (grupo C), durante las dos primeras semanas, combinado con medidas específicas de control de desencadenantes inhalables. Después de un período de observación de 6 meses, se evidenció mejoría clínica estable, asociado a una modificación favorable del FEVI, CVF y PEF, disminución significativa de los niveles séricos de IgE en los tres grupos (p<0,02; 0,005 y 0,02 respectivamente) independientemente del fármaco utilizado. Durante el estudio se monitoreo la cantidad de ácaros, presentes en muestras tomadas de las viviendas, observándose una disminución de los mismos, asociado con la mejoría clínica de los pacientes. Sólo en aquellos pacientes en quienes persistieron los síntomas (grupo A 31 por ciento, grupo B 29 por ciento y grupo C 9 por ciento) se comprobó que las medidas de control de desencadenantes ambientales no se cumplieron cabalmente. Esos pacientes mejoraron notoriamente al sistematizar la aplicación de las medidas higiénicas sin requerir nuevamente de farmacoterapia. estos resultados nos permiten sugerir que la disminución de los desencadenantes inhalables es fundamental para el control de los pacientes asmáticos, en combinación con una farmacoterapia

Decreased sodium-potassium and calcium adenosine triphosphatase activity in asthma: modulation by inhaled and oral corticosteroids.

The activation of both the inflammation-producing cells and the airway smooth muscle in asthma is believed to be a phenomenon dependent on the intracellular calcium. The activity of Na+ K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase, enzymes responsible for regulating the intracellular calcium concentrations has been reported to be decreased in asthma. An increase in plasma lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which is known to be a pro-inflammatory compound and has an inhibitory effect on the two ATPases has also been reported. Corticosteroids are potent antiinflammatory drugs very effective in the treatment of asthma. The effect of long-term (12 weeks) treatment with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and short-term (1 week) treatment with oral prednisolone on the activity of the two ATPases and intracellular calcium in leukocytes and plasma LPC levels was investigated. Both the treatments resulted in an improvement in lung function accompanied by an increase in the activities of the ATPases and a decrease in the intracellular calcium and LPC levels. It was concluded that increase in the activities of Na+ K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase and a consequent lowering of intracellular calcium, and a lowering of plasma LPC may underlie the beneficial effect of corticosteroids in asthma.

Acroceratose verruciforme de Hopf: relato de caso / Acrokeratosis verruciformis of Hopf: a case report

Acroceratose verruciforme de Hopf é síndrome heredofamilial autossômica dominante caracterizada por pápulas pequenas, verrucosas, planas, presentes predominantemente no dorso de mäos e pés, nos joelhos e cotovelos. Os autores descrevem uma paciente de 38 anos de idade, enfatizando a importância dos aspectos clínicos e histopatológicos