Peak expiratory flow [PEF] and serum levels of cortisol as well as IgE in bronchial asthma

ABSTRACT

Patients with cryptogenic asthma treated for long periods with corticosteroids had low plasma cortisol levels during the attack and during the remission. Such a low cortisol level indicates a state of adrenal insufficiency which could result from long term and irregular therapy with corticosteroids. These patients are usually in continuous need for corticosteroid therapy. Low doses and alternate day steroid administration are the most desirable modalities of therapy long as there are no contraindications to its administration. Cases of extrinsic asthma on corticosteroid therapy did not show better improvement than those on bronchodilators alone. On the other hand, those on bronchodilators had the benefit that their serum cortisol level was steady during the attack and during the remission and within normal levels. Concerning IgE and PEF [Peak Expiratory Flow] the improvement was nearly the same in both groups [cryptogenic and extrinsic], whether on corticosteroids or on bronchodilators