ABSTRACT
AIM: To assess efficiency and safety of high-dose beklometasone dipropionate in patients with bronchial asthma (BA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial included 14 female and 3 male patients with moderate or severe BA (mean age 43.6 years) in declining exacerbation. The patients inhaled beklometasone dipropionate as a dose-adjusted aerosol with built-up spacer (beklojet) in a daily dose 1000-2000 mcg for 8 weeks. Changes in clinical symptoms, life quality (AQLQ) and bronchial permeability (peak flowmetry, FEV1) were registered. Concentration of H2O2 in expired air condensate was measured spectrophotometrically to evaluate activity of airway inflammation. Oral smears were studied mycologically, hydrocortisone in blood plasma was measured with enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: The treatment produced positive trend in clinical symptoms and quality of life. Bronchial permeability improved since the 7th treatment day. H2O2 significantly fell, hydrocortisone levels and fungal flora did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Beklometasone dipropionate in high doses for 8 weeks is effective and safe against BA.
Subject(s)
Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Asthma/drug therapy , Beclomethasone/therapeutic use , Adult , Anti-Asthmatic Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Asthmatic Agents/adverse effects , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/adverse effects , Asthma/psychology , Beclomethasone/administration & dosage , Beclomethasone/adverse effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Humans , Hydrocortisone/blood , Hydrogen Peroxide/analysis , Male , Middle Aged , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
AIM: To assess effectiveness and safety of inhalation glucocorticoids (budesonide, beklometasone dipropionate) in bronchial asthma (BA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 19 BA patients (8 males and 11 females) inhaled glucocorticoids for 9 months. RESULTS: The treatment reduced the need in inhalation of short-acting beta-2-adrenomimetics, episodes of asphyxia occurred less frequently. A significant improvement of bronchial permeability was achieved only after 3 months of therapy. Blood levels of hydrocortisone, concentrations of magnesium, calcium and potassium in the serum, red cells and 24-h urine, serum osteocalcin, lumbar vertebral tissue density 3, 6 and 9 months after the treatment start were almost similar to the baseline. CONCLUSION: Glucocorticoids for inhalation are clinically effective in BA. They should be used for not less than 3 months. Topical steroids in mean therapeutic doses had no negative effects on the levels of hydrocortisone, mineral metabolism and bone tissue.
