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Use of diclofenac in children with asthma
J A Short1, C A Barr, C D Palmer
1Department of Anaesthesia, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK.
Insights
Diclofenac did not significantly impact lung function in children with asthma. A single therapeutic dose did not cause clinically significant bronchospasm in pediatric asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can sometimes trigger bronchospasm in sensitive individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a single therapeutic dose of diclofenac on lung function in children diagnosed with asthma.
- To assess the incidence of clinically significant bronchospasm following oral diclofenac administration in pediatric asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- Seventy children (aged 6-15 years) with asthma were recruited.
- Lung function was assessed using peak flow and forced expiratory flow-volume loops before and after oral administration of diclofenac (1-1.5 mg.kg-1).
- Spirometry was repeated at 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-administration, with a 15% decrease considered significant.
Main Results:
- No patient exhibited a consistent reduction in lung function exceeding 15%.
- No instances of wheezing or increased bronchodilator use were reported post-spirometry.
- The study found no clinically significant bronchospasm in the pediatric asthma cohort.
Conclusions:
- A single therapeutic dose of diclofenac did not induce clinically significant bronchospasm in children with asthma.
- The findings suggest diclofenac may be safely used in this population when indicated, under appropriate medical supervision.
- Further research could explore long-term effects or use in different asthma severities.
Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of diclofenac on the lung function of 70 children aged 6-15 years with a diagnosis of asthma, recruited from a hospital respiratory clinic. Peak flow and a forced expiratory flow-volume loop were measured and the patients were then given 1-1.5 mg.kg-1 effervescent diclofenac orally. Spirometry was repeated at 10, 20 and 30 min, a 15% decrease in results being considered a significant reduction in lung function. No patient demonstrated a consistent reduction in lung function of > 15% during the study and there were no reports of wheezing or increased bronchodilator use after completion of the spirometry. In conclusion, we studied a group of genuine asthmatics and found no clinically significant incidence of bronchospasm with the use of a single therapeutic dose of diclofenac.
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