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Dapsone as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent for asthma
1School of Postgraduate Medicine, University of Portsmouth, Gloucester House, Cosham, Hants, UK, PO6 3LY. ann.dewey@port.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|January 10, 2003
Summary
Currently, no studies support dapsone as a corticosteroid-sparing agent for asthma. More research is needed to determine if dapsone benefits patients dependent on oral corticosteroids.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oral corticosteroids are standard asthma treatments but cause significant side effects.
- Dapsone, an anti-inflammatory sulfone, is explored as a potential corticosteroid-sparing agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of dapsone combined with oral corticosteroids in adults with stable, steroid-dependent asthma.
- To assess dapsone's potential to reduce or eliminate oral corticosteroid dependence.
Main Methods:
- Searched the Cochrane Airways group trials register and reference lists.
- Included randomized controlled trials comparing dapsone plus placebo in steroid-dependent asthmatics.
Main Results:
- No trials met the selection criteria.
- Meta-analysis could not be performed due to lack of studies.
Conclusions:
- No published randomized controlled trials exist, thus no reliable evidence supports dapsone's efficacy in steroid-dependent asthma.
- Well-designed, double-blind randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess dapsone's benefits and risks.