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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
[A new steroid therapy for difficult asthmatics--an induction and maintenance, two-step therapy]
Y Maeda1, K Akiyama, T Hayakawa
1National Sagamihara Hospital, Research Center for Rhemato-Allergology.
This study shows that a two-step therapy using beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) inhalers is effective for difficult asthma. The treatment achieved remission in 85% of patients, improving lung function and reducing eosinophils.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Severe bronchial asthma requires effective long-term management strategies.
- Inhaled corticosteroids are a cornerstone of asthma therapy.
- Systematic steroid use is crucial for achieving and maintaining asthma remission.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel two-step therapy using beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) for difficult-to-treat asthma.
- To assess treatment outcomes including remission rates, lung function, and inflammatory markers.
Summary:
- A cohort of 27 difficult asthmatics received a two-step BDP inhaler therapy.
- Complete and partial remission rates were 48% and 37%, respectively.
- Significant improvements were observed in %VC, decreased peripheral eosinophils, and increased acetylcholine PC20 concentration.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that this systematic BDP therapy is a useful approach for managing severe asthma.
- The treatment demonstrated favorable effects on lung function and inflammatory markers with minimal impact on serum cortisol levels.
- Common side effects included stomatitis and hoarseness, indicating a need for monitoring.
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