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Fixed and adjustable dose asthma action plans based on combination therapy: a pilot study
Shaun Holt1, Simon Ryder-Lewis, Matthew Masoli
1P3 Research, Bowen Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand. shaun@p3research.co.nz
Objective:
The use of combination inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist therapy within the framework of a self-management plan has yet to be investigated.
Methodology:
In this randomized open-label study, 69 adult asthmatic patients taking >or= 1,000 microg per day of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) or equivalent were treated for 3 months with Symbicort Turbuhaler (200 microg budesonide/6 microg formoterol). Patients were assigned to one of two self-management plans, based on either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen. The primary outcome variable was episode-free days.
Results:
Both regimens resulted in good asthma control, at least comparable to that obtained with previous high dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy. There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures between the regimens. The mean (+/- SD) usage of Symbicort was similar for the fixed and adjustable dose regimens (3.8 +/- 0.68 vs 3.6 +/- 1.54 puffs per day, respectively).
Conclusion:
We conclude that Symbicort is effective when administered as either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen as part of a self-management plan.
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