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Aerosol beclomethasone in steroid dependent asthmatics
A O Afonja1, O O Elegbeleye, A E Majekodunmi
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Summary
Aerosol beclomethasone dipropionate effectively maintained airway patency in most steroid-dependent asthma patients. It also helped restore adrenal function in those with suppression from systemic corticosteroids, showing promise for asthma therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma management often relies on systemic corticosteroids.
- Systemic corticosteroids can lead to adrenal suppression.
- Alternative delivery methods for asthma medications are continuously explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of aerosol beclomethasone dipropionate in steroid-dependent asthma.
- To assess the impact of switching to aerosol beclomethasone on adrenal function.
Main Methods:
- 16 patients with steroid-dependent asthma were treated with aerosol beclomethasone dipropionate.
- Adrenal function was monitored in patients with pre-existing adrenal suppression.
Main Results:
- Aerosol beclomethasone dipropionate maintained airway patency in 14 out of 16 patients.
- 3 patients with adrenal suppression showed recovery of adrenal function after switching to aerosol beclomethasone.
Conclusions:
- Aerosol beclomethasone dipropionate is effective for maintaining airway patency in steroid-dependent asthma.
- This aerosol steroid offers a potential benefit in managing adrenal suppression associated with systemic corticosteroid therapy.
- Aerosol beclomethasone dipropionate represents a modest advancement in asthma treatment.