[An experimental study on the treatment of asthmatics with diethylcarbamazine]

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of oral administration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) on the treatment of asthmatics. When compared to baseline and placebo control DEC failed to improve significantly lung ventilation function within 3 hours in 28 asthmatics. In 11 patients with stable asthma a significant increase in MCH-PC20-FEV1 was noticed at 3 days after the use of DEC. In 24 atopic asthmatics DEC given 90 minutes prior to exercise led to significantly less post-exercise percentage fall in FEV1 when compared to placebo. These findings indicate: 1. DEC has no bronchodilation effect. 2. DEC inhibits MCH-induced bronchospasm and reduces the nonspecific airway hyperreactivity. 3. DEC given 90 minutes before exercise protects from exercise-induced asthma.