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Effect of controlled release salbutamol on nocturnal cough in asthma
E W Hoskyns1, A Thomson, E Decker
1Department of Child Health, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Insights
Controlled release salbutamol (CRS) did not significantly reduce nighttime cough in children with asthma. While cough counts remained similar to placebo, CRS showed a trend toward improving lung function measurements.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Nighttime cough is a common and disruptive symptom in childhood asthma.
- Effective management of nocturnal asthma symptoms is crucial for improving quality of life.
- Controlled-release formulations aim to provide sustained symptom relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of controlled release salbutamol (CRS) in reducing nighttime cough in asthmatic children.
- To assess the impact of CRS on objective measures of lung function.
- To compare CRS with placebo in a crossover study design.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 16 children with asthma.
- Participants were selected based on persistent nighttime cough, confirmed by overnight recordings.
- Efficacy was measured by comparing cough episode counts from overnight tape recordings during CRS and placebo treatment periods.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant reduction in nighttime cough episodes was observed with CRS compared to placebo (median 14.5 vs 12.0 episodes/night).
- Overnight oxygen saturation levels remained consistent between CRS and placebo treatments.
- A trend towards improved morning peak expiratory flow rates was noted with CRS.
Conclusions:
- Controlled release salbutamol does not demonstrate significant efficacy in controlling nighttime cough in pediatric asthma.
- CRS may offer a potential benefit in improving objective lung function parameters, warranting further investigation.
- Alternative or adjunctive therapies may be necessary for managing nocturnal cough in asthmatic children.
Abstract:
Sixteen asthmatic children completed a double blind placebo controlled crossover study of controlled release salbutamol (CRS) to assess its efficacy in controlling night time cough. Children with asthma were enrolled into the study on the basis of a history of persistent cough confirmed by two overnight tape recordings at home. Outcome was measured by two overnight tapes on each medication. Other treatment was unaffected. There was no significant fall in cough counts on CRS. Median scores were 14.5 and 12.0 coughing episodes per night for CRS and placebo respectively. Mean overnight oxygen saturation was identical in both treatment periods but morning peak flow showed a trend towards improvement on CRS. Treatment with CRS does not have a significant effect in control of night cough although it may improve objective measurements of lung function.