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The effect of dapsone in steroid-dependent asthma
B A Berlow1, M I Liebhaber, Z Dyer
1Allergy and Immunology Division, Sansum Medical Clinic, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Dapsone, an anti-inflammatory drug, may help reduce steroid use in chronic asthma patients. This preliminary study showed significant steroid dose reduction in most participants, maintaining stable clinical parameters.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic asthma often requires long-term corticosteroid therapy.
- Corticosteroids have significant side effects with prolonged use.
- Neutrophil inhibition and anti-inflammatory properties make dapsone a potential therapeutic agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the steroid-sparing potential of dapsone in patients with chronic, steroid-dependent asthma.
- To assess the impact of dapsone on corticosteroid dosage and clinical asthma control.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary open-label trial involving 10 adult subjects with stable, steroid-dependent asthma.
- Subjects received dapsone (100 mg twice daily) after a 1-month baseline period.
- Comparison of baseline corticosteroid dose, symptom scores, and peak flow rates with data from a 4-week dapsone treatment period.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in average cumulative monthly prednisone dose from 428 mg to 82 mg (p < 0.02).
- Five out of 10 patients discontinued steroids by 6 months; two more by 13 months.
- Two patients achieved a 74% steroid dose reduction; one showed no response.
- Clinical asthma parameters remained stable despite reduced corticosteroid use.
Conclusions:
- Dapsone demonstrates potential as a steroid-sparing agent in managing chronic asthma.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and establish optimal treatment protocols.
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