Related Experiment Videos
Bronchial responsiveness during regular fenoterol therapy: four months prospective study
G I Town1, T V O'Donnell, G Purdie
1Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|January 23, 1991
Summary
High-dose fenoterol as sole asthma therapy showed minor effects on lung function (FEV1) and bronchial responsiveness. However, severe asthma exacerbations led to study dropouts, complicating conclusions on this beta-agonist regimen.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- High-dose beta-agonist aerosols are used in asthma management.
- Potential adverse effects of long-term, high-dose beta-agonist monotherapy require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of regular high-dose fenoterol aerosol as sole therapy on FEV1 and bronchial responsiveness in asthmatic subjects.
- To explore potential adverse effects of this treatment regimen.
Main Methods:
- An open, uncontrolled four-month study involving 16 atopic, moderately severe asthmatic subjects.
- Monthly assessments of FEV1 and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine provocation.
- Dosage: Fenoterol 400 micrograms four times daily (qid).
Main Results:
- A small, significant drop in mean prebronchodilator FEV1 was observed after one month (0.27 L), with no significant changes thereafter.
- No statistically significant increase in bronchial responsiveness (mean decrease of PD20 of 0.50 doubling doses of methacholine) by month four.
- Eleven subjects completed the trial; four dropped out due to severe acute asthma, and one due to muscle tremor.
Conclusions:
- The high-dose fenoterol regimen showed only small changes in FEV1 and bronchial responsiveness, of doubtful clinical significance.
- Study dropouts due to acute asthma highlight potential risks and complicate the interpretation of findings.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of this beta-agonist regimen in asthma.