[Effect of calcitrin inhalation on the course of cortico-dependent bronchial asthma]

Thirty-five patients with cortico-dependent bronchial asthma were treated with calcitrin inhalations during disease exacerbation. Calcitrin was administered daily for 10-12 days in the doses increased from 1 to 3-4 Units followed by reduction to the initial dose in the presence of routine therapy. According to the clinico-laboratory, spirographic and tachographic studies, the symptoms of asthma exacerbation rapidly degressed, while asphyxia attacks ceased or were relieved. The treatment with calcitrin made it possible to reduce the dose of steroid hormones by 25-50 percent on the average in 24 patients. In 11 patients, administration of the hormones could be discontinued. At the same time the majority of the patients demonstrated amelioration or elimination of the side effects induced by steroids (ossalgia, edema, gastralgia).