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[Slow-release theophyllines: serum and saliva levels in asthmatic children]
I Souto Martínez1, J Duque Hernández, L Galván Tudela
1Servicio de Laboratorio, Hospital de Niños, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Insights
This study determined the average daily dose of slow-release theophylline for children with extrinsic asthma. Salivary theophylline levels showed a strong correlation with serum levels, suggesting a potential monitoring tool.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Asthma Management
Context:
- Extrinsic asthma is a common respiratory condition in children.
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in asthma treatment.
- Maintaining therapeutic serum theophylline concentrations is crucial for efficacy and safety.
Purpose:
- To establish the average dose of slow-release theophylline required for therapeutic serum concentrations in children aged 5-13 with extrinsic asthma.
- To investigate the correlation between salivary and serum theophylline levels.
- To assess the efficacy of a 12-hour dosing regimen of slow-release theophylline.
Summary:
- Forty-two children with extrinsic asthma received slow-release theophylline.
- Average doses were 20.14 mg/kg/day for under-9s and 19.00 mg/kg/day for older children.
- A strong linear correlation (r=0.89, p<0.001) was found between salivary and serum theophylline levels, with the regression equation Se = 1.52.Sa + 0.75.
Impact:
- The 12-hour dosing regimen effectively maintained therapeutic theophylline levels in most pediatric asthma patients.
- Salivary theophylline levels offer a promising, non-invasive method for monitoring treatment in children.
- Findings contribute to optimizing theophylline therapy for pediatric asthma.
Abstract:
A total of 42 children, aged from 5 to 13, all having been diagnosed as extrinsic asthma cases, were observed with the aim of establishing the average dose needed to maintain serum concentration by means of the administration of a slow-release theophylline preparation. The resultant average dose was of 20.14 +/- 3.2 mg/kg/day for the under-9s and of 19.00 +/- +/- 4.67 mg/kg/day for the older ones. The overall average was 20.08 +/- 3.31 mg/kg/day (range: 14.28 mg/kg/day-28 mg/kg/day). Statistical analysis of salivary and serum theophylline levels simultaneously obtained was carried out, reading a lineal correlation coefficient of 0.89 (p less than 0.001), while the equation for the regression-line relationship was: Se = 1.52.Sa + 0.75. The preparation, with doses every 12 hours, proved to be efficient in maintaining therapeutic levels in most cases. The use of respective salivary levels could prove useful in later observations carried out on these children.