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The effect of sodium meclofenamate in premenstrual asthma: a controlled clinical trial

O Eliasson, M J Densmore, H H Scherzer

    The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    |June 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Prostaglandin synthesis inhibition did not prevent premenstrual asthma exacerbations. While sodium meclofenamate improved early premenstrual lung function, it did not affect late premenstrual or menstrual asthma symptoms.

    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive medicine
    • Pulmonology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Premenstrual asthma, a syndrome of worsening asthma related to menstruation, is hypothesized to involve changes in prostaglandin synthesis.
    • Prostaglandins play a role in inflammatory processes and smooth muscle function, potentially impacting airway reactivity.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of prostaglandin synthesis in premenstrual asthma.
    • To evaluate the efficacy of sodium meclofenamate, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, in managing premenstrual asthma.

    Main Methods:

    • A 4-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 17 women with premenstrual asthma.
    • Daily assessment of peak expiratory flow (PEF), asthma symptoms, and menstrual symptoms.
    • Comparison of sodium meclofenamate versus placebo effects on pulmonary function and medication use.

    Main Results:

    • Peak expiratory flow reached its lowest point during menstruation, correlating inversely with menstrual and asthma symptoms.
    • Sodium meclofenamate significantly improved PEF during the early premenstrual phase but did not prevent asthma exacerbations during the late premenstrual phase or early menstruation.
    • Improvements in pulmonary function with meclofenamate correlated with improvements in menstrual symptoms. Medication use (theophylline, beta-agonists, corticosteroids) showed non-significant changes.

    Conclusions:

    • A clear temporal relationship exists between menstrual symptoms and asthma exacerbations.
    • Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis using sodium meclofenamate does not prevent the exacerbation of asthma associated with menstruation.

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