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Wheezy bronchitis: results of treatment with ketotifen
Insights
This study found that ketotifen significantly reduced breathing difficulties and airway obstruction in young children with severe recurrent obstructive bronchitis. Prophylactic ketotifen treatment is recommended for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Recurrent obstructive bronchitis in infants and young children necessitates systematic management.
- A validated rating scale is crucial for assessing disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ketotifen as a prophylactic treatment for severe recurrent obstructive bronchitis in pediatric patients.
- To assess the impact of ketotifen on symptom frequency and severity.
Main Methods:
- A severity rating scale was developed and applied to 132 pediatric patients.
- Patients were categorized into less severely and more severely ill groups.
- The more severely ill group received prophylactic ketotifen (0.5-1.0 mg BID) alongside standard care.
Main Results:
- Ketotifen treatment led to a significant reduction in episodes of dyspnea (p<0.025) and airway obstruction (p<0.0005).
- An insignificant decrease in coughing attacks was observed.
- The treatment demonstrated a positive impact on key obstructive bronchitis symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic ketotifen is recommended for infants and young children with severe recurrent obstructive bronchitis.
- Treatment duration (seasonal or year-round) should be tailored to individual symptom severity.
Abstract:
The authors consider that infants and young children with recurrent obstructive bronchitis require systematic follow-up care and treatment. To evaluate the severity of the disease, a rating scale was developed. Using this criteria, the severity of the disease in 132 infants and young children was evaluated. The patients were divided into a group of more severely ill and a group of less severely ill patients. The members of the more severely ill group were given long-term prophylactic treatment with ketotifen at a dose of 0.5 to 1.0 mg twice daily, in addition to standard symptomatic medication. Treatment with ketotifen afforded a decrease, although insignificant, in the number of coughing attacks, a significant decrease in the number of episodes of dyspnoea (p less than 0.025) and a significant decrease in the number of episodes of airway obstruction (p less than 0.0005). The authors conclude that patients with recurrent severe obstructive bronchitis should be given prophylactic treatment with ketotifen either during autumn and winter or throughout the year, depending on the severity of the symptoms.