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Published on: November 4, 2010
[Clinical study on the efficacy of a sustained-release theophylline-based preparation in infants with chronic asthma]
Insights
Sustained-release theophylline effectively managed recurrent bronchial asthma in infants. Most asthma episodes occurred when theophylline therapy was stopped, indicating its therapeutic value.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Recurrent bronchial asthma poses a significant challenge in infants.
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in asthma management.
- Sustained-release formulations aim to improve therapeutic adherence and efficacy.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sustained-release theophylline in preventing recurrent bronchial asthma episodes in infants.
- To monitor theophylline blood levels during treatment.
Summary:
- Nine infants (3-17 months) with recurrent bronchial asthma received sustained-release theophylline for 6 months.
- Eight asthma episodes were observed in 7 infants; 7 episodes occurred during therapy suspension.
- Theophylline blood levels were monitored, with over 70% falling within the normal therapeutic range (6-20 µg/ml).
Impact:
- Sustained-release theophylline appears effective in reducing bronchial asthma exacerbations in infants.
- Maintaining consistent theophylline therapy is crucial for preventing asthma attacks.
- This study supports the use of sustained-release theophylline for pediatric asthma management.
Abstract:
Authors describe 9 infants aged between 3 and 17 months, affected by recurrent episodes of bronchial asthma (at least one crises even month for three following months) and treated with sustained-release theophylline. During the 6 months of follow-up a total of 8 episodes of bronchial asthma in 7 subjects were observed. Seven out of 8 of these episodes occurred during the period of suspension of the therapy with the sustained-release theophylline. In each subjects, after 6 hours from the drug administration on average of 4-8 determinations of the theophylline blood levels were performed. More than 70 percent of the theophylline blood values has been found within the normal therapeutic range (6-20 micrograms/ml).
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