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Treatment of asthma in preschool children with slow release theophylline
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|August 1, 1985
Insights
Slow-release theophylline treatment for preschool asthma showed disappointing results due to poor compliance and side effects. Many children experienced inadequate asthma control, indicating challenges with this regimen.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Asthma Management
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in preschool children.
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in asthma management.
- Slow-release formulations aim to improve theophylline's therapeutic index.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a slow-release theophylline regimen in preschool children with asthma.
- To assess the variability in theophylline metabolism and its impact on treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-two preschool children diagnosed with asthma were enrolled.
- A recommended regimen of slow-release theophylline was administered.
- Treatment compliance, side effects, and asthma control were monitored.
Main Results:
- Significant inter-individual variation in theophylline metabolism was observed.
- Nine children (17.3%) did not comply with the treatment regimen.
- Sixteen children (30.8%) discontinued theophylline due to adverse effects.
- Among the remaining children, asthma control was poor in 15 (28.8%) and satisfactory in 12 (23.1%).
Conclusions:
- The prescribed slow-release theophylline regimen yielded disappointing results in preschool children with asthma.
- Poor compliance and frequent side effects limited the effectiveness of theophylline therapy.
- Alternative or optimized asthma management strategies may be necessary for this age group.
Abstract:
Fifty two preschool children with asthma were given a recommended regimen of slow release theophylline. There was wide variation in the metabolism of theophylline. The approach adopted gave disappointing results. Nine children did not comply, and 16 stopped treatment because of side effects. Of the remainder, control of asthma was poor in 15 and satisfactory in 12.