[Ketotifen in childhood asthma]

In 1981 a double blind study was conducted at random with Ketotifen. Fifty children were chosen at random (40 males and 10 females) who had been diagnosed as suffering from extrinsic bronchial asthma and had not undergone any previous treatment either with sodium cromoglycate or with immunotherapy. In all cases the treatment lasted 12 weeks, with monthly controls, in some cases on a weekly basis, which measured the following parameters: Daily written control by the parents of the clinical evolution. Monthly clinical examination with cardiovascular control (Cardiac frequency, T A , etc.) respiratory examination with lung function study, auxomatric control (height, weight), etc. Monthly control of the additional medication received, specifying type of medication, dosage and length of time administered (bronchodilators, antihistamines, antibiotics, etc.). Monthly control of possible collateral and side effects: subjective symptoms: neurologic, digestive, dermatologic, psychic, neuro-vegetative, genito-urinary, cardiorespiratory, etc. Analytical control at the commencement and termination of treatment which consists of: a) complete blood cell count, b) platelets and c) hepatic function study (GOT, CPT and alkaline phosphatases). The results of the overall evaluation of the group of children submitted to treatment with active substances were as follows: In asthma 70.35% was VERY EFFECTIVE and EFFECTIVE and 29.61% SLIGHTLY or NOT EFFECTIVE. In dermorespiratory cases 57.13% was VERY EFFECTIVE or EFFECTIVE and 42.85% SLIGHTLY EFFECTIVE. In concomitant rhinitis 74.93% was VERY EFFECTIVE and EFFECTIVE and 25% SLIGHTLY EFFECTIVE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)