A double-blind trial comparing disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), and ketotifen in extrinsic asthmatic children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Extrinsic asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition in children.
• Effective long-term management strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.
• Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and ketotifen are established treatments for asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and ketotifen in children with extrinsic asthma.
• To evaluate symptom control and identify any adverse effects over a 12-week period.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, non-crossover trial involving 27 children with extrinsic asthma.
• Assessment using symptom score and drug score charts over 12 weeks.
• Monitoring of weight, arterial pressure, pulse rate, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).

Main Results:

• Both DSCG and ketotifen demonstrated similar protective effects against asthma symptoms.
• No participants withdrew due to adverse events; no side effects were observed in weight, blood pressure, or pulse.
• PEFR values remained stable for both treatment groups throughout the study.
• A non-significant trend for increased need for corticosteroid support was noted in the ketotifen group.

Conclusions:

• Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and ketotifen are equally effective and well-tolerated for managing extrinsic asthma in children.
• Both medications provide comparable symptom control without impacting PEFR or causing significant adverse effects.
• Further investigation may be warranted regarding the trend for additional corticosteroid support in the ketotifen group.