Evaluation of FCB, BDP, and DSCG in allergen inhalation challenge test

The protective effect of a new inhaled steroid, fluocortin butyl (FCB), was compared to that of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in patients with extrinsic asthma by means of the allergen-inhalation challenge test. Three different groups of 12 patients each participated in the study. One group was treated with FCB and BDP, the two others with FCB and DSCG, all in a randomized crossover study plan. After an initial allergen challenge (FEV1 fall greater than 15%), the patients were allocated to either treatment for 7-10 days. A second challenge test was then carried out, followed by a washout period of 4 days. The treatments were then crossed-over, and a third allergen challenge was carried out at the end of the second treatment period. With BDP 5 of 12 patients were protected; with FCB, 6 of 12 in two groups and 8 of 12 patients in a third group. With DSCG 3 of 12 patients were protected in the group in which the last medication was given 12 h before challenge, and 8 of 12 patients in the second group in which medication was given 1-2 h before challenge. In the same groups on FCB no such time-dependent effect was observed. No statistically significant differences were found between either FCB and BDP, or FCB and DSCG in either group.