[Short-term use of beclomethasone dipropionate in the treatment of spasmodic obstructive bronchopneumopathies]

Forty-two patients were treated with beclomethasone dipropionate in doses of 400 microgram daily for no longer than three months. There were three main indications : attempt to withdraw corticosteroids or sympathomimetics ; treatment prior to desensitization ; treatment of asthma with severe permanent dyspnea. In 8 patients, systemic steroids of sympathomimetic drugs could be withdrawn. Dosage could be reduced by 50% or more in 21 cases, and by less than 50% in 9 cases. There were 3 failures, and results were unassessable in one case. No major side-effects were observed.