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Bronchial hyperresponsiveness changes after 5 months of regular procaterol inhalation therapy in asthmatic children
M Kishida1, A Sasamoto, S Saito
1Second Department of Pediatrics, Toho University School of Medicine, Japan.
Insights
Regular procaterol aerosol use in children with asthma significantly decreased bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This study indicates procaterol may reduce airway sensitivity in pediatric asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Procaterol exhibits potent antiallergic properties, exceeding those of earlier beta-stimulants.
- Asthma management in children often involves beta-stimulant therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of regular procaterol aerosol treatment on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children with asthma.
- To assess changes in histamine challenge responses after a 5-month treatment period.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 13 children with asthma, controlled by regular procaterol aerosol (10 micrograms, 4 times/day), was studied.
- Histamine challenges were conducted before and after an average of 5 months of continuous procaterol treatment.
- Peak expiratory flow (PEF) and provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in peak expiratory flow values.
- A significant increase in PC20 was noted, rising from 132.9 +/- 127.7 micrograms/ml to 762.4 +/- 1205.7 micrograms/ml.
- This indicates a marked decrease in bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
Conclusions:
- Regular use of procaterol aerosol in children with asthma, when clinically controlled, is associated with reduced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
- Procaterol may be a valuable therapeutic option for managing airway hyperresponsiveness in pediatric asthma.
- These findings suggest potential long-term benefits of procaterol beyond symptom control.
Abstract:
It is well known that procaterol has more potent antiallergic properties than previous beta-stimulants. Thirteen children with asthma who could be controlled for 2 months with a regular procaterol aerosol given 4 times/day (10 micrograms/dose) were studied. Histamine challenges were performed before and an average of 5 months after the consecutive treatment. No significant differences were seen in peak expiratory flow values. PC20 increased significantly from 132.9 +/- 127.7 micrograms/ml to 762.4 +/- 1205.7 micrograms/ml after 5 months. These results suggest that asthmatic children who can be controlled with regular use of the beta-stimulant procaterol are likely to have a decreased bronchial hyperresponsiveness.