[Treating steroids dependent asthmatic patients with high dose beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol]

In order to provide a more effective alternative therapy for the steroid dependent asthmatic (SDA) patients, 23 SDA patients replaced their oral steroids with high dose beclomethasone dipropionate (1500 micrograms/d) inhalation were investigated. The changes of clinical features, pulmonary function and the Synacthen test were recorded. The results showed that about 82% of the patients replaced their oral steroids completely or partially with the inhalation therapy, the clinical features were improved in 13% of the patients and the failure rate was only 4.4%, the results also revealed that, after replacement, the pulmonary function of the patients were improved (P < 0.05); according to the results of Synacthen test, after alternative therapy for 3-6 months, the damaged reserve power and secretive ability of adrenal cortex of the patients were also partially improved (P < 0.01).