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Salmeterol in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children: comparison of two doses

F M de Benedictis1, G Tuteri, P Pazzelli

  • 1Pediatric Dept, University of Perugia, Italy.

The European Respiratory Journal
|October 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

The 25 microgram dose of inhaled salmeterol effectively protects children with asthma against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction for up to 12 hours, similar to the 50 microgram dose.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common issue in children with asthma.
  • The optimal dosage of salmeterol for managing EIB in pediatric populations remains undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and duration of two salmeterol doses (25 and 50 micrograms) against EIB in children with asthma.
  • To determine if a lower dose of salmeterol can provide comparable protection to a higher dose.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study involving 12 children (aged 7-14) with asthma.
  • Pulmonary function tests (measuring FEV1) were conducted at baseline, and at 1 hour and 12 hours post-inhalation before and after exercise challenges.
  • Maximal decrease in FEV1 was used to assess the protective effect against EIB.

Main Results:

  • Both 25 and 50 microgram doses of salmeterol demonstrated significant bronchodilation for up to 12 hours, with no significant difference between the doses.
  • At 1 hour post-inhalation, both salmeterol doses significantly reduced the maximal decrease in FEV1 compared to placebo.
  • At 12 hours post-inhalation, while both doses showed a trend towards protection, only the 50 microgram dose maintained statistical significance against placebo, though individual protection did not vary significantly between doses.

Conclusions:

  • Inhaled salmeterol at 25 micrograms offers comparable long-lasting bronchodilation and acute protection against EIB to 50 micrograms in children with asthma.
  • The 25 microgram dose may be a suitable and effective option for managing EIB in most pediatric asthma patients.

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