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Efficacy of salmeterol xinafoate powder in children with chronic persistent asthma
S F Weinstein1, D S Pearlman, E A Bronsky
1Allergy and Asthma Specialists, Medical Group, Huntington Beach, California 92647, USA.
Insights
Salmeterol powder effectively improved lung function and reduced asthma symptoms in children aged 4-11. This 12-week study found the treatment safe, with similar adverse events compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Efficacy and safety of salmeterol powder in US children with asthma were previously unevaluated.
- Chronic persistent asthma affects children, necessitating effective treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of salmeterol powder against a placebo in children aged 4-11 with chronic persistent asthma.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- 207 pediatric patients received 50 microg salmeterol powder or placebo twice daily.
- Pulmonary function, albuterol use, symptoms, and nocturnal awakenings were assessed.
Main Results:
- Salmeterol powder significantly improved pulmonary function (PEF, FEV1) compared to placebo.
- Reduced supplemental albuterol use and asthma symptom scores were observed with salmeterol.
- Adverse event frequencies were comparable between salmeterol and placebo groups.
Conclusions:
- Salmeterol powder (50 microg twice daily) demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating pediatric asthma.
- The treatment provided significant bronchodilation and symptom relief over 12 weeks.
- Salmeterol powder is a viable option for managing chronic persistent asthma in children.
Background:
The efficacy and safety of salmeterol powder have not previously been evaluated in children with asthma in the United States.
Objective:
The efficacy and safety of salmeterol powder versus placebo were compared in children between the ages of 4 and 11 years with chronic persistent asthma.
Methods:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial was performed at 11 clinical centers. Two hundred seven patients were randomly assigned to receive 50 microg salmeterol powder or placebo (and albuterol as needed) twice daily via a breath-actuated device for 12 weeks. Twelve-hour serial pulmonary function assessments were conducted on day 1 and at week 12. Daily recordings of morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF), supplemental albuterol use, asthma symptoms, and nocturnal awakenings were assessed.
Results:
On day 1 and at week 12, weighted mean percent of predicted PEF (P < .001, day 1 and P=.008, week 12) and weighted mean forced expiratory volume in one second (P < .001, day 1 and week 12) were significantly higher at all timepoints evaluated over the 12-hour postdosing period in patients treated with salmeterol powder compared with placebo. Overall reductions in supplemental albuterol use and mean asthma symptom scores were also significantly greater in children administered salmeterol compared with placebo (P=.004 and P=.006, respectively). The frequency of adverse events was similar in the two treatment groups.
Conclusion:
Salmeterol powder (50 microg twice daily) is effective and safe in producing bronchodilation and relieving symptoms in children with chronic persistent asthma during 12 weeks of treatment.