[Treatment with salmeterol and quality of life in patients with asthma]

The aim of this study was to assess an influence of 4-week treatment with salmeterol on quality of life in asthmatic patients. It was a double blind, placebo controlled study. On the first visit spirometer parameters and PC20H were measured. Within one week of observation all patients recorded scores of asthma symptoms and after that time 22 patients were randomised to the treatment with salmeterol or placebo. On the fourth visit 4-week salmeterol or placebo therapy was finished and all parameters were carried out as on the first visit. Symptoms severity recorded in diary cards was reduced after 4-week of salmeterol therapy. Four week treatment with salmeterol did not change PC20H. Treatment with salmeterol reduced severity of asthma symptoms and use of short-acting beta 2-agonists. The reduction of asthma severity and the use of bronchodilators was more pronounced in the group of patients treated with salmeterol than in the placebo group, but the differences were not significant.