14

Further support for inhaled corticosteroids in asthma and COPD

THERAPY

Daily inhalation of beclomethasone 'can decelerate the decline in FEV] during bronchodilator treatment alone in both asthma and COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease}' according to a study in the European Journal of Respiratory Diseases.

Beclomethasone diproprionate 800llg daily for 1 year almost totally reversed the deterioration in pulmonary function and bronchial hyper-responsiveness which occurred in 28 asthmatic patients during the 2 previous years on bronchodilator therapy alone; significant improvements were noted in FEV t, peak flow and in the number of exacerbations.

Lesser improvements in FEV 1 and peak flow were observed in 28 COPD patients during beclomethasone therapy. Bronchial hyper-responsiveness and the number of exacerbations did not improve in this group. Dompeling E. van Schayck CPo Molema J, Foigering H, van Grunsven P. Inhaled beclomethasone improves the course of asthma and COPD. European Respiratory Journal 5: 945-952, Sep 1992 800164432

21 Nov 1992 INPHARMA'" ISSN 0156-2703l9211121-0014/$1.00c Adialntematlonal Ltd