title: Comparison of nedocromil sodium at two dosage frequencies with placebo in the management of chronic asthma.
abstract: Nedocromil sodium (4 mg b.d. or q.i.d.) was added to the therapy of 76 chronic asthmatic patients in a four-centre, double-blind cross-over, placebo-controlled trial. Patients had troublesome symptoms uncontrolled by high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (mean 1450 micrograms). In 54 patients who completed the study, nedocromil sodium was significantly more efficacious than placebo (P < 0.01) in relieving morning chest-tightness and cough, in reducing total diary card score and nocturnal bronchodilator usage, and in increasing morning and evening peak flow. Asthma severity at clinic visits decreased significantly (P = 0.001) following treatment with nedocromil sodium, which was globally rated more effective than placebo (P < 0.01). Treatment differences favored q.i.d. over b.d. dosage but without statistical significance. There were no serious adverse effects. Although the pulmonary function changes were small, these findings suggest that the addition of nedocromil sodium may benefit asthmatic patients who are inadequately controlled by high doses of inhaled corticosteroids.
authors.affiliation: Greenlane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Drennan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Holst
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rea
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thornley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017835:Nedocromil; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D015363:Quinolones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013256:Steroids
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D015363:Quinolones; D013256:Steroids; D017835:Nedocromil