title: Alternative treatments for asthma: assessing the need.
abstract: Alternative treatments such as troleandomycin methotrexate, gold, and intravenous gamma globulin are sometimes considered for severe asthmatics to minimize the need for systemic corticosteroids and reduce adverse effects. These alternative therapies may also be associated with significant toxicity and expense. The ability to reduce corticosteroid use and the need for alternative treatment interventions in 125 pediatric patients at our institution were reviewed. Because corticosteroid requirements were reduced significantly, only 23 of 125 children evaluated were considered for treatment alternatives with only 10 receiving such therapy. This study emphasizes the importance of a thorough and comprehensive review of corticosteroid requirements and usage prior to initiating alternative approaches to treatment in moderate to severe asthmatics as well as in patients thought to be "steroid-dependent."
authors.affiliation: Ira J. and Jacqueline Neimark Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, CO 80206.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Szefler
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kamada
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Gelfand
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones