title: Efficacy and safety of inhaled Salmeterol (Serevent) as maintenance therapy for asthma in Nairobi.
abstract: An open study to assess the efficacy and safety of 50 micrograms inhaled Salmeterol (Serevent) administered twice daily as maintenance therapy for asthma was undertaken by the Respiratory Diseases Research Unit (RDRU) in Nairobi between August and October, 1992. Salmeterol (Hydroxynaphthoate) is a long acting selective beta-2-agonist. Seventy-three adult patients recruited at Kenyatta National Hospital underwent a two weeks treatment period during which they were assessed over three visits. At Visit 1, eligibility was confirmed, baseline lung function indices measured, the study drug introduced and all the previous medications withdrawn. After treatment for one week (Visit 2) and two weeks (Visit 3), lung function indices were measured again and subjective patients' and physicians' assessments of efficacy documented. Patients with obstructive ventilatory defect (OVD) at baseline had significant improvement in their lung function compared to those without at the end of the treatment period. A significant number of patients reported decreased number of nocturnal awakenings and increased tolerance to physical activity. Cough, headache and itchy throat were adverse events possibly related to the use of Salmeterol. The patients treated with Salmeterol gained improved control of their asthma symptoms. The drug offers a convenient dose schedule and we recommend its use for maintenance therapy for mild to moderate asthma.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Diseases Research Centre Unit, Clinical Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Odhiambo
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Nganga
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Gikonyo
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000420:Albuterol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol