title: [Effects of high doses of beclomethasone dipropionate in bronchial asthma].
abstract: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of high dose inhaled steroids, we examined the effects of standard doses (400 micrograms/day) and high doses (800 micrograms/day) of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP, Becotide Inhaler), and the dose for regular use (800 micrograms/day) of salbutamol (Salb. Asmidon Air) on pulmonary function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma attack score. The subjects were 17 out-patients with mild or moderate bronchial asthma who were not receiving any anti-allergics or steroids. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups i.e., Group I: BDP 400 micrograms/day, Group II: BDP 800 micrograms/day and Group III: Salb. 800 micrograms/day. The administration period was 8 weeks. Pulmonary function test were performed and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was examined before and after the 8 weeks of treatment and attack scores were recorded during this period. It was found that inhalations of 400 micrograms/day and 800 micrograms/day BDP improved FEV1.0% value, peak flow, F-V curve, Dmin. and SGrs/Grs cont. Particularly, inhalation of 800 micrograms/day of BDP significantly improved these values and reduced attack scores in the early stages of the 8 week treatment. In contrast, there was a trend for inhalation of Salbutamol to enhance bronchial hyperresponsiveness and not to improve pulmonary function and asthma attack score. In conclusion, 800 micrograms/day of inhaled BDP is considered to be useful in the treatment of mild or moderate bronchial asthma.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Internal Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Majima
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Katoh
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Akiyama
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Horie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001507:Beclomethasone