Pilot study to assess the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis.


METHODS
We report a pilot study of 49 patients with cystic fibrosis and moderate to severe bronchial obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second < or = 55% of the predicted value); 25 patients were given inhaled corticosteroids for 30 days (1500 micrograms of beclomethasone via spacer), and 24 patients had the same standard treatment but no inhaled corticosteroids.


RESULTS
Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and airway resistance showed significant improvement in both study groups, but thoracic gas volume and the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide improved significantly only in the group given inhaled corticosteroids. When concomitant medications were taken into account, analysis of variance confirmed a significant effect of inhaled corticosteroids on the improvement of thoracic gas volume.


CONCLUSIONS
Inhaled corticosteroids in combination with standard treatment can contribute to the improvement of lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis and moderate to severe bronchial obstruction. Our preliminary data seem encouraging enough to warrant a multicenter, long-term, blind control study.
Nikolaizik
W H
WH
Alpine Children's Hospital, Davos Platz, Switzerland.
Schöni
M H
MH
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents