A controlled assessment of an asthma self-management plan involving a budesonide dose regimen. OPTIONS Research Group.
Our aim was to assess the efficacy of budesonide (Pulmicort Turbohaler Astra) used as part of a self-management plan in a group of patients with chronic asthma. One hundred and twenty five patients with nocturnal asthma symptoms, despite the use of inhaled prophylactic and beta 2-agonist therapy, were randomized to inhaled budesonide 200, 400 or 800 micrograms b.i.d. either with dose adjustments made by the physician, i.e. doctor-managed (DM; n = 64), or as part of a self-management plan (SM; n = 61). The SM group were allowed to adjust their dose according to written guidelines based on morning peak flow. At the end of the 6 month treatment period, there were no significant differences detected between the DM and the SM groups either from the clinic or diary card data. Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of sleep-disturbed nights, by 75% in the DM group and 77% in the SM group, at the end of the study. In conclusion, for patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, either a doctor-adjusted dose regimen or a peak flow based self-management plan involving budesonide is equally efficacious. For some patients, a simple regimen, adjusted by the physician at clinic visits, may be easier to follow.
Ayres
J G
JG
Chest Research Institute, Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, UK.
Campbell
L M
LM
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019819:Budesonide; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012646:Self Administration; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011282:Pregnenediones; D019819:Budesonide