title: Nebulized budesonide versus oral steroid in severe exacerbations of childhood asthma.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess whether nebulized budesonide may substitute for oral prednisolone in the management of children whose asthma is severe enough to warrant hospital admission, but who have no life threatening features. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized study nebulized budesonide (2 mg 8 hourly) was compared with oral prednisolone (2 mg/kg at entry and again at 24 h) in 46 children admitted to hospital with severe asthma exacerbations. Efficacy variables (including lung function measurements such as the primary outcome variable, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and symptoms) were measured 24 h after treatment initiation. FEV1 improved significantly compared to baseline in patients who received nebulized budesonide compared to the prednislone group. The data show nebulized budesonide to be at least as effective as oral steroid in improving lung function and symptom severity in severe exacerbations of childhood asthma.
authors.affiliation: Princess Royal Hospital, Apley Castle, Telford, UK.
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: B I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: McLain
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Turbitt
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D019819:Budesonide; D011239:Prednisolone