Cyclosporin as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent in stable asthma.
BACKGROUND
Patients with chronic severe asthma are often dependent on the long term prescription of oral corticosteroids. The use of steroids is associated with serious side effects. Physicians treating such patients continue to search for alternative therapies that reduce the need for chronic dosing with oral steroids. Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressive agent and has benefits in the treatment of a number of inflammatory disorders. It has therefore been identified as an potentially useful agent in the treatment of chronic severe asthma both in terms of possible efficacy and as a steroid sparing agent.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of adding cyclosporin to oral steroids in the treatment of chronic steroid dependent asthmatics.


METHODS
The Cochrane Airways Group trials register and reference lists of identified articles were searched.


METHODS
Randomised trials looking at the addition of cyclosporin compared to placebo in adult steroid dependent asthmatics.


METHODS
Trial quality was assessed and data extraction was carried out by two reviewers independently. Study authors were contacted for missing information.


RESULTS
Three trials fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the review and a total of 106 patients were recruited into these studies. Data from 98 patients could be analysed. There was a small but significant treatment effect for cyclosporin in terms of steroid dose reduction (SMD -0.5, 95% CI -1.0, -0.04). No meta-analyses could be performed for measures of lung function although one study showed small, but significant improvements in lung spirometry.


CONCLUSIONS
The changes with cyclosporin are small and of questionable clinical significance. Given the side effects of cyclosporin, the evidence available does not recommend routine use of this drug in the treatment of oral corticosteroid dependent asthma.
Evans
D J
DJ
Respiratory Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Milton Road, Portsmouth, UK, PO3 6AD. david.evans@smail01.porthosp.swest.nhs.uk
Cullinan
P
P
Geddes
D M
DM
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013256:Steroids; D016572:Cyclosporine