Fixed and adjustable dose asthma action plans based on combination therapy: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The use of combination inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist therapy within the framework of a self-management plan has yet to be investigated.


METHODS
In this randomized open-label study, 69 adult asthmatic patients taking >or= 1,000 microg per day of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) or equivalent were treated for 3 months with Symbicort Turbuhaler (200 microg budesonide/6 microg formoterol). Patients were assigned to one of two self-management plans, based on either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen. The primary outcome variable was episode-free days.


RESULTS
Both regimens resulted in good asthma control, at least comparable to that obtained with previous high dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy. There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures between the regimens. The mean (+/- SD) usage of Symbicort was similar for the fixed and adjustable dose regimens (3.8 +/- 0.68 vs 3.6 +/- 1.54 puffs per day, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that Symbicort is effective when administered as either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen as part of a self-management plan.
Holt
Shaun
S
P3 Research, Bowen Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand. shaun@p3research.co.nz
Ryder-Lewis
Simon
S
Masoli
Matthew
M
Weatherall
Mark
M
Beasley
Richard
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000069502:Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate Drug Combination; D002648:Child; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012648:Self Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000069502:Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate Drug Combination; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines; D019819:Budesonide