[Coagulation parameters associated with inhaled glucocorticosteroid therapy in stable asthma].
The aim of this study was to determine if there are changes in laboratory investigations which allow to recognize coagulation disturbances associated with inhaled glucocorticoid therapy.


METHODS
The study group consist of 26 patients with stable asthma (5 male, 21 female) without risk factors of venous thrombosis, mean age 45 +/- 14 years. 15 patients were treated with 500-1000 mg beclomethasone daily, 11 patients received a daily dose of 1000-2000 microg of beclomethasone. The laboratory investigations included: hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), platelet count (PLT), red blood cell count (E), white blood cell count (L), percentage of eosinophils (Eos%), fibrinogen (Fib), D-dimer concentration, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin index (Quick), INR and von Willebrand factor (vWF).


RESULTS
An elevated concentration of D-dimers was detected in 4 patients (15%) the others investigated coagulation parameters were within normal range. We found a significant correlation between the dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroid and the PT, prothrombin index and INR.


CONCLUSIONS
The results revealed no evidence of increased fibrinolytic activity in subjects with stable bronchial asthma treated with inhaled glucocorticosteroids.
Karwat
Krzysztof
K
Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych, Pneumonologii i Alergologii Akademii Medycznej w Warszawie.
Kumor
Marta
M
Chazan
Ryszarda
R
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D001507:Beclomethasone