Interferon-alphacon-1 treatment of three patients with severe glucocorticoid-dependent asthma. Effect on disease control and systemic glucocorticosteroid dose.
We report herein the therapeutic effect of interferon (IFN)-alphacon in three patients with severe persistent asthma and long-term oral glucocorticoid treatment. IFN-alphacon (9 microg) administered subcutaneously thrice a week over a period of more than 24 months led to a substantial clinical improvement with regard to the number of daily asthma attacks, nighttime disturbance, emergency visits and hospitalizations. In addition, lung function and exercise capacity improved. At the same time, treatment with IFN allowed discontinuation of the daily glucocorticoid dose in all patients for the first time in more than 8 years. Our findings suggest that IFN-alphacon leads to a significant clinical improvement while at the same time allowing reduction and discontinuation of the glucocorticoid treatment in severe persistent glucocorticoid-dependent asthma.
Kroegel
Claus
C
Department of Pneumology and Allergy, Medical Clinic I, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany. claus.kroegel@med.uni-jena.de
Bergmann
Nicole
N
Foerster
Martin
M
Workalemahu
Grefachew
G
Machnik
Andreas
A
Mock
Bettina
B
Reissig
Angelika
A
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D016898:Interferon-alpha