Esophageal candidiasis as a side effect of inhaled fluticasone propionate dry powder: recovery by switching over to hydrofluoroalkane-134a beclomethasone dipropionate (HFA-BDP).
BACKGROUND
Esophageal candidiasis is one of the local side effects of inhaled corticosteroid treatment, and it is difficult to prevent this condition. Our previous report indicated that the prevalence of esophageal candidiasis among patients treated with inhaled fluticasone propionate dry powder (FP-dp) reached up to 37% in Japanese patients. Although a reduction in the daily dose of inhaled FP-dp can eliminate this infection, it may lead to asthma not being well-controlled in these patients.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to estimate whether switching to an equal daily dose of inhaled hydrofluoroalkane-134a beclomethasone dipropionate (HFA-BDP), the oropharyngeal deposition of which is very low, can eliminate the infection without deterioration of asthma.


METHODS
A total of 10 stable asthmatic patients with esophageal candidiasis, induced by inhaled FP-dp treatment (400 or 800 microg/ day), were enrolled in this study. A second upper GI endoscopy was performed, more than 1 month but less than 3 months after switching to an equal dose of inhaled HFA-BDP with a tube spacer device, Duopacer. The patients' medications were not changed during the study.


RESULTS
Esophageal candidiasis was eliminated in 9 of the 10 patients. The degree of candidiasis reduced in another patient. The forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1.0) did not worsen during the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Switching from FP-dp to HFA-BDP with Duopacer is useful in preventing esophageal candidiasis.
Kobayashi
Y
Y
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Takatsuki Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan. yums13yk@takatsuki.jrc.or.jp
Yasuba
H
H
Kudou
M
M
Hamada
K
K
Kita
H
H
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D000068298:Fluticasone; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D008875:Middle Aged; D011208:Powders
D000730:Androstadienes; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D011208:Powders; D000068298:Fluticasone; D001507:Beclomethasone