[Effect of transfer factor on treatment with glucocorticoids in a group of pediatric patients with persistent moderate allergic asthma].
BACKGROUND
Inhaled glucocorticoids are the most effective and potent drugs used to control the inflammatory bronchial reaction in patients with asthma. There are several research projects evaluating the use of immune modulators in the treatment of the asthma related inflammatory process.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of transfer factor in the treatment of pediatric patients with moderate persistent allergic asthma in terms of inhaled glucocorticoid dosing and time of using.


METHODS
Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot clinical trial in a cohort of pediatric patients (6-17 years old) with moderate persistent allergic asthma. Two groups were formed. Group one received transfer factor and group two was given placebo. Both groups received conventional therapy with inhaled budesonide and formoterol. Daily respiratory symptoms (cough during day, or at night, and wheezing episodes) were recorded in a personal diary. Spirometric evaluations were performed before enrolling patients, and at 1, 3 and 6 months after.


RESULTS
Eleven patients were enrolled in each group. Patients in the transfer factor group showed a statistical significant reduction in the inhaled glucocorticoid doping since month 3, and this difference was maintained until the end of study. Patients on TF group showed also a non statistical significant improvement in spirometrical findings and also showed a better asthma control.


CONCLUSIONS
Transfer factor helps to reduce inhaled glucocorticoids dose in patients with allergic rhinitis; however, studies with a larger number of patients should be done in order to obtain better results.
Espinosa Padilla
Sara E
SE
Unidad de Investigación en Inmunodeficiencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría.
Orozco
Socorro
S
Plaza
Angélica
A
Estrada Parra
Sergio
S
Estrada García
Iris
I
Rosales González
Manuel Gerardo
MG
Villaverde Rosa
Rodrigo
R
Espinosa Rosales
Francisco J
FJ
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014165:Transfer Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D014165:Transfer Factor; D019819:Budesonide; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate