Improving asthma control with fluticasone propionate therapy

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 154: 1533-1534

Source: Noonan M, Chervinsky P, Busse WW et al: Fluticasone propionate reduces oral prednisone use while it improves asthma control and quality of life. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995; 152: 1467-1473

Researchers in the United States conducted a randomized double-blind trial to determine whether fluticasone propionate therapy could reduce the need for prednisone therapy in patients with severe asthma. Ninety-six patients who relied on oral prednisone therapy to control severe asthma received either fluticasone propionate aerosol (750 or 1000 micrograms twice a day) or a placebo while prednisone therapy was tapered. After 16 weeks the mean daily prednisone dose was significantly reduced from baseline in the treatment group and increased in the placebo group; 69% and 88% of the patients who received 750 and 1000 micrograms twice daily, respectively, and 3% of those given the placebo were using no prednisone by this time. The mean forced expiratory volume at 1 second improved significantly in the treatment groups compared with the placebo group. Patient-rated symptom and quality-of-life scores also improved significantly in the treatment groups.

CMAJ May 15, 1996 (vol 154, no 10)