Nedocromyl sodium (NDS), used to control symptoms in the treatment of mild persistent asthma, is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Objective: This study was planned as prospective, randomised and placebo controlled to determine the efficacy of NDS in patients with moderate persistent asthma.
Material and Method: Thirty patients with moderate persistent asthma, who consecutively applied to our clinics, were randomised into three groups. While prescribing the first group (n=ll) a standard regimen including budesonide 1800 mcg/day, long acting p2 mimetic (salmeterol), and a short acting p2 mimetic (terbutalin) when necessary, the second group (n=10) was given the same treatment of the first group and additional placebo NDS and the third group (n=9) was given the same treatment of the first group and NDS itself. All patients were called for the controls at the first week, the first month and the third month, and their spirometric examination was done during these controls and at the beginning. All patients were asked to fill a daily registry card questioning their symptoms and need for short acting p2 mimetic, then their symptom scoring was done at every control.
Results: Regarding the mean age and mean duration of the disease, there was not any statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05) While their mean symptom scores were 13.00, 12.80, and 12.88 respectively at the beginning, it became 5.71, 5.87, 7.00 respectively at the and of the third month (p>0.05). Considering their initial and final values of FZC, FEVlf FEVi/FVC and FEF^.75, there was no statistical significant difference between the groups (p>0.05).
Condusions;comparing initial and final symptom scores and spirometric parameters, no additional positive effect of NDS in the treatment of the patients with moderate persistent asthma could not be demonstrated.
Key words: Asthma, nedocromyl sodium, efficacy
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