SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 20086/16/2008
Can High-dose Inhaled Steroids be Used Rather Than Oral Steroids for an Exacerbation of Asthma?
Summary
The authors wished to see if high-dose inhaled corticosteroids were as effective as oral corticosteroids in treating moderate asthma exacerbations. They compared 4000 mcg of fluticasone given in 16 puffs versus 30 mg of prednisone administered orally. Fifty-nine adult patients were randomized and admitted to the study.Both groups had similar improvements in FEV1, sputum plasma protein exudation, and blood eosinophil counts. They concluded that high-dose inhaled fluticasone produced outcomes similar to that of 30 mg of prednisone administered orally.
Reference
Belda J, et al. European Respiratory Journal 2007; 30:1143-1149.
