Prolonged Corticosteroid Therapy in Chronic Asthma

Somner, A.R.; Rogan, Mary C.; Grant, I. W. B.

doi:10.1136/bmj.1.5179.1092

Cited by 10 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Timed vital-capacity readings were, however, made on occasion and latterly measurements of peak flow rate were also recorded. Evidence acquired in this way confirms the findings of others (Phear et al, 1960;Somner et al, 1960) that many patients who have been leading the lives of chronic invalids may be restored to normal activity, and that this improvement may be maintained for a number of years. In the present series seven cases have remained continuously improved for over four years and nine for over three years.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

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Treatment of Chronic Asthma with Prednisolone and the Newer Steroids

Pearson¹,

Baylis²,

Smellie³

1961

BMJ

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This paper records the treatment of out-patients with chronic asthma by prednisolone administered in short courses and for continuous periods up to four years. A comparison of the effects of prednisolone with some of the newer steroid derivatives is also made. Assessment was made by comparing (1) the number of attacks of asthma, (2) the quantity of symptomatic drugs employed as spray or tablet, (3) the number of asthma-free days, and (4) the patient's own preference. When prednisolone was compared with bronchodilators (aminophylline or methoxyphenamine) it was found that 19 of the 26 patients had fewer attacks during the week on prednisolone,* four had more attacks, and three had the same number. Fourteen used a smaller amount of other symptomatic remedies while taking prednisolone, eight used more, and four used the same. Comparison of prednisolone with the dummy tablets showed that 17 had fewer attacks on prednisolone,* three more, and six the same; while 19 used smaller quantities of symptomatic remedies while on prednisolone, four used more, and three the same. For the total number of patients (26) 58 asthma-free days were recorded on prednisolone, 29 on bronchodilator tablets, and 26 on dummy tablets. Of 20 patients who expressed a preference, 16 favoured prednisolone.There appears to be little doubt that prednisolone given in this way can be effective in controlling asthma of moderate severity in a high proportion of patients. It was noticeable that while patients were on prednisolone, asthma-free days were usually recorded in the second half of the week.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…As Lowell et al (1953). Davies and Williams (1955), and Somner et al (1960) have pointed out, infections of the bronchial tract undoubtedly antagonize the effect of steroids and limit their usefulness in asthmatics.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%