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Effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on beta2-receptor function in the airways and adrenal responsiveness in bronchial asthma

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Summary

Sixteen patients suffering from bronchial astham, with or without chronic bronchitits, sufficiently severe to be treated with inhaled corticosteroids, were studied in a single-blind trial (blind observer) of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) given in three randomized dosage regimens: 500, 1000 and 2000 µg per day, each for 4 weeks. The β2-adrenergic agoinst response curve showed a dose-dependent increase in FEV1 which was not affected by different doses of BDP. A small but significant reduction in basal cortisol levels was observed after BDP 500 µg/day. There was no significant difference between the various doses of BDP in reducting cortisol level and stimulation with tetracosactide remained unchanged. The study showed a gradual, dose-dependent improvement in lung function, statistically significant for morning peak expiratory flow rate at BDP 2000 µg/day. Dyspnoea score and β2-agonist use decreased, reflecting the anti-asthmatic effects. An increase in total leukocyte count was observed, together with a decrease in the eosinophil count. Oral candidiasis was seen in 2 out of 16 patients. It is concluded that the clinical anti-asthmatic effects of corticosteroid treatment by inhalation are not due to modulation of β2-receptor function in the airways.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Medical Centre Dekkerswald, University of Nymegen, Groesbeek, The Netherlands

    J. Molema, J. -W. J. Lammers, C. L. A. van Herwaarden & H. Th. M. Folgering

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  1. J. Molema
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  2. J. -W. J. Lammers
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  3. C. L. A. van Herwaarden
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  4. H. Th. M. Folgering
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Molema, J., Lammers, J.W.J., van Herwaarden, C.L.A. et al. Effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on beta2-receptor function in the airways and adrenal responsiveness in bronchial asthma. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 34, 577–583 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00615220

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00615220

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