Effects on Small Airways of Two Long-term Extrafine Treatments in Asthma

Summary

New formulations of extrafine particles of long acting beta-2 agonists+inhaled corticosteroids (LABA+ICS) are able to reach more peripheral regions of the lung. Objectives.The aim of this study was to assess the effect on small airways obstruction of long-term treatments with two different LABA+ICS combinations in asthma. Patients and methods.Ten subjects with moderate persistent asthma were enrolled. After a 4-week washout they were treated in a randomized cross-over design for 24 weeks with formoterol 12 mcg and beclometasone 200 mcg HFA (by MDI) b.i.d. (FB) or salmeterol 50 mcg and fluticasone 250 mcg (diskus) b.i.d. (SF). At baseline and at the end of each period subjects underwent Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Pulmonary Function Testing. The N2 phase III slope and closing volume (CV) during single breath washout test, and DElta(Heliox-air)MEF50% were measured to assess changes on peripheral airways function.

Timeline

Start

2007-07

Primary completion

2008-12

Completion

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Publications

• Corda L, Gardenghi GG, Modina D, Montemurro LT, Novali M, Tantucci C. Effects on small airway obstruction of long-term treatments with beclomethasone/formoterol hydrofluoroalkane (metered-dose inhaler) versus fluticasone/salmeterol (dry-powder inhaler) in asthma: a preliminary study. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2011 Nov-Dec;32(6):29-34. doi: 10.2500/aap.2011.32.3477.

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