Abstract
30-Second Thoughts
The essence of new publications in the field relevant to asthma is presented in fewer than 60 words to provide sufficient data impact for critical consideration and thought. Alphabetized descriptor terms should facilitate cross-reference and further study.
ACE-inhibitors (for hypertension): See captopril (causing asthma).
ACTH (stimulation): See adrenocortical function (of children on inhaled steroids).
Adrenocortical function of children on high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe asthma is not significantly impaired by daily doses of up to 2000 μg/1.73 m2 of body surface of beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide. Basal serum cortisol levels, 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion, and/or responses to ACTH stimulation are abnormal only in children receiving more than 2400 μg/1.73 m2 daily of either beclomethasone or budesonide.
Prahl P et al: Allergy 42:541, 1987. Airway hyperreactivity: See theophylline.
Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP): In a double-blind crossover study, 800 μg of inhaled BDP improves within 3 weeks bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine in patients with severe asthma, but oral theophylline does not. When BDP is changed to theophylline, bronchial hyperreactivity deteriorates. Neither BDP nor theophylline is associated with significant changes in FEVj during the study.
Dutoit JI et al: Am Rev Respir Dis 136:1174, 1987. Beclomethasone dipropionate (inhalations): See adrenocortical function (of children with asthma).