FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE REDUCES ORAL PREDNISONE USE WHILE IT IMPROVES ASTHMA CONTROL AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE

This study examined the ability of fluticasone propionate aerosol to reduce oral prednisone requirements in patients with severe asthma. Ninety-six patients dependent on oral prednisone were treated for 16 wk with placebo or fluticasone propionate aerosol (750 or 1,000 mu g twice daily). Their dosage of oral prednisone was adjusted weekly according to predetermined criteria. A total of 69% and 88% of patients treated with fluticasone propionate 750 and 1,000 mu g twice daily, respectively, compared with 3% of placebo-treated patients used no prednisone by the end of the study. In the fluticasone propionate groups, FEV(1) and peak expiratory flow rates at the last evaluable visit/date improved and the number of night awakenings and symptomatic albuterol use declined relative to placebo values (p < 0.05). Patient-rated asthma symptoms improved in the groups receiving fluticasone propionate but not in the placebo group (p < 0.005). Fluticasone propionate aerosol was well-tolerated, and it improved some dimensions of health-related quality of life measured using a standard patient survey. Fluticasone propionate aerosol (750 or 1,000 mu g twice dairy) effectively and safely allowed most asthmatics dependent on oral corticosteriods to reduce or eliminate oral prednisone use while improving pulmonary function and quality of life.