Assessing clinical and spirometric control and the intensity of the inflammatory process in asthma.

Objectives: To review the role of clinical assessment, quality of life assessment, spirometry, bronchial responsiveness test and inflammatory markers for asthma assessment.

Sources: Search run on MEDLINE and LILACS.

Summary Of The Findings: Clinical assessment aids with assessing asthma control and is widely recommended.

Basal cortisol in asthmatics on two different doses of fluticasone propionate.

Objectives: To evaluate basal plasma cortisol in persistent asthmatics on inhaled fluticasone propionate 200 mcg/day and 300 mcg/day.

Methods: Asthma diagnosis and classification was based on Global Initiative for Asthma recommendations. Patients aged 11 years old or less received fluticasone propionate 200 mcg/day and those older than 11 years received 300 mcg/day.