Long-term treatment with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol via Diskus improves asthma control versus fluticasone propionate alone.

This 52-week study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination (FSC) 250/50 micrograms versus fluticasone propionate (FP) 250 micrograms in subjects with persistent asthma symptomatic on open-label FP 100 micrograms. The primary objective of this study was to show that FSC 250/50 micrograms was superior to FP 250 micrograms at increasing pulmonary function as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second over a 52-week treatment period. A secondary objective was to compare the rate of asthma attacks defined as (1) a sustained 2-day decrease in morning peak expiratory flow or increase in albuterol use for 2 consecutive days, (2) an asthma exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids, or (3) an unscheduled clinic or hospital visit for acute asthma symptoms.

Predictors of uncontrolled asthma in adult and pediatric patients: analysis of the Asthma Control Characteristics and Prevalence Survey Studies (ACCESS).

Background: Despite the availability of effective asthma treatments and evidence-based management guidelines focusing on asthma control, many patients have asthma that is inadequately controlled. The objective of this analysis was to identify risk factors for uncontrolled asthma among adult and pediatric patients.

Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys assessing asthma control status were conducted between January 25 and May 2, 2008, among adult and pediatric patients with asthma.

Repeat dosing of albuterol via metered-dose inhaler in infants with acute obstructive airway disease: a randomized controlled safety trial.

Background: Airway obstruction and bronchial hyperactivity often times lead to emergency department visits in infants. Inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist bronchodilators have traditionally been dispensed to young children via nebulizers in the emergency department. Delivery of bronchodilators via metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) in conjunction with holding chambers (spacers) has been shown to be effective.

Safety of daily albuterol in infants with a history of bronchospasm: a multi-center placebo controlled trial.

Introduction: Inhaled short-acting bronchodilators are recommended for the quick relief of bronchospasm symptoms in children including those less than five years of age. However, limited safety data is available in this young population.

Methods: Safety data were analyzed from a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled multicenter, study evaluating albuterol HFA 90microg or 180microg versus placebo three times a day for 4 weeks using a valved holding chamber, Aerochamber Plus and facemask in children birth View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Real-world assessment of a metered-dose inhaler with integrated dose counter.

Currently available metered dose inhalers (MDIs) do not track the remaining number of doses, indicating the need for a device that accurately monitors medication use. In an open-label study at 37 outpatient centers, patients > or =4 years old with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring short-acting 32-agonists received two actuations of albuterol hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) [Ventolin HFA: GlaxoSmithKline], 90 microg twice daily, via a novel MDI with an integrated dose counter until all 200 actuations were completed. Concordance between counter readings, diary card-recorded actuations, and canister weights were measured in patients who completed > or =90% of the labeled actuations (n = 224).

Comparative efficacy and safety of low-dose fluticasone propionate and montelukast in children with persistent asthma.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy, safety, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of fluticasone propionate (FP) versus montelukast (MON) in 342 children (6 to 12 years of age) with persistent asthma.

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, 12-week study of treatment with FP inhalation powder 50 mug twice daily or MON chewable 5 mg once daily for 12 weeks.

Results: Compared with MON, FP significantly increased mean percent change from baseline FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) (P=.

Patient perceptions of an inhaled asthma medication administered as an inhalation powder via the Diskus or as an inhalation aerosol via a metered-dose inhaler.

Objective: To evaluate patient preference, ease of use, and correctness of use of fluticasone propionate administered as inhalation powder via the Diskus (GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) and as inhalation aerosol administered via metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Methods: In 154 patients 12 years of age and older with asthma and a history of MDI use, the Diskus and the MDI were compared in a randomized, open-label, 7-week crossover study.

Results: In patients who had used both devices, more found the Diskus easier to use (59%) and preferred it overall (60%) compared with the MDI (P < or = 0.

Efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate 250 microg administered once daily in patients with persistent asthma treated with or without inhaled corticosteroids.

Background: Studies have shown fluticasone propionate (FP) 100, 200, and 500 microg administered once daily to be effective in the treatment of asthma. The efficacy of a once daily regimen of FP 250 microg has not been evaluated previously.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled FP 250 microg administered once daily in patients currently receiving inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) alone or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).