Theophylline in serum and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in atopic bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.

To evaluate the penetration of theophylline into the airways its concentration (Theo-Dur, Astra, Sweden) was determined in BAL and in serum in 20 patients with atopic bronchial asthma, 24 patients with chronic bronchitis and 5 smokers as controls. The results were statistically analyzed. Slow-release theophylline in Theo-Dur was well tolerated. The mean concentrations of theophylline in BAL and serum in all analyzed groups were similar, but theophylline concentration in BAL was 1/3 of serum value. Moreover, the low correlation between concentrations of theophylline in BAL and serum was detected. The calculation of theophylline values in relation to total protein or albumin is not recommended.