EFFECT OF HYDROCORTISONE INJECTIONS ON BRONCHIAL OBSTRUCTION IN ASTHMA

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (5) , 619-627
Abstract
In 14 asthmatic human subjects [Ss] with bronchial obstruction reversible by .beta.-sympathomimetic drug inhalation (salbutamol), the effect of i.v. injections of placebo and of 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg of hemisuccinate hydrocortisone (HSHC) was measured by determining the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) every 2 h for 8 h. In 4 patients, FEV1 was not significantly altered by HSHC injection. It was improved in the 10 other patients. The latency period lasted at least 4 h and the peak action was observed between the 6th and the 8th h. These 2 factors were related to the HSHC dose. The improvement obtained with 8 mg/kg HSHC was similar to that of salbutamol. The effect of the latter was potentiated by 8 mg/kg HSHC. HSHC should not be used when a fast reaction is wanted, and the efficacy of the product must be controlled by objective measurements since not every S is responsive.