Prednisone and Beclomethasone for Treatment of Asthma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
To the Editor: In the December 21, 1978, issue of the Journal, Wyatt et al.1 concluded that inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate when used alone had effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function similar to those of alternate-day prednisone. In contrast, our studies of nonsteroid-dependent asthmatic children revealed no suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as evaluated by diurnal cortisol levels, intravenous metyrapone tests and intravenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone-cortisol responses.2 Furthermore, in 34 other steroid-dependent asthmatic children (30 on alternate-day therapy), we observed some recovery of this axis when we substituted beclomethasone dipropionate for oral prednisone.3 The discrepancy between their findings and ours is perplexing. Differences . . .