Clinical effect of aerosol triamcinolone acetonide in bronchial asthma

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Abstract
In a double-blind, 12 wk study of corticosteroid-dependent reversible bronchial asthma, 20 of 31 (64.5%) patients receiving triamcinolone acetonide aerosol, 800 .mu.g daily, were able to discontinue oral steroid therapy. This compares with 3 of 29 (10.3%) treated with aerosol placebo. At the end of the 12 wk period, the mean 0800 h plasma cortisol level had increased from 5.3 .+-. 4.1 to 8.6 .+-. 5.2 .mu.g/dl in those receiving triamcinolone acetonide. The mean percent predicted values in the triamcinolone group for forced expiratory volume in the 1st s rose from 44.8 to 62.4 at 2 wk (P < .005), for forced vital capacity from 64.1 to 79.9 (P < .005), and for maximum midexpiratory flow rate from 26.7 to 46.7 (P < .005). The improved pulmonary function values persisted while the oral prednisone equivalent daily dose decreased from a mean of 13.3 to 2.9 mg at 12 wk. Significant oral candidiasis was detected in 2 patients. Aerosol triamcinolone acetonide appears to be an effective alternative to beclomethasone dipropionate for use in patients with bronchial asthma.