THE EFFECT OF NEDOCROMIL SODIUM ON CHILDHOOD ASTHMA DURING THE VIRAL SEASON

Viral-induced symptomatic respiratory infections (SRI) frequently caus e exacerbations of asthma in children. This study investigated the pro tective effects of 0.5% nedocromil sodium nebulizer solution given thr ee times a day in preventing asthma exacerbations associated with SRI. Ninety-three mild-moderate asthmatic children (6 to 12 yr of age) rec eived either 0.5% nedocromil sodium or placebo for 24 wk during the vi ral season. The nedocromil sodium group was symptom-free 58% of the da ys, and the placebo-treated patients were symptom-free 45% of the days (p = 0.027). During Weeks 1-12, significant differences favored nedoc romil sodium for asthma summary score (means: nedocromil sodium = 0.61 , placebo = 0.92; p = 0.026), and daytime asthma (nedocromil sodium = 0.78, placebo = 1.22; p = 0.03). Significant differences were noted du ring monthly intervals for cough (Weeks 1-4: nedocromil sodium = 0.61, placebo = 0.92, p = 0.027) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (nedo cromil sodium 262, placebo = 254 L/min, p = 0.041 Weeks 9-12). Patient s in the active treatment group reduced their need for rescue inhaled beta(2)-agonist by 10%, whereas patients treated with placebo demonstr ated a 24% increase. There was a strong correlation between asthma sym ptoms and SRI symptoms (r = 0.47; p < 0.001). During SRIs, patients in the nedocromil sodium group demonstrated more rapid resolution of ast hma symptoms immediately following infection (p = 0.033 summary score, p = 0.039 sleep difficulty). No serious adverse events were noted. Ne docromil sodium did not prevent the infection or exacerbation of asthm a symptoms during SRI. However, patients treated with nedocromil sodiu m had improved overall asthma control during the viral season and fast er resolution of asthma symptoms following infection.