EFFECTS OF CORTICOSTEROID INHALATION-THERAPY ON THE DEPOSITION PATTERN OF TC-99M HUMAN SERUM-ALBUMIN RADIOAEROSOLS IN ASTHMA

This study evaluated the effects of steroid inhalation on the depositi on pattern of Tc-99m human serum albumin (Tc-99m HSA) radioaerosols in 25 asthma patients. A total of 12 normal controls also underwent the same examination. The pattern of radioaerosol deposition was quantitat ively evaluated as the percentage of total deposition (PTD) in the cen tral, intermediate, and peripheral regions of the right lung. The base line PTD was calculated before and after the administration of a 1-wee k course of inhalation therapy of 0.05 mg beclomethasone dipropionate four times daily. There were significant differences in PTD between no rmal controls and asthma patients. Significant differences were also f ound before and after corticosteroid inhalation therapy in asthma pati ents. In conclusion, a week-long course of beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation therapy does influence the deposition patterns of aerosols in asthma patients, based on the findings of Tc-99m HSA radioaerosol inhalation lung scintigraphy.