SODIUM CROMOGLYCATE AS A REPLACEMENT FOR INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS IN MILD-TO-MODERATE CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

We investigated whether sodium cromoglycate 10 mg three times daily, d elivered as an aerosol via Nebuhaler (in addition to terbutaline 0.5 m g three times daily), could replace inhaled steroid in children with m ild-to-moderate asthma. Children (mean age 10.3 years) were randomly a llocated to 12-week treatment with sodium cromoglycate 10 mg plus terb utaline 0.5 mg (group A; n=30) or placebo plus terbutaline 0.5 mg (gro up B; n=32), both taken three times a day. The daily steroid dose was reduced by 50 mu g/week for 4 weeks from a starting dose of 200 mu g. Fewer patients withdrew owing to worsening asthma from group A (n=1) t han group B (n=11). Symptom scores, morning and evening peak flows, an d additional beta(2)-agonist usage, recorded on diary cards, were bett er in group A than group B. Lung function measured at clinic visits wa s unchanged in either group. Overall I opinions of efficacy favoured G roup A. Adverse events were similar in the groups. Sodium cromoglycate plus terbutaline substituted effectively for inhaled steroid therapy.