USEFULNESS OF THEOPHYLLINE IN THE TREATME NT OF MODERATE-SEVERE ASTHMA

Theophylline has shown itself to be a useful bronchodilator in the tre atment of asthma, although its use has been restricted of late due to its lesser potency and greater side effects when compared with beta-ad renergic inhalants. The objective of our study is to evaluate its clin ical effectiveness in moderately severe asthma. We study 12 patients w ith stable chronic asthma on whom a spirometry in basal conditions was performed and after therapeutic levels of theophyllinemia were reache d. Peak flow and clinical symptomatology were monitored during one-wee k periods in both phases of the study. Daytime and night-time symptoms were evaluated independently. No significant changes were observed in the spirometric values. No changes were observed in the brochodilatio n test, the concomitant consumption of brochodilators, or in the maxim um expiratory fluids. However, significant differences were observed i n the overall computation of symptoms and in the quantification of noc turnal symptoms. We conclude that retarded theophylline presents littl e usefulness in the treatment of asthma, even though its use can be re commended as symptomatic treatment of nocturnal asthma given its prolo nged bronchodilating effect.