Inhalatory coriticosteroids and asthma education.

Thirty asthmatic patients were evaluated to assess the association of thera py with inhalatory corticosteroids and an educational program, EDUCASMA. Sp irometric evaluation with Flow-Volume loop (MEDICAL GRAPHIC CPF-S), ambulat ory FEP (mini WRIGHT meters) was performed. In regard of initial symptoms p atients were qualified as moderate or severe. After two weeks of a screenin g period, they were randomized into 2 groups: a) beclomethasone; b) budeson ide; respective doses in according to the initial status. During the study period (8 wks) they visited the medical Staff six or more times. In each vi sit the patients received clinical evaluation (i.e. clinical scoring, spiro metry (i.e. FEV1), and FEP ambulatory revision. FEP (x) over bar (mean), FE P delta, FEV1, and clinical scores values were matched at the start and at the end of the follow-up period. Non-parametric statistics were applied (Wi lcoxon test) and significative changes were defined (p < 0.05). Conclusions : 1) inhalatory corticosteroids therapy associated with a previous educatio nal program could achieve early improvements of clinical scores; 2) in mode rate asthma ambulatory FEP showed objective changes both in beclomethasone and budesonide treatments. It appears to indicate increasing changes very c lose to the clinical improvement; 3) the short period of our observation an d the inflammatory condition of airways In severe asthma, could be explaine d as probable factors for the minor differences in the FEV1 evaluation; 4) no differences between budesonide and beclomethasone treatment were found.