Effect of formoterol on clinical parameters and lung functions in patientswith bronchial asthma: a randomised controlled trial

Aims-To determine the role of formoterol in the treatment of children with bronchial asthma who are symptomatic despite regular use of inhaled cortico steroids. Methods-A randomised, double blind, parallel group, placebo controlled stud y to investigate the effects of inhaled formoterol (12 mu g twice a day) in 32 children with moderate to severe bronchial asthma. The study consisted of two week run in periods and six week treatment periods, during both of w hich the patients continued their regular anti-inflammatory drugs. The effi cacy parameters were symptom scores, bronchodilator use, daily peak expirat ory flow rates (PEFR), methacholine hyper-reactivity, forced expiratory vol ume in one second (FEV,), lung volumes, and airway conductance. Results-Formoterol treatment for six weeks decreased symptom scores, PEFR v ariability, and the number of rescue salbutamol doses, and increased mornin g and evening PEFR significantly. No adverse reactions were seen. Conclusion-These findings suggest that inhaled formoterol is effective in c ontrolling chronic asthma symptoms in children who are symptomatic despite regular use of inhaled corticosteroids.