Nedocromil sodium versus sodium cromoglycate in treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: a systematic review

The objective of this review was to compare the effects of prophylactic dos es of nedocromil sodium (NCS) and sodium cromoglycate (SCG) on postexercise lung function, in persons diagnosed with exercise-induced bronchoconstrict ion. Randomized controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Revi ew Group Asthma Register, plus hand searching for trials in journals, bibli ographies of relevant studies and review articles. Randomized controlled tr ials comparing NCS to SCG in prophylactic treatment of exercise-induced bro nchoconstriction were eligible. Studies were pooled using odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous outcomes or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confid ence intervals (95% Ct) for continuous outcomes. No significant differences were noted between NCS and SCG with respect to t he maximum per cent decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second (WMD =-0.88; 95% Ct -4.50-2.74), complete protection (OR=0.95; 95% Ct 0.50-1.81) , clinical protection (OR=0.71; 95% CI 0.36-1.39), unpleasant taste (OR=6.8 5; 95% Ct 0.77-60.73), or sore throat ((OR=3.46; 95% CI 0.32-37.48). Subgro up analyses based on age, dosages of medications and timing of exercise pos tinhalation were consistent with the overall pooled analyses. No significant differences were evident between the effects of nedocromil s odium and sodium cromoglycate during the immediate postexercise period in a dults and children with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, with regards to maximum per cent decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second, com plete protection, or clinical protection. Side-effect profiles were similar .