Budesonide reverses lung hyperinflation in childhood asthma: a controlled study

It was investigated whether inhaled budesonide reduces lung volumes in a group of asthmatic children with lung hyperinflation. Budesonide (800 mg bid, for 2 months) was administered to 12 asthmatic children (mean age, 11.293.3 years) with lung hyperinflation (TGV]130% predicted and/or RV]140% predicted) in a randomised, placebo controlled, double blind, crossover study. Body plethysmography (panting frequency controlled at 1·s) was performed at the beginning, 2 months afterwards (before crossover) and at the end of the study. Budesonide significantly reduced TGV (2.3590.90 l BTPS or 126924% predicted) compared with placebo (2.5491.08 l BTPS, P=0.014 or 140921% predicted, PB0.05). In addition, budesonide significantly increased mean specific conductance (0.0690.02 cm H2O l s to 0.0790.01 cm H2O l s, PB0.05). It was concluded that budesonide reduced lung hyperinflation most likely by decreasing airway inflammation. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.