Purpose: Leucotrienes have a role in pathogenesis of Bronchial asthma (BA). Modulation of production or action of leucotrienes can have therapeutic implication. DEC is known to inhibit formation of leucotrienes, so a clinical study was conducted to see the role of DEC in patients of Br. Asthma.
Methods: 100 patients of BA were given either DEC or placebo by draw of lots after fulfilling the criteria of inclusion or exclusion and after taking consent of the patients. Patients were to maintain the diary of episodes of cough, wheezing, breathlessness, night awakening, improvement in the quality of life, side effects & number of times rescue medicine needed. PEFR and improvement on visual analogue scale was noted in the end.
Results: A highly significant improvement was noted in terms of wheezing, night cough breathlessness, night awakening & quality of life & significant improvement was seen in PEFR & visual analogue scale in the DEC group as compared to placebo. No major side effects of DEC were observed.
Conclusion: DEC may have played its role because of its leucotrienes modifying property. Further such studies need to be carried out with titration in dosage and duration & measuring levels of leucotrienes in Broncho alveolar lavauge fluid, serum & urine of normal as well as patients of BA before and after giving DEC.
Clinical Implications: DEC can serve as an additional safe and oral weapon in the bronchial asthma treatment armamentarium.
Jai Kishan, MD, FCCP(*) and R Janjua. Deptt. of TB & Chest Diseases, Govt. Medical College, Patiala, India.
COPYRIGHT 1999 American College of Chest Physicians
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
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