Addition of salmeterol versus doubling the dose of beclomethasone in children with asthma

Studies in adults revealed that addition of salmeterol to a moderate dose of inhaled corticosteroid resulted in better symptom control and higher PEF compared with doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid. The aim of this three group study was to compare the effects of a moderate dose of beclomethasone, the same dose of beclomethasone with salmeterol, and a doubling dose of beclomethasone on lung function and symptoms in children with moderate asthma. A total of 177 children already treated with inhaled corticosteroids, were randomized in a double-blind parallel study either to salmeterol 50 μ g twice daily (BDP400 + salm), beclomethasone 200 μ g twice daily (BDP800), or placebo (BDP400) in addition to beclomethasone 200 μ g twice daily. No significant differences between groups were found in FEV1, PD20 methacholine, symptom scores, and exacerbation rates after 1 yr. Salmeterol resulted in slightly better PEF in the first months of treatment. FEV1, and PD20 methacholine significantly improved in all gr...