Efficacy of Fluticasone Propionate on Lung Function and Symptoms in Wheezy Infants

The role of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of recurrent or persistent wheeze in infancy remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of 3 months of treatment with inhaled fluticasone propionate, 200 μg daily (FP200), on lung function and symptom scores in wheezy infants. Moreover, we evaluated whether infants with atopy and/or eczema respond better to FP200 as compared with non-atopic infants. Forced expiratory flow (VmaxFRC) was measured at baseline and after treatment. Sixty-five infants were randomized to receive FP200 or placebo, and 62 infants (mean age, 11.3 months) completed the study. Mean VmaxFRC, expressed as a Z score, was significantly below normal at baseline and after treatment in both groups. The change from baseline of VmaxFRC was not different between the two treatment arms. After 6 weeks of treatment, and not after 13 weeks, the FP200 group had a significantly higher percentage of symptom-free days and a significant reduction in mean daily cough score compared with placebo. Sepa...