The role of disodium cromoglycate-metered dose aerosol inhaler in the management of asthma in Thai children.

Metered dose aerosol inhaler of dlsodlum cromoglycate (IntaP) has been recently Introduced to facilitate the ease of administration of the drug over Its previous splncap formulation. We evaluated the efficacy of regular use of metered dose Inhaler of dlsodlum cromoglycate (DSCQ·MDI) In the dally management of Thai asthmatic children. The study comprised nineteen children with the age range of 8-15 years (mean 11.6 years). During a two week baseline period, the patients recorded their baseline symptom scores, requirement of their asthma medications (medication scores) and their moming/evenlng peak flow (PEFR) readings. ThereaHer, DSCQ·MDI was prescribed at the dosage of two puffs (1 mg/puff) four times dally for eight weeks. Patients were examined at two week Intervals at which dally score cards along with PEFR records were collected. Significant reduction In the medication scores and in the requirement for maintenance bronchodllators were noted (p < 0.01) within two weeks of use of the DSCQ·MDI. Morning and evening PEFR's Increased Significantly and this Increase reached statistical Significance at 4 weeks aHer the Initiation of the treatment (p <0.01). No side effects were reported through· out the study; the aerosol was well tolerated. In this open study DSCQ·MDI, at a dose of 1 mg four times dally, significantly Improved asthma symptoms along with PEFR readings in Thai asthmatic children and reduced the need for concomitant asthma medications.