[Bronchial asthma. Pathogenetic assumptions - therapeutic guidelines - the significance of synthetic corticotrophin (ACTH) in its treatment (author's transl)].

The treatment procedure with 121 in-patients suffering from respiratory obstruction is described following a short review of the etiology and pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, and the consequences for treatment resulting therefrom. While patients with chronic bronchitis caused by an emphysema of the lungs were treated primarily with antibiotics, synthetic corticotrophin (Synacthen, Synacthen Depot) and/or cortisone were prescribed in the treatment of 3/4 of the cases involving asthmatics and patients with chronic asthmatoid bronchitis caused by an emphysema. In severe cases ACTH was combined with cortisone. As a result of corticotrophin's direct effect on the bronchial muscles and the mast cells, along with its stimulation of the adrenal cortex, treatment with ACTH has the advantage over the classic cortisone treatment of retaining the functional ability of the adrenal cortex and reducing the amount of cortisone needed. No ACTH-caused side effects were reported. Included are tables containing guidelines for therapy suitable in private practice.