Cloprednol therapy in steroid-dependent asthma.

Cloprednol is a new oral corticosteroid with a short half-life that is presently under investigation for use in asthma. Seventeen steroid-dependent children and adolescents were switched from daily treatment with prednisone to cloprednol for a one-year study. Patients showed a statistically significant improvement in symptoms while receiving cloprednol therapy. Two patients had extraordinarily good responses. Growth trends, bone age, and chest roentgenograms were not remarkably changed by cloprednol. Pulmonary function was stable. There was a significant improvement in fasting morning cortisol levels and ability to respond to metyrapone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge. Cloprednol appears to be a promising drug for steroid-dependent patients who require oral corticosteroid therapy.