Long-term triamcinolone acetonide aerosol treatment in adult patients with chronic bronchial asthma.

Eighty percent of 26 steroid-dependent, chronically asthmatic adults eliminated oral steroid dosage after 12 weeks of treatment with triamcinolone acetonide aerosol (800 micrograms/day). After one year of treatment 60% of the patient were free of oral steroids. Pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC and FEF25-75%) and plasma cortisol test results showed significant improvement during treatment. Adverse effects were mild to moderate.