Efficacy and safety of aerosolized triamcinolone acetonide in steroid-dependent and steroid-independent chronic asthmatic patients.

Fourteen steroid-dependent and 16 steroid-independent asthmatic patients received aerosol triamcinolone acetonide for 12 weeks (two 200-micrograms inhalations four times daily). The mean daily oral steroid dose for the steroid-dependent patients was reduced from 12.5 mg at baseline to 1.34 mg after 12 weeks of aerosol therapy. In both groups of patients, FEV1.0, FVC and FEF25-75% values improved during therapy, usually at a statistically significant rate. Highly significant improvement occurred in shortness-of-breath, wheezing tightness-in-chest, and cough symptoms in all patients. However, changes in serum cortisol levels were not statistically significant. Side effects included transient hoarseness (seven patients), dry throat (one), and sore throat (one). No oral candidiasis was observed and no patient discontinued therapy because of side effects. Steroid withdrawal symptoms, which gradually abated, were experienced by half of the steroid-dependent patients. Aerosolized triamcinolone acetonide was therefore considered a safe and effective modality in the management of chronic asthma.