Efficacy of troleandomycin in outpatients with severe, corticosteroid-dependent asthma.

摘要: Abstract Sixteen severe, corticosteroid-dependent yet resistant outpatient asthmatics were treated with troleandomycin (TAO), a macrolide antibiotic, in an attempt to both induce clinical remission and reduce methylprednisolone requirements. Within the first 2 wk of initiating TAO therapy, 50% patients experienced greater than 20% increase forced expiratory volume 1 sec (FEV ) 80% noted vital capacity between 25% 75% (FVC 25%–75% ). Maximal increases FEV FVC all within 6 on methylprednisolone. There was concomitant improvement patients. Corticosteroid-induced side effects, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, elevated serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) common generally transient during therapy. After 4- 18-mo follow-up 1516 well-controlled Methylprednisolone requirements reduced at least four- fivefold most Normal morning cortisol levels documented after varying intervals when (250 mg) (4 16 could be alternate-day administration. Only one patient discontinue therapy due effects. The present study extends effectiveness ambulatory asthmatics, establishes strategy that maximizes benefit/risk factors, provides practical guidelines for long-term use