End of the New Zealand asthma mortality epidemic

摘要: Abstract Summary In 1989, a case-control study reported that inhaled fenoterol was associated with the epidemic of asthma deaths had affected New Zealand since 1976. The Department Health issued warnings about safety and restricted its availability. time trends are consistent hypothesis main factor in mortality epidemic. commenced when introduced 1976, death rate remained highest world for more than decade. After publication study, fell by half has now low further 3 years (1990-92). Time-trend data do not suggest class effect beta-agonists epidemic: there no association between beta-agonist sales start epidemic, total actually increased slightly during 1989-90 came to an end. also inconsistent may have occurred because underprescribing corticosteroids. Similarly, time-trend is hypotheses postulating major role social factors such as unemployment. Data on should be assessed caution, can many factors. Nevertheless, being cause significant other suggested causes.