A comparison of inhaled budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate in childhood asthma.

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical effects of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and budesonide in asthmatic children using two common ways of administration. Twenty-one children, aged 4-14 years, who regularly used inhaled corticosteroids for their control of asthma were included in the study. The drugs were studied by using a double-blind randomized cross-over design trial with a single-blind placebo period at the end. Each period lasted 3 weeks. The dosage was 100 micrograms b.i.d. for both drugs. Budesonide was administered via a spacer inhaler (Inhalet), and beclomethasone dipropionate via a standard actuator. Compared with placebo, both drugs significantly improved PEFR values for morning (20% for budesonide and 14% for BDP) and evening (14% for budesonide and 9% for BDP). Both morning and/or evening peak flows were significantly higher during the budesonide treatment as compared with the BDP treatment. In comparison with the placebo period, FEV1.0 was significantly improved with budesonide but not with BDP. Plasma cortisol, WBC counts, differential and eosinophilia counts in blood were determined at the beginning and the end of each period. All of the values except for the eosinophil counts were within normal ranges. Candida was looked for but not found in any case. No other adverse effects were registered. For most of the children, a deterioration of the state of their asthma and increased need for concomitant therapy during the placebo period confirmed their steroid dependence. The number of administrations with concomitant anti-asthmatic therapy increased during placebo by 61% as compared with the budesonide therapy, and by 40% compared with the BDP therapy.