0000000000546404
AUTHOR
Spatafora M
Lung penetration and patient adherence considerations in the management of asthma: role of extra fine formulations
Nicola Scichilone, Mario Spatafora, Salvatore Battaglia, Rita Arrigo, Alida Benfante, Vincenzo BelliaDipartimento di Biomedicina e Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Sezione di Pneumologia, University of Palermo, Palermo, ItalyAbstract: The mainstay of management in asthma is inhalation therapy at the target site, with direct delivery of the aerosolized drug into the airways to treat inflammation and relieve obstruction. Abundant evidence is available to support the concept that inflammatory and functional changes at the level of the most peripheral airways strongly contribute to the complexity and heterogeneous manifestations of asthma. It is now largely accepted that there is a wide range …
Effects of extra-fine inhaled beclomethasone/formoterol on both large and small airways in asthma
BACKGROUND: Airway inflammation in asthma involves both large and small airways, and the combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long acting beta-2 agonists (LABA) is the mainstay of therapy. Available inhaled combinations differ in terms of drug delivery to the lung and the ability to reach small airways. Aim: To evaluate whether treatment with an extra-fine inhaled combination provides additional effects vs a nonextra-fine combination on airway function. METHODS: After a 1- to 4-week run-in period, patients with asthma were randomized to a double blind, double dummy, 12-week treatment with either extra-fine beclomethasone/formoterol (BDP/F) 400/24 microg daily or fluticasone prop…