[Experiences with a combination therapy of methylprednisolone and troleandomycin in severe bronchial asthma requiring high-dose corticoids]

Abstract

Although treatment comprising a combination of methylprednisolone (MP) and troleandomycin (TAO) has been employed to treat cases of severe bronchial asthma requiring high doses of corticosteroids, for about 20 years, now, it has always been associated with major adverse reactions (1). A new protocol avoids these adverse effects by a rapid reduction in the dose of MP to alternating administrations and low TAO dosage (250 mg). Nineteen patients were treated using this protocol, 16 of whom for more than two months (maximum 21, minimum 4 months). Three patients were taken out of the study as early non-responders in the initial phase. Five patients must be considered to be late non-responders, or were discharged from the study on account of pathological liver parameters. In 8 patients who showed good tolerance, an appreciable reduction in the dose of steroids, with stabilisation of the asthma, was observed.