[Pulmonary volume and flows in asthmatic children in therapy with prompt and delayed-action theophylline: preliminary report]

Abstract

12 asthmatic children, suffering from frequent asthma (Ekwo-Weiberger classification), were studied; 3 groups were selected: A group: without therapy. B group: treated with plain theophylline. C group: treated with SR theophylline. Adequate serum theophylline levels were obtained in B and C group. Every child underwent then body plethysmography (Fenyves and Gutt's Pulmostar apparatus) before and after inhaling Albuterol through IPPB apparatus. We matched the different performances provided by the subjects of the various groups and compared them with the ones of a D group of healty subjects (pollinosics out of the exposure season). The indexes of pulmonary statics, and particularly TV and RV (as well as FRC) point out a better effect of plain theophylline vs. SR theophylline. Similar impression was done examining the conductances and the volume/flow curve, referring particularly to MMEF and V 0.50 TV. Further pharmacokinetic, clinical and spirometric studies are therefore necessary to confirm that the use of SR theophylline nowadays available in Italy is as successful as plain theophylline in long-term prophylaxis of children asthma.