Abstract
Therapeutic purpose and efficacy of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination (SFC) for management of asthma were retrospectively assessed in children. Subjects were sixty-two asthmatic patients (43 boys and 19 girls) prescribed SFC from October through December 2011. The median age of subjects at introduction of SFC was 11 years. Total of 41 subjects were introduced SFC at the same dose of pre-administrated inhaled corticosteroids, and both number of asthma exacerbations per year and respiratory function has been significantly improved. The purposes of SFC introduction were as follows: control of asthmatic symptom, 36 subjects (58.1%); suppressed respiratory function, 32 subjects (51.6%); and presence of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), 11 subjects (17.7%). The number of asthma exacerbations per year was decreased in the subjects with poorly controlled asthma after SFC induction. The respiratory function was improved in the subjects with suppressed respiratory function after SFC induction. The value of %V50 and %V25 in the subjects with EIA were improved by switching to SFC. Taken together, consideration above 3 factors for the indication of SFC resulted in significant efficacy. Uncontrolled asthma subjects, complication of EIA, and suppressed respiratory function in spite of treatment above step 3 in JPGL 2012 would be indication for introduction of SFC.
