Abstract
We measured plasma concentrations of disodium cromoglycate for various asthmatic treatments in children and adolescents and estimated plasma concentrations and protective effects. Disodium cromoglycate as a 2mg aerosol (n=13), 4mg aerosol (n=5), or 20mg nebuliser solution (n=13) was inhaled by patients when they had no asthmatic attacks. The plasma concentrations of disodium cromoglycate after 5min of inhalation were 3.04±2.72 ng/mL in the 2mg aerosol group, 2.95±0.86ng/mL in the 4mg aerosol group, and 7.72±4.65ng/mL in the nebuliser solution group. Subjects who used the nebuliser exhibited markedly higher plasma concentrations of disodium cromoglycate. There was a significant correlation between the concentration of disodium cromoglycate at 5min and the protective effect determined by a ratio of the difference in the asthma score between baseline and treatment periods to the baseline asthma score. When the plasma concentration of disodium cromoglycate is low, administration of larger aerosol dose or nebulisation might be necessary.
