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P Vichyanond

Publications and source records attributed to P Vichyanond.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A case of IgG subclass deficiency with the initial presentation of transient hypogammaimmuno-globulinemia of infancy and a review of IgG subclass deficiencies.

UNLABELLED: Primary immunodeficiency diseases are not common in children. The possibility of an immunological defect should be considered in any individual with repeated infections. A definite diagnosis for immodeficiency is sometimes difficult to achieve because of overlapping clinical manifestations. Immunoglobulin subclass deficiency is an immunological deficiency disease with which, one or more IgG subclasses are deficient. T cell immunity is normal. Patients may develop recurrent bacterial and respiratory infections or could remain asymptomatic. OBJECTIVE: The authors report a case of immunoglobulin G subclass deficiency presenting initially as transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy. CASE REPORT: A 2 month-old boy presented to Siriraj Hospital with a history of chronic protracted diarrhea, disseminated scabies and sepsis. On presentation, he had generalized scaly and maculopapular rash with no palpable lymph nodes. CBC revealed WBC 22,100 cells/cm3 with PMN 42 per cent, lymphocytes 38 per cent, Eosinophils 4 per cent, Basophil 2 per cent and platelets 254,000/cm3. The immunoglobulin levels were as follows: IgG 181 mg/dl, IgA < 6.6 mg/dl, IgM 26.3 mg/dl. Lymphocyte enumerations revealed CD4 of 2,433 cells/cm3 (N 1,460-5,160); CD8 4,682 cells/cm3 (N 650-2,450); CD19 1,588 cell/cm3 (N 500-1,500); CD16 230 cell/cm3 (N 573 +/- 264). The initial diagnosis was X-linked agammaglobulinemia vs common variable immunodeficiency disease. His diarrhea and five courses of sepsis responded well to antibiotics administration and courses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement. His through IgG became normal at 2 years of age (after 12 months of IVIG). IVIG was stopped and the diagnosis was changed to transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI). Nevertheless, during his 4 month follow-up he developed recurrent sinopulmonary infections (i.e, otitis media and pneumonia). Repeated immunoglobulin profile showed IgG 1,200 mg/dl, IgA 135 mg/dl, IgM 26 mg/dl, IgG subclass were IgG, 1,030 mg/dl (N 280-830), IgG2 30 mg/dl (N 40-2,400), IgG3 22 mg/dl (N 6-130), IgG4 3 mg/dl (N 3-120). A diagnosis of IgG2 subclass deficiency presenting early as transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy was then made. Treatment with monthly IVIG was reinitiated and the patient is currently doing well. CONCLUSION: The authors present a case of IgG subclass deficiency presenting as transient hypogammaglbulinemia of infancy. Follow-up of the immune profile and clinical manifestation is necessary for a definite diagnosis.

Agammaglobulinemia↗

Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among university students in Bangkok.

Prevalence of childhood asthma is increasing worldwide including in developing countries such as Thailand. Despite a wide availability of epidemiological data on childhood asthma in Thailand, prevalence of asthma in adults has not been well studied within this community. Objectives of this study were to study prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in a random group of university students in Bangkok using the standardized written and video questionnaires from the ISAAC phase I protocol. The ISAAC phase I, written and video (International version, AVQ 3.0) questionnaires were administered to 3631 randomly selected university students from six universities in Bangkok. The age range of subjects were between 16-31 years (mean +/- SD= 19.1 +/- 1.7 years). There were 1197 males and 2434 females (ratio = 1:2.03). Data were entered into and analysed by the EpiInfo 4 program. Prevalence of wheeze within the past 12 months and of diagnosed asthma for this group of subjects was 10.1% and 8.8%. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis (nasal with eye symptoms within the past 12 months) was 26.3% and of eczema (rash at typical sites of atopic dermatitis, within the past 12 months) was 9.4%. Presence of rhinoconjunctivitis, gender and age were significant risk factors for asthma with male, younger subjects and those with rhinoconjunctivitis reported more frequent asthma-related symptoms (P < 0.01). As in previous studies which found an increase in asthma among Thai children, this survey indicates that the prevalence of asthma among Thai university students has increased to the same level as in several European countries. A large number of adults residing in Bangkok are suffering from rhinitis-related symptoms, the majority of which probably represents allergic rhinitis.

Adolescent↗

How pediatricians manage asthma in Thailand.

Currently, there is no existing information regarding prescribing practices for the management of childhood asthma among pediatricians in Thailand. In order to evaluate the management standards for childhood asthma in Thailand, 400 self-administered questionnaires were randomly mailed to nonacademic pediatricians throughout Thailand, asking questions about their preferences in the treatment of childhood asthma. One hundred and seventy-four of these 400 questionnaires were returned (a response rate of 43.5%). Data were analyzed using the descriptive module of the Epi-info 6 program. For acute asthma, 17% of the respondents used objective measures such as peak flow meters in assessing asthma severity and severity of acute asthma attacks. The drug of first choice for treating acute attacks was a nebulized beta-agonist q 20 min (81.8%). Although 93% indicated that they had used theophylline for treating acute attacks, most would reserve the drug for patients with severe symptoms. Corticosteroids were reserved for those with severe attacks (91.7% both for clinic and for in-hospital settings). Hydrocortisone was the most preferred corticosteroid preparation (59.8%). Ninety-seven percent used antibiotics in treating acute asthma, but only with appropriate indications. For chronic asthma, a strong preference was observed for oral beta-agonists as the bronchodilator of choice (88%). For moderately severe asthmatics, theophylline was still preferred by 41% of the responders. Among prophylactic agents, ketotifen was the most favored drug (90.4%), whereas inhaled steroids and cromolyn were chosen by 9.6% and 2.4%, respectively. Eighty-five percent indicated that they would prescribe prophylactic agents for 1 year or less. Forty-two percent never considered allergy evaluation as a part of a workup for childhood asthma. Certain prescribing practices of childhood asthma management in Thailand were observed among pediatricians, i.e., 1) low frequency of using objective measures in assessing asthma severity among pediatricians; 2) frequent use of theophylline and antibiotics in the treatment of acute asthma; 3) late introduction of corticosteroids in treating acute asthma; 4) preference for oral bronchodilators; and 5) preference of ketotifen as the prophylactic drug of choice. This survey provides baseline data and will aid in the evaluation of management guidelines for childhood asthma in Thailand.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Allergic conjunctivitis.

The purpose of this research is to study the clinical features and risk factors of various types of allergic conjunctivitis. Four hundred and forty-five patients with a history of itching, foreign body sensation, lacrimation and red eyes were examined, and a skin test was performed and assessed to grade the severity. The mean age of the subjects was 24.5 +/- 16.3 years with female preponderance, except for vernal keratoconjunctivitis. The majority of the patients had perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Ninety-five percent of the patients had associated allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis. Sixty-six percent of the patients had a family history of atopy. Most patients had symptoms at night. Symptoms persisted throughout the year and were generally triggered by exposure to house dust. The allergy skin tests to common aero-allergens were positive in 95% of patients tested. Common allergens causing sensitization were house-dust mites, house dust, cockroaches, and grass pollen. Environmental control and avoidance of these allergens should be stressed in the management of these conditions.

Adolescent↗

Partial mattress encasing significantly reduces house dust mite antigen on bed sheet surface: a controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The most effective measure in house dust mite antigen reduction is mattress encasing with an impermeable membrane. A reduction in encasing costs will help increase patients' compliance in mite antigen avoidance. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of partial mattress encasing with a nylon sheet produced in Thailand on the reduction of group I mite antigens from beddings. METHODS: Sixty regularly-used beds from the house officers' dormitory of the Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University, Thailand, were randomly matched into two groups according to mite antigen levels. The control group (CG) used only regular cotton bed sheets whereas the partial encasing group (PG) used mattresses partially covered with a locally produced nylon sheet underneath the regular cotton bed sheets. Dust collection from the beddings was performed at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 months after application of the nylon sheet. Mite antigen levels were detected by a two step monoclonal antibody ELISA. RESULTS: Mite antigen levels in both groups were not different at the beginning of the study. The PG had significantly lower group I antigen levels on regular bed sheet surfaces than the CG (P < .004) at the 2, 4 and 6 month timepoints. However, antigen levels on the mattress surface of the PG was significantly higher than the CG at the end of the study (P < .004). The barrier efficacy of the nylon sheet in preventing migration of group I mite antigens from the mattress to the surface of the regular cotton bed sheet was 94% whereas that of the regular cotton bed sheet was 66% (P = .007). CONCLUSION: Partial mattress encasing with a locally made nylon sheet can reduce mite antigens on the regular cotton bed sheet surfaces for up to 6 months.

Animals↗

X-linked hyper IgM syndrome: a report of the first case in Thailand with a confirmed mutation of CD40 ligand gene.

UNLABELLED: X-linked hyper IgM (XHIM) syndrome is a rare congenital immunodeficiency disease caused by failure of B cell to isotype switch from IgM to other classes of immunoglobulins in response to infections. Recently, a molecular cloning of the gene responsible for the syndrome, the CD40L gene has been accomplished and the gene was successfully mapped to the long arm of X chromosome at the position Xq26. We, herein, report the first case of molecular proven XHIM in a Thai boy with a classic presentation and with a confirmed mutation of the CD40L gene. CASE REPORT: A.S. was a 1 year 7 month old boy referred from Buriram Provincial Hospital for a work up and treatment for his recurrent infections consisted of chronic respiratory tract infections with otitis media (since 6 months of age), chronic diarrhea (since 9 months of age) and malnutrition (marasmus) secondary to his longstanding illnesses. He was a product of a consanguineous marriage but without history of similar illness observed in his pedigree. Abnormal laboratory works up included IgG of 300 mg/dl, IgA 10 mg/dl, IgM 1,635 mg/dl, positive stool examinations for Cryptosporidium, chronic colitis on radiographic gastrointestinal follow through study, a positive acid fast bacillus (AFB) stain of gastric aspirate and multiple positive bacterial cultures from various body sources. His anti-HIV serology was negative. His hospital course was significant for several bouts of infections of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary systems. His treatment consisted of multiple courses of antibiotics, antituberculous drugs and IVIG administrations. His hospital course was complicated with feeding problem from an esophageal stricture requiring several esophageal dilatations. The analysis of CD40L gene revealed a point mutation of exon 5 (A619T) of the CD40L gene resulting in a stop codon confirming that indeed he had XHIM. He died with Pseudomonas septicemia during the waiting period for a bone marrow transplantation from a cord-blood stem cell.

CD40 Ligand↗

Complete mattress encasing is not superior to partial encasing in the reduction of mite allergen.

BACKGROUND: Partial mattress encasing was found to be effective in reducing exposure to mite allergen in our previous investigation. We aimed to compare the short-term efficacy of partial and complete mattress encasing and to study mite-allergen levels within these mattresses. METHODS: Thirty-one mattresses with high mite-allergen content were selected and were randomized into one of three study groups (10 for the control group [CG], 11 for the partial encasing group [PE], and 10 for the complete encasing group [CE]). A special mite-impermeable membrane was used. In the PE group, mattresses were encased on tops and sides only, whereas complete mattress encasement was undertaken in the CE group. Regular bedsheets were applied to all groups. Dust samples were collected over bedsheets at baseline and at months 3 and 6, and over mattresses at baseline and at the end of the study. Group I mite allergens in these samples were measured and compared. RESULTS: At baseline, mattress mite allergens were similar in all groups (P=0.84). Mite allergen at the surfaces of bedsheets (over membranes) from both encasing groups were significantly reduced as compared to the CG group (P=0.003). Such reduction was maintained throughout the 6-month study. At the end of the study, mite antigens within mattresses in the CG and CE groups were increased as compared to baselines, whereas a decrease was observed in the PE group. Significant difference was observed only between the CG and PE groups (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Mattress encasing with a special membrane in this study was highly efficacious in the reduction of mite allergen (>90%). However, with complete encasing, mite allergens within mattresses were increased at the end of the study. Complete mattress encasing in a tropical environment does not offer any advantage over partial encasing.

Allergens↗

Pharmacokinetics of bambuterol during oral administration to asthmatic children.

AIMS: To investigate dose proportionality, dosing frequency, and ethnic aspects of the pharmacokinetics of bambuterol in asthmatic children, and to discuss the relationship with previous observations in adults. METHODS: Forty-eight children in four different studies completed two double-blind bambuterol treatments each (daily doses of bambuterol hydrochloride): 12 preschool (5 mg x 2 vs 10 mg) and 12 school (10 mg vs 20 mg) Caucasians, 12 preschool (2.5 mg vs 5 mg), and 12 school (10 mg vs 20 mg) Orientals. Peak plasma concentrations and dosing interval area under curve (AUC) of bambuterol and the active metabolite terbutaline were assessed at steady state. Treatment differences were analysed statistically within each study. Differences between the studies and the relation to steady-state AUC in adults were described. RESULTS: Dose proportionality was seen for terbutaline but not for bambuterol. Twice-daily dosing (2 x AUC(0,12 h)) could not be shown to differ from once-daily dosing (AUC(0,24 h)) in the preschool Caucasians. Mean AUC of terbutaline was 128 and 242 nmol l-1 h in the preschool Caucasians (5 mg/12 h; 10 mg/24 h), 213 and 406 nmol l-1 h in the Caucasian school children (10 mg; 20 mg), 87.4 and 202 nmol l-1 h in the Oriental preschool children (2.5 mg; 5 mg), and 356 and 640 nmol l-1 h in the Oriental school children (10 mg; 20 mg). Oriental school children had higher plasma concentrations of bambuterol and terbutaline than Caucasian school children. The strict ethnic implication of the difference could not be elucidated, because demographic data were not perfectly matched. Terbutaline AUC was only moderately increased in the Caucasian school children compared with Caucasian adults. The increase was more pronounced in Oriental children and in some preschool Caucasians. The highest concentration of terbutaline, 58 nmol l-1, was seen in an Oriental school child after a 20 mg dose. CONCLUSIONS: Caucasian school children can be given bambuterol hydrochloride very much as Caucasian adults, 10 or 20 mg once daily, but Oriental preschool and school children plus preschool Caucasians should be given lower doses.

Administration, Oral↗

Nasal cytology in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in children.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory cellular infiltrates of eosinophils and basophilic metachromatic cells are the hallmark of the atopic nasal responses in allergic rhinitis. Nasal cytologic examination for these cells not only establishes the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis but is also useful in the followup of patients with this condition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the usefulness of quantitative nasal cytology as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for children with allergic rhinitis in addition to history, physical examination and allergy skin testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight children with allergic rhinitis less than 15 years of age were recruited and evaluated for the following variables: symptoms and signs of allergic rhinitis, skin prick tests to common aeroallergens, paranasal sinus radiographs, and nasal cytology. Forty-one normal and healthy children less than 15 years of age served as controls. Nasal mucosal specimens were obtained by scraping the middle one-third of inferior turbinates with Rhinoprobes and were stained with Wright-Giemsa stain. Nasal cytology was examined under a light microscope and graded according to a previously suggested scoring system. RESULTS: There were distinctive differences in the scores for nasal eosinophils and basophilic metachromatic cells between the allergic rhinitis and the control groups (P < .001). The sensitivity for nasal eosinophil scores or nasal basophilic metachromatic cell scores more than 0.5 in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was 91.7% with a specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 91.1%. Presence of polymorphonuclear cells did not correlate with the presence of sinusitis as diagnosed by paranasal sinus radiographs. Nasal eosinophil scores correlated significantly with sign scores (P = .009). House dust mites were the most common allergens sensitized by this group of children (67.4% to 88.4%). CONCLUSION: Nasal cytology is a quick, simple, and inexpensive tool not only for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis but also for serial evaluations of children with this condition as well.

Basophils↗

Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in children from the Bangkok area using the ISAAC (International Study for Asthma and Allergy in Children) questionnaires.

Within the past three decades, there has been a rising trend for prevalences of asthma and allergic diseases worldwide, particularly from developed and industrializing countries. In Thailand, limited studies on epidemiology of atopic diseases have indicated relatively low prevalences of these conditions among the Thais. Recently, a standardized phase I questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) has been developed to study and to compare geographical and temporal trend for prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in children. The objectives of phase I ISAAC study in Thailand are to study prevalence of the three most common allergic diseases i.e. asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among Thai children of the two age groups (i.e., 6-7 and 13-14 years) living in the Bangkok metropolitan area and to collect basic epidemiologic data of these diseases among these children. The Thai translated version of phase I ISAAC questionnaires was administered to Thai children of the two age groups as above. Questionnaires were answered by parents of younger children, whereas, they were self-administered by 13-14 years old children. In addition, the validated international video questionnaires were used with older children. Fourteen primary schools and 13 secondary schools were randomly selected to cover the entire Bangkok metropolitan area. A total of 7341 questionnaires were eligible for the analysis (3628 from the younger age group and 3713 from the older age group). Data were entered and analysed by the Epi-Info program. The cumulative and 12 month period prevalences of the three conditions for all children were as follows; wheezing, 18.3 per cent, 12.7 per cent; rhinitis, 44.2 per cent, 38.7 per cent; and eczema, 15.4 per cent, 14.0 per cent, respectively. The period prevalence of wheezing for older children (13.6%) was higher than for younger children (11.7%). Prevalences of severe wheeze and exercise wheeze were more common among older children (4.0% and 15.7%). Both age groups reported high percentages for night cough (23.6% and 28.6%). A significantly large number of children from both groups reported symptoms of rhinitis with the majority indicating that symptoms were severe enough to limit their daily activities. Nevertheless, when confined only to those with eye symptoms, the prevalence decreased to 13.1 per cent. Eczema, in contrast to the other two conditions, occurred more frequently among younger children than among older children (period prevalence of 16% vs 9.1%). The rash was of a relatively mild nature since 77 per cent of children reporting symptoms indicated that the rash had cleared within the past 12 months. Allergic conditions are very common among children residing in Bangkok. Compared to the last survey in 1990, the period prevalence of wheezing has increased 4 fold, allergic rhinitis has increased nearly 3 fold whereas, eczema has remained stable. A large number of children in Bangkok are suffering from rhinitis symptoms. Results of this phase I ISAAC study indicate that allergic diseases are perhaps the most common childhood diseases in Thailand and could lead to a substantial economical loss for the country. There is an urgent need for an in-depth study to define epidemiological factors responsible for this increase.

Adolescent↗

Allergen skin test reactivities among asthmatic Thai children.

Skin prick tests with 14 selected local aeroallergens were performed on 100 asthmatic children aged 0-16 years attending the Pediatric Allergy Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital. The 14 allergens included Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), Johnson grass (Sorghum halopense), Cladosporium clarosporoides, Alternaria tenuis, Penicillium mix, Aspergillus mix, cat dander, dog dander, milk, egg white, soy and shrimp. Positive skin test reactivity was defined as a mean wheal diameter > or = 3 mm at the 20 minute reading. There were 68 males and 32 females. Their ages were between 0-2 years (n = 1), 2-5 years (n = 19), 5-10 years (n = 49) and 10-16 years (n = 31). Of all the subjects, 22 were classified as having mild asthma, 74 with moderate asthma and 4 with severe asthma. At least one skin prick test was positive in 74 subjects (74%) and two positive tests in 66 subjects (66%). The prevalence of sensitization to various allergens was as follows; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 67%, Dermatophagoides farinae 62%, American cockroach 44%, shrimp 14%, Johnson grass 14%, cat dander 10%, Alternaria 7%, Cladosporium 7%, dog dander 5%, soy 4%, Penicillium 3%, Aspergillus 2%, milk 2% and egg white 1%. The wheal size to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus did not correlate with age. In this group of asthmatic Thai children, house dust mites are the most important allergen causing sensitization.

Adolescent↗

House dust mite fauna in Thailand.

House dust mites have been shown to be the most important source of allergen in Thailand. The results of our initial mite survey were in conflict with previous data reported 20 years ago. To evaluate the current condition of mite fauna in Thailand, we conducted a larger scale survey of house dust mites in dusts from three different parts of the country. A total of 630 mattress dust samples was collected from various types of housing from central, northern and northeastern parts of Thailand. House dust mites were identified and enumerated by standard techniques and 388 dust samples were analysed further for group I antigen by a two-site monoclonal antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. House dust mites were identified in 555/630 (88.1%) of dust samples collected; 27.6% of these 555 samples contained over 100 mites per gram of fine dust. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most abundant species found with a mean count of 87.2 mites per gram of dust (range 1-1460). Group I antigen was detected in 380/388 (97.9%) samples analysed and 330 of which (86.8%) contained over 2 micrograms/gm of group I antigen. The highest density of mites was found in dusts from northern Thailand whereas dusts with highest amount of antigen were those collected from the northeastern part. Some degree of correlation between mite count and mite allergen was observed (r2 = 0.133, P < 0.001). No significant difference in the mite count and mite allergen was found among various types of housings. House dust mites are the source of allergens ubiquitously found all over Thailand.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Allergens↗

Cold urticaria in Thai children: comparison between cyproheptadine and ketotifen in the treatment.

The study was performed in 6 Thai children with primary acquired cold urticaria. They all suffered from generalized urticaria and two of them also had angioedema. All of them had normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate, complement 3 and negative VDRL, TPHA, hepatitis B screen and cold agglutinin titer. Cryoglobulin was checked in 3 cases and showed negative results A double-blind cross-over study to compare the effectiveness of cyproheptadine and ketotifen demonstrated that the efficacy of cyproheptadine and ketotifen on clinical symptoms and ice cube test was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Both of them showed good results in the treatment of cold urticaria with mild side effects. During the follow up, 5 cases showed complete recovery while the other one developed one or two exacerbations per year upon cold exposure. However, the symptoms were mild and subsided on administration of one or two doses of H1 antihistamine. Our data demonstrated that ketotifen was as effective as cyproheptadine in the treatment of cold urticaria in Thai children.

Anti-Allergic Agents↗

Theophylline pharmacokinetics in Thai children.

To validate a previously suggested dosing regimen of aminophylline administration for Thai children, we enrolled 13 asthmatic Thai children (5 girls and 8 boys) between the ages of 7.5-13.4 years (mean = 10.4 years) into a 36-hour, multiple-dose, oral theophylline pharmacokinetic study using plain aminophylline tablets at a dosage of 5 mg of theophylline base/kg every 8 hours. All patients were studied in the steady state. Blood samples were obtained every 2 hours for 24 hours; thereafter, samples were obtained more frequently for another 12 hours to determine theophylline pharmacokinetic parameters. Serum theophylline concentrations (STC) were assayed with a fluorescence polarization immunoassay method (TDX). Significant interpatient variations in STCs were observed. Five patients had peak STCs in the toxic range (> 20 micrograms/ml). Most patients had reproducible STC patterns during the study period; however, marked variations of STCs were observed with a mean percent of fluctuations [(Cmax-Cmin)/Cmin *100] of 535.6%. Using the PC Nonlin computer interpolation program by a modification with a baseline decay method and the Lagrange polynominal interpolation technique, approximate pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and the results were as follows: plasma half life (t1/2) = 3.08 hours, elimination rate constant (Kel) = 0.26 hour-1, absorption rate constant (Ka) = 2.21 hour-1, volume of distribution (Vd) = 0.23 l/kg and plasma clearance (CI) = 56 ml/kg/hour. Since these calculated parameters could be imprecise due to delayed absorption of oral theophylline dosages, a single-dose intravenous theophylline pharmacokinetic study was further examined in another 18 patients (age range = 7-12 years, mean = 8.9 years) to determine more accurate pharmacokinetic data using intravenous aminophylline at dosage of 5.8 mg/kg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorption↗

Ease of handling and efficacy of Bricanyl Turbuhaler in Asian asthmatic children.

Ease of handling as well as efficacy of a new terbutaline inhalation device--Bricanyl Turbuhaler--were evaluated among eighty-six Asian children with mild to moderate asthma with a mean age of 8.7 years (range 5 to 14 years) in an open, non-comparative trial. Clinical evaluations were performed on four occasions, ie at the beginning of the run-in period, at the start of the study medication, after 2 weeks of treatment and after a total of 4 weeks of treatment. Appraisal of handling technique was performed by the investigator at the start and end of treatment. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) was determined at each visit. Diaries were also kept throughout this time; PEF and asthma symptom scores were recorded every morning and evening. Maximum scores for inhalation technique were achieved by 73% of patients after combined written and verbal instructions at the start of the study and 99% of patients achieved this score at the end of the 4 week treatment period with Bricanyl Turbuhaler. Assessment revealed that approximately 90% of the patients considered loading, inhalation and handling of the Turbuhaler device to be easy, and 90% considered it to be effective in affording symptom relief. Improvements in PEF and reductions in asthma symptoms were observed during the Bricanyl Turbuhaler treatment, as compared to baseline values. All patients tolerated the study medication well without any serious adverse events. We concluded that this group of Asian children were able to use this new "Turbuhaler" device of terbutaline without any difficulty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation↗

Nebulized salbutamol (Asmasal) in Thai children with asthma: comparison of three doses.

Eleven moderate-to-severe asthmatic children 5-11 years of age who were in stable condition were given (randomly, double-blind) nebulized salbutamol sulfate (Asmasal) inhalation therapy at doses of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg body weight on separated days. All three doses of nebulized solution resulted in clinical improvement and improvement of lung function (FEV1, FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75%). A dose of 0.3 mg/kg produced greatest improvement and longest duration of improvement in FEV1 and PEFR, but the change was statistically significant only in PEFR at 60 minutes (p < 0.05). Five children experienced mild tremors. There were no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure at any dose. It is concluded that a nebulized solution of salbutamol sulfate at a dose of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg is useful for treatment of asthma in Thai children, with very mild side effects.

Administration, Inhalation↗