[Prognostic criteria of efficacy of inhalation glucocorticosteroids in non-severe bronchial asthma].
The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of inhalation glucocorticosteroid (GCS) drugs in patients with persisting bronchial asthma (BA) previously steroid untreated and identify factors influencing the results of GCS therapy. 67 patients with non-severe BA given long-term theophilline with inadequate effect received inhalation GCS drug budesonid which produced a complete clinical effect (group 1), a delayed effect (group 2) or no effect (group 3). The above groups were compared by clinico-anamnestic data, functional respiration parameters, chemiluminescence of mononuclear cells of the peripheral blood measured before therapy with budesonide. The discriminant analysis estimated the minimal set of the initial parameters by which the groups differ. The regression model was used to calculate an individual prognostic index of probable treatment efficacy for each patient. The results of the study agree with the view on BA as a multistage disease in which chronic persisting inflammation provokes progressive remodeling of the respiratory tracts and formation of pathophysiological disorders resistant to glucocorticoids. It is necessary to use inhalation GCS drugs early in persistent BA. They are strictly indicated if BA patients need regular daily intake of short-term beta 2-agonists.