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Biomedical subjects

D S Pearlman

Publications and source records attributed to D S Pearlman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dose ranging study of mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Topical nasal corticosteroids are rapidly gaining acceptance as first-line therapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis, but there is a desire for effective corticosteroids with an improved safety profile over existing products. OBJECTIVE: A multicenter, double-blind dose ranging study was conducted to compare the activity and tolerance of four doses of mometasone furoate nasal spray (tradename Nasonex) and placebo in adult patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Four hundred eighty patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were enrolled and randomized to receive mometasone furoate nasal spray 50 micrograms (n = 96), 100 micrograms (n = 95), 200 micrograms (n = 98) or 800 micrograms (n = 95), or placebo vehicle (n = 95) once daily for 28 days. RESULTS: All of the doses of mometasone furoate nasal spray showed activity in reducing the severity of rhinitis. The 200-microgram dose reduced total nasal symptom scores and total symptom scores throughout the study (P < .05 versus placebo vehicle). The 50-microgram dose and the 100-microgram dose showed less consistent activity at early timepoints (days 3 and 7), while the 800 microgram dose did not provide significant additional benefits over the 200-microgram dose. All dose levels were well tolerated CONCLUSION: The results of this trial indicate that 200 micrograms once daily is the optimum dose of mometasone furoate nasal spray for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Administration, Intranasal

Comparative efficacy and safety of twice daily fluticasone propionate powder versus placebo in the treatment of moderate asthma.

BACKGROUND: Fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid with negligible systemic bioavailability via the oral route, is efficacious in the treatment of asthma when administered via metered-dose inhaler. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled fluticasone propionate powder in patients with moderate asthma previously treated with an inhaled corticosteroid. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of 342 adolescent and adult patients with moderate asthma [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) between 50% and 80% of predicted] treated previously by beclomethasone dipropionate or triamcinolone acetonide. Patients received fluticasone propionate powder 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms, 250 micrograms, or placebo via a breath-actuated inhalation device, the Diskhaler, twice daily for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Patients in the fluticasone propionate groups experienced a mean increase from baseline to endpoint in FEV1 ranging from 0.43 L to 0.47 L. Patients in the placebo group experienced a mean decrease from baseline of 0.22 L (P < .001). The probability of patients remaining in the study over time without developing signs of exacerbating asthma was significantly greater in the fluticasone propionate groups than in the placebo group (P = .001). Asthma symptom scores, supplemental rescue albuterol use, and number of nighttime awakenings due to asthma requiring treatment also improved significantly with all fluticasone propionate treatment regimens compared with placebo (P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences at endpoint among the three fluticasone propionate groups. No serious drug-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Fluticasone propionate powder (50, 100, and 250 micrograms) was well-tolerated and significantly improved lung function in patients with moderate asthma.

Administration, Inhalation

Once-daily cetirizine effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children aged 6 to 11 years: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Cetirizine (once daily), a highly selective H1-antagonist, is efficacious for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), perennial allergic rhinitis, and chronic idiopathic urticaria. A 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the safety and efficacy of cetirizine syrup (5 or 10 mg daily) in 209 children ages 6 to 11 years with SAR. Parents assisted patients in recording symptom severity (sneezing, nasal discharge, itchy eyes, itchy nose or mouth, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion) daily. A total symptom severity (TSS) score was derived from all symptoms, excluding nasal congestion. At baseline, TSS was comparable for all groups (range 6.8-7.0). Cetirizine 10 mg produced a significantly greater mean TSS reduction (3.2) than placebo (P < 0.05) over the treatment period. Cetirizine 5 mg once daily produced mean reductions in weekly symptom scores of 2.4; this did not differ statistically from placebo. Furthermore, cetirizine 10 mg significantly improved symptoms of itchy eyes, nose, or mouth. The most commonly reported adverse reactions to both cetirizine and placebo were headache, pharyngitis, and abdominal pain, which did not occur with an incidence statistically different from that of placebo. Once-daily cetirizine is safe for treating SAR in children ages 6-11 years. Once-daily cetirizine 10 mg provides effective improvement in symptoms and is well tolerated.

Cetirizine

Extended-release albuterol in the treatment of 6- to 12-year-old asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: Albuterol sulfate, in the syrup and tablet form for oral administration, has been an effective treatment for adults and children with bronchial asthma. Extended-release albuterol sulfate tablets (Proventil Repetabs, Schering Corp.) provide a convenient, twice-daily dosing regimen, but are indicated only for patients > or = 12 years of age. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether patients 6 to 12 years of age could be effectively and safely treated with extended-release albuterol tablets. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of 157 patients in five centers. Patients were randomized to 4 weeks' treatment with extended-release albuterol tablets, 4 mg twice daily (q 12h), increasing up to 12 mg q 12h, or placebo. Efficacy was evaluated based on pulmonary function tests (PFTs), physician and patient evaluations, and data collected from patients' diaries on PEFR, asthma symptoms, number of nighttime awakenings, and number of tablets taken. The primary efficacy parameter was area under the curve (AUC) for FEV1, evaluated for 8 to 12 hours post-dosing. Safety was evaluated based on vital signs, electrocardiograms, and adverse events. RESULTS: Mean AUCs for FEV1 were significantly greater in the albuterol group at days 1 and 8 (P < or = .03). The albuterol group showed consistently lower severity scores for asthma symptoms. Physicians' and patients' global evaluations favored the albuterol group over the placebo group. No serious, treatment-related adverse events were reported. There were no clinically meaningful changes from baseline in either treatment group for vital signs or electrocardiograms. CONCLUSIONS: Extended-release albuterol tablets (4 mg), administered to children 6 to 12 years old in divided doses of up to 24 mg/day, improved pulmonary function and asthmatic symptoms and were well tolerated.

Adolescent

Albuterol aerosol versus albuterol Rotacaps in exercise-induced bronchospasm in children.

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of albuterol aerosol 180 micrograms and albuterol powder 200 micrograms in the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in children. Forty-six patients aged 4-11 years with asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, single-dose, three-way crossover study comparing albuterol aerosol, albuterol powder, and placebo. Exercise challenge was performed at the screening visit for qualifying and baseline determinations of pulmonary function and then 15 min after drug administration at each of three visits. Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm was assessed by comparing across all treatment groups the percentage change in FEV1 from pre- to postexercise, the percentage of patients protected by treatment, postexercise minimum FEV1, and postexercise change in FEV1. Safety was assessed by observation of clinical adverse events, laboratory tests, physical examination, electrocardiogram and rhythm strips, vital signs, and pulmonary auscultation. Forty-four patients completed the study. Mean postexercise FEV1 decreased 6% from preexercise values when patients were treated with either albuterol formulation; FEV1 decreased 23% when patients were treated with placebo. Exercise-induced bronchospasm was prevented in 95% of patients when treated with albuterol powder, in 91% treated with albuterol aerosol, and in 57% treated with placebo. Patients maintained significantly higher mean minimum FEV1 values after treatment with albuterol powder and albuterol aerosol than when treated with placebo. Treatment with either albuterol formulation produced a significantly smaller decrease in mean FEV1 from pre- to postexercise than treatment with placebo. No drug-related adverse events were reported, and safety assessments were within normal limits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation

Long-acting beta 2-agonist salmeterol compared with albuterol in maintenance asthma therapy.

BACKGROUND: Salmeterol is the first long-acting inhaled bronchodilator available in the United States. This paper summarizes the combined results of the two pivotal US studies evaluating the efficacy of this beta 2-agonist in the maintenance treatment of asthma. METHODS: Salmeterol (42 micrograms twice daily) was compared with the short-acting beta 2-agonist albuterol (180 micrograms four times daily) in two double-blind, randomized studies involving 556 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma. All patients could use supplemental inhaled albuterol as needed for breakthrough symptoms, and patients were allowed to continue to use inhaled corticosteroids during the study. RESULTS: Salmeterol, 42 micrograms bid, was more effective than albuterol, 180 micrograms qid, or placebo in maintaining bronchodilation, as measured by FEV1 over 12-hour periods and morning and evening peak expiratory flow rates. Patients who received salmeterol also experienced significantly greater increases in the number of days without asthma symptoms and the percentage of nights without awakenings compared with either the albuterol or placebo group. There was no difference between patients who received concomitant inhaled corticosteroids and those who did not with respect to pulmonary-function measurements or improvements in symptoms. There was no loss of asthma control with salmeterol over the 12-week period. CONCLUSIONS: Salmeterol, 42 micrograms twice daily, was more effective than albuterol, 180 micrograms four times daily, or placebo (plus as-needed albuterol) in improving pulmonary function and controlling asthma symptoms.

Adolescent

Effectiveness of azelastine nasal solution in seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Azelastine is a novel antiallergy medication currently under investigation for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Pharmacologic studies in laboratory animals and in vitro model systems indicate that azelastine exerts multiple actions including modulation of airways smooth muscle response, interference with inflammatory processes, and inhibition of allergic reactions. In a previous controlled clinical trial, azelastine nasal solution (ASTELIN N.S.) demonstrated effectiveness in controlling symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). The objective of this 2-week double-blind, parallel-group study was to further assess the effectiveness of azelastine nasal solution in improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Two hundred forty-seven patients (> or = 12 years) with symptomatic SAR who satisfied a minimum symptoms score during a 1-week, single-blind, baseline evaluation period were randomized to receive azelastine 2 sprays per nostril bid, azelastine 2 sprays per nostril qd, chlorpheniramine 12 mg bid, or placebo using a double-dummy technique to insure blinding. The primary efficacy variables were changes in Major Symptom Complex (nose blows, sneezes, runny nose/sniffles, itch nose, and watery eyes) and Total Symptom Complex (Major plus itchy eyes/ears/throat/palate, cough, and postnasal drip) severity scores. Patients treated with azelastine nasal solution qd and bid had mean percent improvements in the Total and Major Symptom Complex severity scores that were clinically significant (> or = 50% improvement over placebo) after both weeks, at endpoint, and overall. The improvements for the azelastine bid group were statistically significant (P < or = .05) at all evaluation points. Adverse experiences occurred infrequently, and none was considered serious or potentially limiting to the clinical utility of the nasal solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Intranasal

Once daily intranasal fluticasone propionate is effective for perennial allergic rhinitis.

The efficacy of intranasal fluticasone propionate 200 micrograms once daily or 100 micrograms twice daily in treating perennial allergic rhinitis was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 24 weeks' duration in 365 patients. Clinician-rated and patient-rated total nasal symptom severity scores were improved within 1 week of treatment with either regimen of fluticasone propionate and improvement was maintained over the 24-week treatment period. Clinician-rated overall evaluation indicated a significantly better response in the two fluticasone propionate groups compared with the placebo group. All efficacy evaluations indicated no difference in response between the fluticasone propionate 200 micrograms once-daily and 100 micrograms twice-daily groups. Patients in both fluticasone propionate groups had significantly less nasal obstruction upon awakening than the placebo group at all assessment periods. Fewer patients in either fluticasone propionate group used antihistamine rescue medication compared with the placebo group. The percentage of patients with nasal eosinophils and basophils at the end of the 24-week treatment period was significantly lower in both fluticasone propionate groups compared with the placebo group. Safety evaluations indicated that intranasal fluticasone propionate was as safe as placebo when given as 200 micrograms once daily or 100 micrograms twice daily. The incidence of drug-related adverse events was similar among the fluticasone propionate and placebo groups except for the incidence of epistaxis and blood in nasal mucus which was somewhat higher in the fluticasone propionate twice-daily group. There was no changes in the opthalmic examinations to suggest corticosteriod-induced posterior subcapsular cataract formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Intranasal

A comparison of salmeterol with albuterol in the treatment of mild-to-moderate asthma.

BACKGROUND: An effective, long-acting bronchodilator could benefit patients with asthma who have symptoms not controlled by antiinflammatory drugs. We compared a new long-acting, inhaled beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, salmeterol, with a short-acting beta 2-agonist, albuterol, in the treatment of mild-to-moderate asthma. METHODS: We randomly assigned 234 patients (150 male and 84 female patients 12 to 73 years old) to one of three treatment groups: one group received 42 micrograms of salmeterol twice daily, one received 180 micrograms of albuterol four times daily, and one received placebo. Treatment was assigned in a double-blind fashion, and all patients could use supplemental inhaled albuterol as needed during the 12-week treatment period. RESULTS: Measurements of the forced expiratory volume in one second, performed hourly for 12 consecutive hours, showed that a single dose of salmeterol produced a greater mean area under the curve than two doses of albuterol taken 6 hours apart (6.3 vs. 4.9 liter.hr, P < 0.05). The difference was significant on day 1 and at week 4 of the study, but not at week 8 or 12. Salmeterol was also more effective than albuterol or placebo (with albuterol taken as needed) in increasing the morning peak expiratory flow rate: salmeterol induced a mean increase of 24 liters per minute over the pretreatment values, as compared with a decrease of 6 liters per minute with albuterol (P < 0.001) and an increase of 1 liter per minute with placebo (P = 0.002). The mean overall symptom score was improved most by salmeterol treatment (P < 0.05), with the number of days with symptoms and of nights with awakenings decreasing by 22 percent and 52 percent, respectively; there were no differences in results between albuterol treatment and placebo administration. We found no evidence of tolerance to the bronchodilating effects of salmeterol, and adverse reactions to all the treatments were infrequent and mild. CONCLUSIONS: For the management of mild-to-moderate asthma, salmeterol given twice daily is superior to albuterol given either four times daily or as needed.

Administration, Inhalation

Intranasal fluocortin butyl in patients with perennial rhinitis: a 12-month efficacy and safety study including nasal biopsy.

Fluocortin butyl (FCB) is a recently developed topical intranasal corticosteroid that is inhaled as a powder and has been demonstrated to be well tolerated and to improve symptoms and signs of perennial rhinitis in previous short-term studies. This multicenter, open-label study evaluated the efficacy and safety of FCB during a 12-month treatment period in patients with perennial rhinitis. Treatment was initiated with one inhalation of FCB in each nostril three times a day (total dosage, 3 mg/day). In subsequent months, one third of the patients was maintained at the dosage of 3 mg/day, one third at a lower dosage of 2 mg/day, and the remaining one third of the patients at a larger dosage of 4 to 8 mg/day. Of 109 patients enrolled in the study, 90 patients (82.6%) completed all 12 months of treatment. Symptom and sign scores decreased significantly (p less than 0.001) at the 2-month evaluation compared to scores at baseline, and the improvement was maintained throughout the 12-month study period. After 12 months, greater than 80% of the patients had substantial control of symptoms. Specimens of nasal biopsies, performed at the beginning and end of treatment, revealed a decrease in eosinophils and other cellular infiltrates, a slight tendency of an increase in mast cell counts, and a trend toward normalization of the nasal mucosa. There were few adverse effects. Mean plasma cortisol levels were normal before and after corticotropin stimulation at baseline and after 12 months of FCB therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Intranasal

Once daily fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray is an effective treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

A multicenter double-blind, randomized, parallel group study was conducted to evaluate the once daily administration of fluticasone propionate, a potent, new corticosteroid preparation, for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Adult patients (n = 227) were treated for 2 weeks with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray 200 micrograms QD or 100 micrograms BID or matching placebo during the autumn pollen season. Overall, the administration of fluticasone propionate once daily in the morning was as effective as the twice daily dosage regimen, and either regimen was more effective than placebo. Improvement in clinician-rated and patient-rated nasal symptom scores, including morning nasal obstruction, was evident within three days of fluticasone propionate therapy and continued throughout the treatment period. Fewer patients receiving fluticasone propionate used rescue medication and had nasal eosinophilia compared with patients receiving placebo. Adverse events were similar in frequency and nature in all three treatment groups. Morning plasma cortisol concentrations and response to cosyntropin stimulation were similar across groups and offered no evidence of HPA axis suppression. We conclude that fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray administered once daily is a safe and effective treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis. The convenience of a once daily regimen may encourage better compliance.

Administration, Intranasal

A dose-ranging study of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray for seasonal allergic rhinitis assessed by symptoms, rhinomanometry, and nasal cytology.

Fluticasone propionate is a new glucocorticosteroid with potent topical activity. In a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study, 423 adult patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis received placebo or fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray at doses of 25, 100, or 400 micrograms twice daily (b.i.d.) for 2 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by nasal symptom scores, nasal airflow, nasal cytology, and global evaluation. All doses of fluticasone propionate were significantly better than placebo in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Patients receiving the largest dose of fluticasone propionate (400 micrograms b.i.d.) had a slightly greater reduction (not significant) in symptom scores than patients receiving the smallest dose (25 micrograms b.i.d.). Symptom improvement was evident within 3 days of treatment. Nasal airflow improved in the groups treated with fluticasone propionate, 100 and 400 micrograms b.i.d. Examination of nasal cytograms revealed a striking decrease in both eosinophils and basophils in all three groups receiving active treatment compared with placebo. There were few adverse events and no treatment-related abnormalities in laboratory assays or evaluations of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function. Comparison of treatment groups indicated that fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray was as safe as placebo at the doses studied.

Administration, Intranasal

Chronic rhinitis in children.

Children are not small adults, and although many features of chronic rhinitis in children are similar to those in adults, there are significant differences in etiologic factors, manner of presentation, and therapy. The fact that children are growing and developing also has special therapeutic implications in the management of rhinitis.

Child