The present study was conducted to compare the effects of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and choline, a lipotropic factor, in management of bronchial asthma. Two groups taking DSCG and choline were compared between themselves and with a control group (on bronchodilators only) in a three month trial. A significant improvement in average symptoms scores was observed in all groups but was clinically significant only in the groups taking choline. Percent asymptomatic days increased in all the groups, but was not significant. The additional drug requirement decreased significantly only in the group taking choline. All groups showed an improvement in SGaw at FRC and percent fall in specific airways conductance (SGaw) at RV, but non-significant. A significant fall in bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) was observed in the group taking choline, which was not consistent, whereas a marginal increase in BHR in the control and DSCG groups was observed. It is concluded that choline, an anti-inflammatory agent which acts by lowering lipophosphatidyl choline (LPC), plays an active role in subjective as well as functional improvement in bronchial asthma. However, a dose related response is yet to be established.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A placebo controlled trial of two dosages of LPC antagonist--choline in the management of bronchial asthma.

The present study was conducted to compare choline with a placebo for its dose-effect relationship in management of bronchial asthma. Three groups: Group A: taking placebo (sorbitol), Group B: low dose choline (500 mg TDS), and Group C: high dose choline (1000 mg TDS) were assessed after a trial of four months. A decrease in symptoms score and increase in percent asymptomatic days was observed in all the three groups but was statistically significant only in the groups taking choline (Group B and C). Further, it was more significant in the group taking higher dose of choline (Group C). Average drug-requirement decreased in all the three groups but was significant only in the high dose choline group (Group C) Specific airway conductance (SGaw) at FRC and RV improved significantly only in group taking higher dose of choline (Group C), while no significant change in percent fall in SGaw at RV was observed in any group. It is, thus, concluded that choline is a useful prophylactic drug in the management of bronchial asthma. The improvement was more significant at a higher dose. Further studies are required to establish optimal dose of choline in the management of bronchial asthma.

Adolescent↗