Long-acting beta-2 agonists plus inhaled corticosteroids (LABA + ICS) together seem to have greater effect on smaller airways in asthmatics says a study.

Team@CMHF

New formulations of extra fine particles of long-acting beta-2 agonists plus inhaled corticosteroids (LABA + ICS) have been shown to reach peripheral regions of the lung.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect on small airway obstruction of long-term treatments with two different LABA + ICS formulations in asthma.

Ten subjects with moderate persistent asthma were enrolled. After a 4-week washout period they were treated in a randomized crossover design for 24 weeks with formoterol, 12 micrograms, and beclomethasone, 200 micrograms, hydrofluoroalkane (HFA; by metered-dose inhaler) b.i.d. (FB) or salmeterol, 50 micrograms, and fluticasone, 250 micrograms (by dry-powder inhaler), b.i.d. (SF) .
At baseline and at the end of each period subjects underwent an Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Pulmonary Function Testing. When compared with baseline and in contrast to SF (50/250 micrograms b.i.d.), FB HFA (12/200 micrograms b.i.d.) significantly improved functional parameters reflecting small airway obstruction in asthmatic patients.

Ref: http://www.docguide.com/effects-small-airway-obstruction-long-term-treatments-beclomethasone-formoterol-hydrofluoroalkane-me?hash=80445d1a&eid=24262&alrhash=2efbb8-880279c42369cc2f8adcb48a6daaf3d2