Comparative efficacy of inhaled furosemide and disodium cromoglycate in the treatment of exercise-induced asthma in children

Abstract

Background: Inhaled furosemide has been shown, in patients with asthma, to have prophylactic properties similar to those of disodium cromoglycate.Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of these drugs in the treatment of exercise-induced asthma.Methods: Fifteen children with exercise-induced asthma (mean age, 10.8 years) underwent exercise challenge after a single dose of nebulized placebo, furosemide (20 mg/m(2) body area), or disodium cromoglycate (20 mg), 2 days apart, in a single-blind crossover trial.Results: Both furosemide and disodium cromoglycate exerted significant protection against the bronchial response to exercise challenge, with a mean maximum percentage falls in FEV(1) of 4.66% and 7.22%, respectively (p < 0.05). On the placebo day, the mean maximum percentage fall in FEV(1) was 34.50% (p < 0.05).Conclusion: the results of this study suggest that furosemide and disodium cromoglycate provide comparable efficacy in preventing exercise-induce asthma in children, with no side effects.