FLUTICASONE FUROATE/VILANTEROL 92/22 μG ONCE-A-DAY VS BECLOMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE/FORMOTEROL 100/6 μG B.I.D. IN ASTHMA PATIENTS: A 12-WEEK PILOT STUDY

Abstract

A 12-week pilot study was conducted to compare once-daily Fluticasone/Vilanterol 92/22 μg combination with twice daily Beclomethasone/Formoterol 100/6 μg association inmoderate asthma, in terms of quality of life and lung function. The study involved 40 subjects and evaluated the lung function and asthma control test at 4, 8 and 12 weeks to assess any differences between the two groups. In patients treated with beclomethasone/formoterol FEV1 presented a mean value of 78% at the third visit and of 79.1% during the fi nal check, compared with 74.5% and to 75.8% in patients in treatment with
fluticasone/vilanterol (p=0.01). Mean values of IC and MMEF 25–75% were higher in patients treated with beclomethasone/formoterol. For the dyspnea it was a difference at the third observation. For the nocturnal symptoms and the use of rescue drug there was a significant difference, except at the beginning. For the perception of control by patients, there was a difference in the two groups at the beginning, after 4 and 8 weeks. Total ACT score showed a significant difference after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. In the group treated with beclomethasone/formoterol FEV1 value was significantly higher at a distance of four hours after drug administration (p=0.04) and after the second dose (p=0.02) compared with the group treated with fluticasone/vilanterol. Patients in treatment with beclomethasone/formoterol showed improved asthma control and nocturnal symptoms and more stable respiratory function compared with patients receiving fluticasone/vilanterol.