Effects of theophylline plus salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination therapy on lung function and airway inflammation in patients with asthma

Objective To explore the effects of theophylline plus salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination product (SFC) on clinical control, lung function and airway inflammation in asthmatics. Methods A total of 146 asthmatics received 200 mg theophylline plus 50/250 μg SFC twice daily for 24 weeks. The level of asthma control was assessed by the asthma control test. Testing of lung function and inflammatory markers in induced sputum were performed. And 142 asthmatics received 50/250 μg SFC twice daily for 24 weeks as control. Results Asthma was completely controlled in 61 and 59 in the theophylline plus SFC and SFC groups respectively after a 24-week treatment period (P>0.05). Theophylline plus SFC improved the FEF25%-75% value, indicating small airway function, to a greater extent than SFC [(66.7±18.2)% & (56.6±17.4)%, P<0.01]. Percentage of eosinophil and concentration of eosinophil cationic protein in induced sputum were significantly lower in the theophylline plus SFC group than those in the SFC group [(4.1±2.3)% vs. (6.2±2.7)% & (63.9±39.4) vs. (90.3±46.2) μg/L respectively] (all P<0.01). Conclusion The therapy of theophylline plus SFC may provide greater improvements in small airway function and airway inflammation. Key words: Asthma; Theophylline; Drug therapy, combination