FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Asthma patients who use inhaled corticosteroids have a significantly increased risk of oral candidiasis, dysphonia and pharyngitis, according to the results of a study published in the March issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Gary S. Rachelefsky, M.D., of the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles, Calif., and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 23 studies, which included 59 drug arms.
Compared to placebo, the researchers found that the use of metered-dose inhalers and dry-powder inhalers was associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of oral candidiasis (odds ratio 5.40 and 3.24, respectively) and dysphonia (OR, 5.68 and 3.74, respectively). Both inhaled corticosteroid metered-dose inhalers and dry-powder inhalers were associated with an approximately twofold greater risk of pharyngitis compared with placebo.
"Methods to reduce inhaled corticosteroid-related oropharyngeal adverse events (i.e., mouth washing or use of a spacer) or the use of inhaled corticosteroids with improved safety profiles should be the primary tool in asthma management to minimize the impact of adverse effects, while providing patients with the most effective treatment currently available for their asthma," the authors conclude.
This study was supported by Sanofi-Aventis US and ALTANA Pharma US.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
