@article {Pearlman:April 1997:1081-1206:356,
	author = "Pearlman, David S.",
	author = "Noonan, Michael J.",
	author = "Tashkin, Donald P.",
	author = "Goldstein, Marc F.",
	author = "Hamedani, Abbas G.",
	author = "Kellerman, Donald J.",
	author = "Schaberg, Amy",
	title = "Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Twice Daily Fluticasone Propionate Powder Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Moderate Asthma",
	journal = "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology",
	volume = "78",
	year = "April 1997",
	abstract = "<B>Background:</B> Fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid with negligible systemic bioavailability via the oral route, is efficacious in the treatment of asthma when administered via metered-dose inhaler.<P></P><B>Objective:</B> To evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled fluticasone propionate powder in patients with moderate asthma previously treated with an inhaled corticosteroid.<P></P><B>Methods:</B> This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of 342 adolescent and adult patients with moderate asthma [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV<SUB>1</SUB>) between 50&#037; and 80&#037; of predicted] treated previously by beclomethasone dipropionate or triamcinolone acetonide. Patients received fluticasone propionate powder 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms, 250 micrograms, or placebo via a breath-actuated inhalation device, the Diskhaler, twice daily for 12 weeks.<P></P><B>Results:</B> Patients in the fluticasone propionate groups experienced a mean increase from baseline to endpoint in FEV<SUB>1</SUB> ranging from 0.43 L to 0.47 L. Patients in the placebo group experienced a mean decrease from baseline of 0.22 (<I>P</I> &#060; .001). The probability of patients remaining in the study over time without developing signs of exacerbating asthma was significantly greater in the fluticasone propionate groups than in the placebo group (<I>P</I> = .001). Asthma symptom scores, supplemental rescue albuterol use, and number of nighttime awakenings due to asthma requiring treatment also improved significantly with all fluticasone propionate treatment regimens compared with placebo (<I>P</I> &#060; .001). There were no statistically significant differences at endpoint among the three fluticasone propionate groups. No serious drug-related adverse events occurred.<P></P><B>Conclusions:</B> Fluticasone propionate powder (50, 100, and 250 micrograms) was well-tolerated and significantly improved lung function in patients with moderate asthma.",
	pages = "356-362(7)",
	url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/acaai/aaai/1997/00000078/00000004/art00005"
}