COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DOXOFYLLINE OVER OTHER METHYLXANTHINES AS ADD-ON THERAPY TO INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS IN STABLE ASTHMA PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Doxofylline is a novel methylxanthine with effects similar to other members of the group and with certain advantages over them. The present study aims to compare the efcacy and safety of the same over other members of the methylxanthine group. The study was observational and prospective of one year duration (Dec Methods: ember 2018-2019) and was conducted at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate persistent asthma stable at the time of presentation with FEV1 50% or more of the predicted were included in the study. Half of them were given doxofylline and the remaining half were furter subdivided into two groups to be given theophylline and xed dose combination of etofylline and theophylline respectively and the results were noted. Efcacy was assessed by monitoring the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) values [– Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec (FEV1), FEV1/FVC and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)] and by subjective assessment of disease control by Asthma Control Test questionnaire. Tolerability was assessed by voluntary reporting of adverse effects by the patients and also those observed and enquired. The present study demonstrated that Doxofylline was comparable to othe Results And Conclusion: r methylxanthines in improving the PFT parameters over subsequent visits though it was statistically better in improving the subjective control of asthma (ACT scores). Also, the patients experienced fewer side effects with doxofylline when compared to the other group. Thus, we conclude that doxofylline could be a better and safer option to other methylxanthines in treating asthma patients.