A Study of the Criteria Used for Clinical Evaluation of Prophylactic Treatment in Bronchial Asthma

In an attempt to find better criteria for the evaluation of prophylactic treatment of asthma, we have studied the significance and the correlations of the 3 parameters usually measured: symptoms, bronchodilator requirements, changes in Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). We have collected these data daily over a 16 week period in 13 adult asthmatics allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. For each patient, the 3 scores were compared graphically. Linear regression was used to analyze the individual relationship between 2 daily scores. Incomplete cards mostly revealed unexpected behaviour (e.g. normal lung function but many symptoms recorded) and cannot of course be taken into account in a trial protocol. We found a good correlation between PEF and symptom scores in 10 out of 13 patients and we could point out the poor correlation between medication score and the other scores. To our knowledge, it is the first time such an objective result has been shown in asthmatic adults. Our analysis provides data which should improve the studies of prophylactic treatment efficacy in asthma.