One month chronocorticotherapy (Dutimelan 8 15 mite) . Control of the asthmatic condition without adrenal suppression and circadian rhythm alteration
Reinberg, A.; Guillet, P.; Gervais, P.; Ghata, J.; Vignaud, D.; Abulker, C.
Chronobiologia 4(4): 295-312
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-0037 PMID: 614119 Document Number: 111466
During 1 mo. of chronic administration, the optimization of corticoid medication resulting from a standarized time-treatment was tested. The subjects consisted of 9 adults (5 females 33-63 yr; 4 males 41-62 yr) suffering from allergic asthma, with a previous history of steroid dependency. Synchronization was produced by diurnal activity from .apprx. 0700 h to .apprx. 2300 h and nocturnal rest; feeding was spontaneous. The corticosteroids used were as follows: DTM [Dutimelan] 815 mite h with dragee A (prednisolone acetate 4 mg; prednisolone alcohol 2 mg) at 0800 h; dragee B (prednisolone alcohol 2 mg; cortisone acetate 8 mg) at 1500 h. Self-rating of physical vigor, mood and dyspnea, and self-measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF), oral temperature and grip strength were performed before (2 days: control) and during (35 days) DTM 815 mite medication, every 4 h at fixed clock hours (not during sleep). Total urine voidings were collected every 4 h at fixed times, during a 48 h span, on control days and on days 10-11, 20-21 and 30-31. The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS), K+, Na+ (flame photometer) and Ca++ (Corning Ca-meter) were determined in each sample. Statiscally significant circadian rhythms were validated for all the variables of the studies before and during the sustained chronocorticotherapy. The latter had no effect on the acrophase (peak time) or on the mesor (24 h mean) of urinary 17-OHCS circadian rhythm. The PEF mesor rose progressively, a fact which reflected a better airway patency of the asthmatics thus treated. One mo. chronic administration of DTM 815 mite controlled the asthmatic condition of 9 patients without adrenal suppression or rhythm alteration.