Long-Term Study of the Protective Effect of Ketotifen in Children with Allergic Bronchial Asthma. The Value of a Provocation Test in Assessment of Treatment

Abstract

The effect of ketotifen on allergic symptoms and parameters of respiratory function were studied in 23 allergic children during a period of 6 months therapy. A reduction in nocturnal dyspnea and dyspnea during exercise was observed in 17 patients. Improvement of the FVC, PEF and FEV₁ was detected in 14, 15 and 19 patients, respectively. Following a 4-day treatment with ketotifen, a further 15 patients with allergen-induced bronchospasm were challenged by inhalative provocation test, comparing the protective effects of ketotifen and of DSCG in a randomized double-blind crossover study. 7 of 15 patients showed an improved allergen tolerance to the immediate hypersensitivity with ketotifen and 5 patients with DSCG. A protective effect with respect to the delayed hypersensitivity reaction was observed in 2 of 8 patients with ketotifen and in 1 with DSCG.