Sodium cromoglycate as a replacement for inhaled corticosteroids in mild-to-moderate childhood asthma

We investigated whether sodium cromoglycate 10 mg three times daily, delivered as an aerosol via Nebuhaler (in addition to terbutaline 0.5 mg three times daily), could replace inhaled steroid in children with mild-to-moderate asthma. Children (mean age 10.3 years) were randomly allocated to 12-week treatment with sodium cromoglycate 10 mg plus terbutaline 0.5 mg (group A; n=30) or placebo plus terbutaline 0.5 mg (group B; n=32), both taken three times a day. The daily steroid dose was reduced by 50 mu g/week for 4 weeks from a starting dose of 200 mu g. Fewer patients withdrew owing to worsening asthma from group A (n=1) than group B (n=11). Symptom scores, morning and evening peak flows, and additional beta(2)-agonist usage, recorded on diary cards, were better in group A than group B. Lung function measured at clinic visits was unchanged in either group. Overall I opinions of efficacy favoured Group A. Adverse events were similar in the groups. Sodium cromoglycate plus terbutaline substituted effectively for inhaled steroid therapy.