BACKGROUND: One out of 10 Filipino children suffer from bronchial asthma. Its increasing prevalence over the past decades causes significant morbidity to the patients and their families, especially when it is uncontrolled. In developing countries, the form of medicine, cost and access to medications are significant factors in achieving good control of symptoms. No study has been done to determine if the use of low dose oral corticosteroid is a safe and effective alternative treatment for children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of oral versus inhaled corticosteroid in moderate persistent asthma.

METHODS: An open label randomized controlled trial was carried out in 40 patients 6 to 15 years old with newly diagnosed moderate persistent asthma. They were assigned to either inhaled or oral corticosteroid group. Efficacy of treatment based on daytime and nighttime coughing, limitation of activity, use of bronchodilators, FEV1, PEFR and level of asthma control were assessed. Safety of both treatment options were evaluated by the occurrence of corticosteroid induced hypertension, adrenal insufficiency and diabetes.

RESULTS: The use of inhaled and oral corticosteroid showed improvement in daytime and nighttime cough, need for bronchodilators, limitation of activity, FEV1, PEFR and level of control. Furthermore, both treatment options had comparable safety profile.

CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference on the safety and efficacy of oral versus inhaled corticosteroid in the longterm treatment of moderate persistent bronchial asthma.