The effects of one-week fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy for Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol distribution in asthma of children: a preliminary report.

This study evaluated the effects of fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy for the distribution pattern of Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosols in 10 children with asthma. The homogeneous degree of depositing Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol was evaluated using a modified standard score system over the bilateral lungs. The baseline scores were calculated from Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol inhalation lung scintigraphy before inhalation therapy (100 microg fluticasone propionate two times daily for one week), and the scores were recalculated after inhalation therapy to evaluate the effects of one-week of fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy for Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol distribution patterns. After one week of fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy, the scores were decreased in all of the 10 children, which may mean that the bronchial constriction degree due to asthma is decreased. In addition, there was a significantly statistical difference in the scores before and after one-week fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy (p < 0.05). In conclusion, one-week fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy could significantly improve the bronchial constriction due to asthma in children based on the evidence of Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol inhalation lung scintigraphic findings.