Basal cortisol in asthmatics on two different doses of fluticasone propionate.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate basal plasma cortisol in persistent asthmatics on inhaled fluticasone propionate 200 mcg/day and 300 mcg/day. METHODS Asthma diagnosis and classification was based on Global Initiative for Asthma recommendations. Patients aged 11 years old or less received fluticasone propionate 200 mcg/day and those older than 11 years received 300 mcg/day. After 10 weeks of treatment, plasma cortisol levels were monitored to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. RESULTS Forty-one patients (65.9% males) aged 6 to 18 years old were evaluated. No statistical differences were found between plasma cortisol levels in patients who received 200 mcg/day (n = 13) and those who received 300 mcg/day (n = 28). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that low and moderate doses of fluticasone propionate do not cause adrenal suppression.