A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included two studies with a total of 123 subjects. There was no difference in outcomes between inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (400 micrograms per day) and placebo (treatment failures: odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3 to 3.84; 1 trial, n=43). There was an improvement in cough frequency of approximately 70% after four to five weeks of treatment with beclomethasone and of 45% with placebo.
With high-dose short-term inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate 2 mg per day for 3 days followed by 1 mg per day for 11 days) there was a significant improvement in nocturnal cough frequency after two weeks in children presenting with persistent nocturnal cough (1 trial, n=80). A significant but smaller improvement was also seen with placebo.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals).
Primary/Secondary Keywords