Etanercept-an effective treatment in refractory asthma?

摘要

Previous studies have shown increased levels of TNF-alpha in the bronchial lavage of patients with refractory asthma, requiring frequent oral steroids and/or high daily doses of inhaled corticosteroids. Also, uncontrolled studies have suggested that treatment of refractory asthma with etanercept (Etan), a soluble recombinant TNF-a receptor, reduces bronchial hy-perresponsiveness (BHR) and asthma symptoms (Howarth et al. Thorax 2005;60:1012-18).