Heparin inhalation for asthma

The study of inhaled heparin in asthma has resurfaced recently in the medical literature. Although the above mentioned investigations have helped us better understand the pathologic processes of asthma, the results are too scant and preliminary to enable us to recommend the use of inhaled heparin in acute or chronic asthma. If the antiinflammatory properties of inhaled heparin prove to be of clinical value in asthma, it would represent a considerable advantage over steroids, which cause immunosuppression and other significant adverse reactions. Future trials will need to address such issues as: (1) What is the asthma subpopulation in which heparin is likely to be beneficial? (2) What is the optimal dose for inhalation? (3) What are the long-term adverse effects of inhaled heparin? (4) What is the optimal timing of administration with regard to allergen exposure? (5) If proven useful, what is the ideal delivery mode? Additional well-designed human trials will be necessary before we can define the place of inhaled heparin in the therapy or prevention of asthma.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. C. Carlstedt Pharmacotherapy of Asthma Journal of Pharmacy Practice, June 1, 1997; 10(3): 147 - 164. [Abstract] [PDF]