Azithromycin improves asthma control, cuts exacerbations in children

In the treatment of children with poorly controlled asthma, the use of azithromycin helps improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations, according to a study.

The study included 120 children aged 5–15 years who had poorly controlled asthma, which was defined as an Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Childhood Asthma Control Test (CACT) scores of ≤19. They were randomized to standard treatment alone (n=60) or in combination with azithromycin (10 mg/kg) three times weekly (n=60) for 3 months.

The mean age of the population was 9.9 years, and 74.16 percent were boys. The baseline parameters were similar between the groups. Compared with the control, azithromycin was associated with a significant increase in the primary outcome of ACT and CACT scores at 3 months (21.71 vs 18.33; p<0.001).

According to the GINA guidelines, the number of children with well-controlled asthma was much higher in the azithromycin group (41 out of 56) than in the control group (10 out of 56; p<0.001). Furthermore, the median number of exacerbations requiring emergency visit and steroid use was fewer in the azithromycin group (0 vs 1; p<0.001).

There were no significant between-group differences seen in Feno level, spirometry parameters, positive throat swab results, and adverse effects.