[Compliance of children with bronchial asthma in long-term therapy with theophylline retard preparations].

Abstract

427 samples of the saliva of 235 children were taken on an outpatient basis to follow up long-term theophylline treatment. 37 samples from 34 children did not reveal the presence of any theophylline. The absolute non-compliance found in this manner is 21% in the 9 to 12 years age bracket and significantly higher than with the children below 9 years and above 14 years of age (8 and 10%, respectively). Better differentiation of compliance and separation from underdosing was achieved in 38 children by comparing the outpatient-controlled theophylline levels with the values obtained on an inpatient basis. For 10 patients this method definitely revealed non-compliance, whereas compliance was doubtful with 12 children and 15 children had strictly adhered to the prescribed dosage regimen. To improve the intake discipline the theophylline levels should be regularly followed up under outpatient conditions and evaluated in cooperation with the patients.