The Additive Anti-inflammatory Effect of Simvastatin in Combination With Inhaled Corticosteroids in Asthma

The Additive Anti-inflammatory Effect of Simvastatin in Combination With Inhaled Corticosteroids in Asthma

We hypothesize that simvastatin in combination with ICS might have synergistic anti-inflammatory effects on airway inflammation in asthmatic patients

To determine the additive effect of simvastatin on airway inflammation in ICS-treated patients with persistent asthma by measuring eosinophil counts in induced sputum

Inclusion Criteria:

• He or she has FEV1 > 60% of predicted
• He or she requires less than 1000 mcg daily of beclomethasone or equivalent

Exclusion Criteria:

• He or she had previous history of renal disease or serum creatinine more than 2 mg/dL
• He or she had previous history of liver disease
• She is pregnant or during lactation
• He or she has already received statins or is allergic to statins or has developed myositis.
• He or she has an asthma exacerbation and requires treatment with oral corticosteroids during the 3 months prior to the commencement of study entry.