Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy of Budesonide/Formoterol in Bronchiolitis Obliterans in AHSCT

Although it has not been evaluated prospectively, the usual treatment for obstructive airway disease (OAD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) , which is related to graft versus host disease (GVHD), consists of intensification of systemic immunosuppressive therapy. However, this treatment has a limited efficacy and is associated with a significant number of serious adverse effects, particularly infectious. Alternative treatments are therefore necessary.We have retrospectively reported clinical and functional improvement in patients with OAD following AHSCT treated with inhaled budesonide/formoterol combination.These encouraging results need to be confirmed by the present randomised, prospective double-blind trial. This study is therefore designed to evaluate the efficacy of budesonide/formoterol versus placebo in patients with moderate to severe OAD, not requiring initiation or intensification of systemic immunosuppressive therapy for extra thoracic GVHD.

Inclusion criteria

modified according to amendment of 02/11/2009

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥16 years.
• Previous normal PFTs available.
• Absence of extrathoracic GVH disease justifying initiation or intensification of systemic immunosuppressive therapy.
• Respiratory signs present for less than 6 months.
• AHSCT recipients who have developed moderate to severe bronchiolitis obliterans, defined by reduction of FEV1/VC below the 5th percentile of predicted normal or < 80% of predicted, with FEV1 < 80% of predicted and ≥ 40% of predicted, not reversible after inhalation of short-acting beta-2 agonist. AHSCT recipients with FEV1 < 80% of predicted and ≥ 40% of predicted, not reversible after inhalation of short-acting beta-2 agonist and TLC ≥ 80% of predicted.
• Respiratory symptoms related to obstructive lung disease present for at least 6 months.
• Negative respiratory microbiology work-up.
• Informed consent signed by the patient or both parents of a minor.

Exclusion criteria

• Extrathoracic graft versus host reaction justifying initiation or intensification of systemic immunosuppressive therapy.
• Use of inhaled bronchodilator and/or corticosteroid therapy at the time of inclusion.
• Known intolerance to inhaled bronchodilators and/or corticosteroids and/or lactose.
• Personal or donor history of asthma.
• Active smoking
• FEV1 < 40% of predicted normal or ≥ 80% of predicted normal or PO2 < 50 mmHg.
• Documented respiratory tract infection.
• Pregnancy.
• Absence of effective contraception during the trial.
• Not covered by French national health insurance.