Methods: A search was done in journals databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS and Cochrane, from 1996 to 2009. We searched for studies comparing treatment with ciclesonide versus fluticasone in the treatment of children younger than 18 years diagnosed with persistent moderate and severe asthma. The outcomes measured were: FEV 1, peak expiratory flow improvement, absence of nocturnal symptoms, decrease the number of crisis compared to baseline and need to use beta 2 agonist rescue crisis.
Results: When making comparisons between ciclesonide and fluticasone in terms of effectiveness in reducing nocturnal symptoms, use of beta 2 agonists, peak expiratory flow improvement and prevention of asthma attacks, the studies reported equal effectiveness for both corticosteroids. Studies provide equally effective in improving FEV1. In terms of local effects, it refers in two studies presented the same presentation with both steroids, but there are two others less concerned with ciclesonide local effects, but both without presenting conclusive results. With respect to adrenal suppression, there are two articles that refer to is less with the use of ciclesonide with fluticasone, one adult on the other hand a more equal terms the presence of adrenal suppression with both steroids. However, in all studies to make the overall analysis refers without significant changes. Ciclesonide showed the advantage of not inhibiting cortisol secretion. There were studies that compared quality of life by the result of health-related quality of life (PAQLQ) symptom-free days, days without the use of beta 2 agonists and days without nocturnal awakenings, all refers to both corticosteroids as equivalent. By comparing ciclesonide versus placebo, by applying PAQLQ only one study, refers improved quality of life with the steroid.