Measurement of theophylline concentration in asthmatic patients with nasal polyps using a new kit (AccuLevel®)

• Published in: jibi to rinsho Vol. 36; no. 6; pp. 1236 - 1241
• Main Authors: OGINO, Satoshi, IRIFUNE, Morihiro, HARADA, Tamotsu, KIKUMORI, Hiroshi, NOSE, Michihiro, BESSHO, Kayoko, SUGII, Ayako, MATSUNAGA, Toru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: JIBI TO RINSHO KAI 20.11.1990
• ISSN: 0447-7227; 2185-1034
• DOI: 10.11334/jibi1954.36.6_1236

Some asthma patients also are found to have nasal polyps. Before undergoing nasal polypectomies, it is necessary to control the asthmatic condition. Theophylline is useful for this, however, patients treated with theophylline need frequent monitoring of their serum level to prevent both subtherapeutic and toxic dosages. Conventional methods of measuring theophylline concentration are very difficult, and the results are not immediately obtainable. We utilized a new assay system, AccuLevel®, which uses enzyme immunochromatography, to measure theophylline levels in 10 asthmatic patients with nasal polyps. This newly developed system has already been reported to be reliable in its specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. AccuLevel® uses only 12μl of whole blood, is very easy to use, and could provide determination of these levels within 20 minutes. This new kit will undoubtedly become a useful adjunct in the treatment of asthma.