Inhaled Fluticasone Propionate: Effect on Parameters of Bone Metabolism in Patients With Mild to Moderate Asthma

This study will be a prospective randomized trial. Thirty subjects with mild to moderate asthma will receive inhaled fluticasone propionate. Fifteen patients will receive low dose inhaled fluticasone 88 mcg twice daily. Fifteen patients will receive inhaled fluticasone 440 mcg twice daily. The primary outcome will be biochemical markers of bone turnover. These will include 1) serum biochemical markers of bone formation \[osteocalcin, bone specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and procollagen I C-terminal propeptide (PICP)\] and 2) markers of bone resorption, serum collagen type 1 C-Telopeptide (CTx) urinary N-telopeptide (NTx) and immunoreactive free deoxypyridinoline (iFDpd)\]. Secondary endpoints will include, parathyroid hormone (PTH), Urinary Calcium/creatinine, and adverse events.