Introduction: The prevalence of asthma and the use of anti-asthmatic medication is high among elite athletes. Elite athletes require a TUE certificate (Therapeutic Use Exemption) if they require anti-asthmatic medication which is on the prohibited list. The aim of the study was to determine the distribution of Danish TUE certificates and to examine the use of anti-asthmatic medication among Danish elite athletes.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of all applications for TUE certificates in 2005 was carried out. We focused on applications including anti-asthmatic medication. All applications resulted in certificates being issued.
Results: A total of 694 TUE certificates were issued. Of these, 445 (64%) concerned anti-asthmatic medication. Short-acting beta-2-agonists (SABA) were the most frequent medication (79%). Only 2% received long-acting beta-2-agonists (LABA) as single therapy. Inhaled steroids were used by 69%. Swimmers received significantly higher doses of inhaled steroids compared to all others athletes (1031 microg/day (148); p=0.01). The applications for TUE certificates were generally handled by general practitioners (78%).
Conclusion: Most TUE certificates issued in 2005 concerned anti-asthmatic medication. Only a few athletes were treated with non-recommended anti-asthmatic medication like LABA as single therapy. Swimmers received higher doses of inhaled steroids compared to all others athletes. Most of the applications for TUE certificates were handled by general practitioners.