Effects of formoterol (Oxis (R) Turbuhaler (R)) and ipratropium on exercise capacity in patients with COPD

• Although long-acting inhaled beta(2)-agonists improve various outcome measures in COPD, no double-blind study has yet shown a significant effect of these drugs on exercise capacity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, patients received formoterol (4.5,9, or 18 mug b.i.d via Turbuhaler(R)), ipratroplum bromide (80 mug t.i.d via pMDI with spacer), or placebo for I week. Main endpoint was time to exhaustion (TTE) in an incremental cycle ergometer test. Secondary endpoints were Borg dyspnoea score during exercise, lung function, and adverse events. Thirty-four patients with COPD were included, mean age 64.8 years, FEV(1)55.6% predicted, reversibility 6.1% predicted. All doses of formoterol, and ipratropium significantly improved TTE, FEV1, FEF25-75%, FRC, IVC, RV and sGAW compared with placebo. A negative dose-response relationship was observed with formoterol. Ipratropium increased time to exhaustion more compared with formoterol, 18 mug, but not with formoterol, 4.5 and 9 mug. No changes in Borg score were found. There was no difference in the adverse event profile between treatments. In conclusion, I week of treatment with formoterol and ipratropium significantly improved exercise capacity and lung function compared with placebo. However, a negative dose-response relation for formoterol was unexpected and needs further investigation.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

exercise capacity

formoterol

COPD

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