Salmeterol combined with fluticasone propionate improved COPD in patients during stable stage

To evaluate the clinical effect of inhaled Salmeterol with Fluticasone propionate (50:500 μg) in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the stable stage of the disease.

Sixty patients with moderate to severe COPD were randomly divided into trial and control groups (N=30 each). In the trial group, patients inhaled Salmeterol with Fluticasone (50:500 μg) propionate twice daily via turbuhaler for 3 months. In the control group, patients used slow- released theophylline, 200 mg, twice daily for 3 months; patients took an expectorant (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, 10 ml, three times daily) if necessary. Clinical symptoms and physical signs were graded using St. George's respiratory disease questionnaire (SGRQ). Changes in lung function were assessed.

Indicators of lung function including the values of FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEV1/predicted values were significantly higher after treatment in the trial group than in the control group (P<0.05). SGRQ values in the trial group decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.05).

Inhaled Salmeterol 50 μg and Fluticasone propionate 500 μg can significantly improve the lung function and clinical symptoms of patients with stable moderate to severe COPD.