[Long-term beta adrenergic antagonists in spastic bronchopathies]

Beta-blockers are usually contra-indicated or reluctantly prescribed in cases of chronic obstructive bronchopathy. The aim of this study is firstly to show their tolerance in the long term in this pathology when the condition is stable and secondly to judge their efficacy in controlling side effects caused by bronchodilators (trembling, tachycardia) which are often administered at the same time. This study concerned 21 patients: 8 asthmatics and 13 spastic bronchitics, treated over a period of 4 months in a cross-over, double-blind test by 2 cardio-selective beta-blockers (2 months: betaxolol, 2 months atenolol). During the study, respiratory tolerance proved to be good and side effects of bronchodilators were controlled.