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Bronchodilator response in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Bronchodilator response in COPD patients varied significantly. Larger responses correlated with better lung function over time, indicating potential benefits for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management involves assessing bronchodilator responsiveness.
- Isoproterenol is a commonly used bronchodilator for such assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify bronchodilator response to isoproterenol in a large COPD cohort.
- To identify factors influencing response and its relationship with disease progression.
Main Methods:
- 985 COPD patients received 250 micrograms of isoproterenol.
- Response measured as relative (% FEV1 increase) and absolute (% predicted normal FEV1 change).
- Patients abstained from bronchodilators for 6 hours prior to testing.
Main Results:
- Bronchodilator response averaged 15% of baseline FEV1 or 5% of predicted normal FEV1 after 6-hour abstinence.
- Response varied based on baseline FEV1, symptoms (wheezing), and exercise capacity.
- Greater bronchodilator response was linked to increased FEV1 variability and a slower annual decline rate.
Conclusions:
- Bronchodilator response in COPD is variable but can be influenced by baseline lung function and symptoms.
- Significant bronchodilator responsiveness may indicate a slower disease progression in COPD patients.