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Oxitropium bromide improves exercise performance in patients with COPD
A Ikeda1, K Nishimura, H Koyama
1Chest Disease Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan.
Chest
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Inhaled oxitropium bromide significantly improves exercise capacity in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This bronchodilator enhances maximal workload and ventilation, suggesting a therapeutic benefit for COPD management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Inhaled anticholinergics are a primary treatment for stable COPD.
- The impact of these agents on patient exercise capacity remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of inhaled oxitropium bromide on exercise capacity in stable COPD patients.
- To determine if oxitropium bromide improves spirometry and exercise parameters compared to placebo.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 14 stable COPD patients.
- Patients underwent symptom-limited progressive cycle ergometry before and 90 minutes after inhaling 800 micrograms of oxitropium bromide or placebo.
- Spirometry was assessed pre- and post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Oxitropium bromide significantly increased FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) compared to placebo (p < 0.001).
- Maximal workload (p < 0.01), maximal minute ventilation (p < 0.05), maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.05), and maximal carbon dioxide production (p < 0.05) were significantly higher after oxitropium.
- A significant positive correlation was found between changes in maximal workload and FEV1 (r = 0.625, p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Inhaled oxitropium bromide (800 micrograms) effectively improves exercise capacity in patients with stable COPD.
- The observed benefits are likely attributed to the bronchodilatory effects of oxitropium bromide.