Reversibility tests in chronic obstructive airways disease: their predictive value with reference to benefit from domiciliary nebuliser therapy

Respir Med. 1991 Jul;85(4):281-4. doi: 10.1016/s0954-6111(06)80097-1.

Abstract

The role of short-term tests of reversibility in selecting patients with COAD for long-term nebuliser therapy is uncertain. In a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study we have examined the correlation between short-term reversibility and response to a home nebuliser. We studied 20 patients with severe COAD (mean age 66, mean FEV1 0.81 l) and little reversibility (less than 20% increase in FEV1 post-inhaled salbutamol 200 micrograms and less than 25% increase in peak expiratory flow rate, PEFR, on oral steroids). PEFR, spirometry, lung volumes and airways conductance were recorded before and 1 h after a mixture of nebulised ipratropium 0.5 mg and fenoterol 1.25 mg. Patients then recorded twice-daily PEFR at home while they received nebulised ipratropium plus fenoterol, or saline placebo, four times a day for three week blocks using a double-blind cross over protocol. Mean PEFR on home nebuliser rose from 164 l m-1 (placebo) to 196 l m-1 (ipratropium plus fenoterol), paired t-test P = 0.0001. Correlation coefficients between short-term response for PEFR, spirometry and lung volumes, and improvement in home PEFR on nebulised ipratropium plus fenoterol, were all poor (R = -0.37-0.35, P = 0.83-0.11). We conclude that in severe COAD, reversibility tests of PEFR, spirometry and lung volumes do not correlate with response to a home nebuliser. Home measurements of PEFR are probably the best objective method of assessing response to a home nebuliser in such patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chronic Disease
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Fenoterol / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Ipratropium / administration & dosage*
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / drug therapy*
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / drug effects
  • Spirometry

Substances

  • Fenoterol
  • Ipratropium