Long term haemodynamic, pulmonary function and symptomatic effects of pirbuterol in COPD.
Haemodynamic studies at rest and during exercise together with radionuclide ventriculography, pulmonary function and clinical well-being assessment were evaluated in ten patients with COPD and secondary pulmonary hypertension (mean PAP 25 mm Hg), before and after 6 months therapy with pirbuterol 20 mg thrice daily. Despite the continued pharmacological action of pirbuterol on the heart and systemic circulation during peak pirbuterol levels at 6 months, no significant effect on the pulmonary circulation was observed. Seven patients reported an improvement in the level of fatigue, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide fell significantly (6.5 +/- 0.9 to 6.1 +/- 0.9 kPa: P less than 0.01) and there was a slight bronchodilator effect [forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) 0.60 +/- 0.18 to 0.71 +/- 0.2 1s-1: P less than 0.02] after 6 months. The drug was generally well tolerated but three patients with pre-existing biliary tract disease developed obstructive jaundice.
Neilly
J B
JB
Department of Respiratory Medicine and Medical Cardiology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.
Carter
R
R
Tweddel
A
A
Martin
W
W
Hutton
I
I
Banham
S W
SW
Stevenson
R D
RD
D000368:Aged; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; C009118:pirbuterol