[Inhaled budesonide for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
A significant, large minority of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) respond favorably to corticosteroid treatment; but the benefit may be outweighed by its side effects. Long-term administration of inhaled steroids is a safe means of treatment. We hypothesized that treatment with inhaled budesonide would improve clinical symptoms and pulmonary function in subjects with COPD, and that the response to an inhaled B2-agonist would individualize steroid responders. In 44 patients with stable COPD in a double- blind crossover trial, we compared a 6-week course of inhalations of 800 micrograms/d budesonide with a placebo, separated by a 4-week interval when no medication was taken. In 33 out of 42 responders to the B2-agonist who remained in the study, there was a significant improvement in FEV1 of greater than 20% following budesonide inhalation, as compared to placebo. There was also a significant difference between the 2 periods of treatment as to the mean number of B2-agonist inhalations. We conclude that about 1/4 of patients with stable COPD respond to bronchodilators, and treatment with inhaled steroids improves spirometry data and inhaled B2-agonist consumption in about 3/4.
Weiner
P
P
Medical Dept A, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera.
Zamir
D
D
Beckerman
M
M
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D019819:Budesonide; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000336:Aerosols; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011282:Pregnenediones; D019819:Budesonide