Oral methyl-xanthines for bronchiectasis.
BACKGROUND
Bronchiectasis is characterised by chronic sputum production,bronchial wall dilation,recurrent infection and airflow limitation. Methylxanthines are used in the management of airflow limitation associated with asthma and COPD, where they are also purported to have anti-inflammatory properties. In theory they may be of use in bronchiectasis.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of methylxanthines in the treatment of bronchiectasis.


METHODS
The Cochrane Airways Group clinical trials register derived from MEDLINE,EMBASE and hand searches using the terms bronchiectasis, aminophylline, theophylline and methyl- xanthine


METHODS
Only randomised controlled trials were to be considered.


METHODS
The results of the searches were reviewed by two authors. Searches yielded seven trials none of which met the inclusion criteria.


RESULTS
No randomised controlled trials were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is required to establish if the methylxanthines have a role in the treatment of bronchiectasis.
Thoracic Department, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, UK, BH7 7DW.
K
K
Steele
M
M
Greenstone
J A
JA
Lasserson
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000628:Aminophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000628:Aminophylline; D013806:Theophylline