Long-acting beta-2-agonists for bronchiectasis.
BACKGROUND
Symptoms of bronchiectasis include chronic productive cough, wheeze, breathlessness and recurrent infections of the lower respiratory tract. Long-acting bronchodilators are being used more frequently in the management of people with this condition.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilators in the management of bronchiectasis that is not due to cystic fibrosis.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Bronchiectasis Database made up of trials identified from searching the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and hand-searches of leading respiratory journals. The latest searches were performed in May 2001.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trials, with or without masking.


METHODS
The results of searches were reviewed against pre-specified criteria.


RESULTS
We were unable to identify any randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilator therapy in the management of bronchiectasis.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to establish if long-acting bronchodilators have a role in the management of people with bronchiectasis.
Sheikh
A
A
Department of Primary Health Care & General Practice, Imperial College School of Medicine, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP. aziz.sheikh@ic.ac.uk
Nolan
D
D
Greenstone
M
M
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents