Maintenance pharmacotherapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an evidence-based approach.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem and its impact is increasing. Only smoking cessation and oxygen for -hypoxaemic patients have been shown to alter mortality, but modern pharmacological therapies can improve symptoms, lung function and quality of life. Treatment guidelines emphasise the use of bronchodilators as first-line treatment for COPD but make few recommendations about choosing a specific agent. In this review, the results of recent studies are examined to provide evidence-based guidance for the selection of appropriate maintenance therapy. Guidelines also support the use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with more advanced disease, and the role of these agents is discussed.
Dransfield
Mark T
MT
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, 215 THT1900 University Blvd, Birmingham, Al 35294, USA. mdransfield99@msn.com
Bailey
William C
WC
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019468:Disease Management; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents