title: Evaluation of inhaled tiotropium in asthma, uncontrolled with standard combination therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In uncontrolled asthma, the suboptimally inhibited airways inflammation is the main pathogenic event. Addition of other medications to the regular regimen might be able to improve disease control by enhancing bronchodilation and/or by reducing the bronchial inflammation. Tiotropium is currently under evaluation as a potential such therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The long-term efficacy and safety of tiotropium was recently evaluated in two studies in patients with poorly controlled asthma under inhaled corticosteroids + long-acting β2 agonists. Tiotropium was able to improve lung function and the effect was sustained, reduced the exacerbations risk (and in particular severe exacerbations risk), but had a marginal effect on symptoms and on quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In asthma, inhaled tiotropium is able to increase the bronchodilation, and might also be able to exert an anti-inflammatory effect.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Medicine, Department of Nursing, Grigore T Popa, 16 universitatii str 700115, Iasi, Romania. sabina.antonela.antoniu@pneum.umfiasi.ro
authors.forename: Sabina Antonela
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Antoniu
authors.forename: Ileana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Antohe
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide