ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effects of nebulization with high-dose budesonide (BUD) combined with ipratropium bromide (IB) on airway remodeling and mucus secretion in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:Ninety patients with AECOPD who received treatment in Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2020 and June 2021 were included in this study. They were assigned to the conventional-dose group ( n = 45, odd number) and high-dose group ( n = 45, even number) according to the number of admission. In the conventional-dose group, nebulization with IB (0.5 mg administered within 20 minutes, three times daily) and BUD (2 mg administered within 20 minutes, twice daily) was performed. In the high-dose group, nebulization with IB (0.5 mg administered within 20 minutes, three times daily) and BUD (4 mg administered within 20 minutes, twice daily) was performed. After nebulization, a mouthwash was required in each group. After 7 days of treatment, clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Before and 7 days after treatment, airway remodeling level (matrix metalloproteinase-9 and interleukin-8), airway mucus secretion (mucin-5ac and neutrophil elastase) and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:Total response rate in the high-dose group was significantly higher than that in the conventional-dose group [95.56% (43/45) vs. 82.22% (37/45), χ2 = 4.05, P < 0.05]. After 7 days of treatment, serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 and interleukin-8 levels in the high-dose group were (416.96 ± 30.96) μg/L and (6.33 ± 1.03) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the conventional-dose group [(452.25 ± 32.16) μg/L, (7.85 ± 1.24) μg/L, t = 5.30, 6.32, both P < 0.001)]. After 7 days of treatment, serum mucin-5ac and neutrophil elastase levels in the high-dose group were (1.33 ± 0.21) μg/L and (4.06 ± 1.03) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the conventional-dose group [(1.58 ± 0.23) μg/L, (5.11 ± 1.14) μg/L, t = 5.38, 4.58, both P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between high-dose and conventional-dose groups [8.89% (4/45) vs. 4.44% (2/45), χ2 = 0.71, P > 0.05). Conclusion:Nebulization with high-dose BUD combined with IB for treatment of AECOPD can improve airway remodeling, reduce airway mucus hypersecretion and has definite therapeutic effects. Findings from this study are of great innovation and science.