ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of inhaled tiotropium capsule on adult bronchial asthma.MethodsThirty-four adult asthma patients were randomized into two groups.We evaluated the addition of tiotropium bromide to an inhaled glucocorticoid in the treatment group( n =17 ),as compared with the addition of the LABA Formoterol in the control group ( n =17 ).Serial measurements of lung function,symptom control and quality of life were performed.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment,peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the addition of tiotropium bromide group[ ( 359 ± 12 ) L/min vs.( 275 ± 5 ) L/min,P ＜ 0.05 ] and the addition of the LABA Formoterol group [ ( 346 ± 11 ) L/min vs.( 275 ± 9 ) L/min,P ＜ 0.05 ] were significantly higher than those before treatment.The forced expiratory volumes in one second ( FEV1 )were also significantly elevated in both groups [ Tiotropium bromide group:( 2.80 ± 0.28 ) L vs.( 2.30 ± 0.28 ) L,P ＜ 0.05 ; LABA Formoterol group:( 2.69 ± 0.34 ) L vs.( 2.25 ± 0.34 ),P ＜ 0.05 ] compared with pre-treatment.Average dose of emergent drug ( ventolin ) usage were decreased in both groups after treatment [ Tiotropium bromide group:(0.96 ± 0.34 ) puff/d vs.(4.11 ± 1.03 ) puff/d,t =3.05,P ＜ 0.05 ; LABA Formoterol group:( 0.88 ± 0.44 )puff/day vs.( 4.43 ± 0.87 ) puff/day,t =3.23,P ＜ 0.05 ].Meanwhile,significantly improved quality of life scores and alleviation of asthma symptom were found in both groups as compared with baseline ( P ＜ 0.05).However,no significant differences in the above variables after treatment were found between two groups( P ＞0.05 ).ConclusionWhen added to an inhaled glucocorticoid,tiotropium improved symptoms and lung function in patients with inadequately controlled asthma.Its effects appeared to be equivalent to the addition of Formoterol.