ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of Fufang-Haqing capsule with formoterol in the treatment of elderly pulmonary emphysema combined with chronic wheezing bronchitis. Methods A total of 156 patients with elderly pulmonary emphysema combined with chronic wheezing bronchitis in our hospital were divided into control group (88 cases) and observation group (88 cases). The control group was treated with formoterol, the observation group was treated with Fufang-Haqing capsule combined with formoterol. Both group treatment last three months. In the 2 groups, the levels of lung function indicators (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF and PEFR), inflammatory markers [Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors-1 (TIMP-1), interleukin-17 (IL-17), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)], immune function indicators [T lymphocyte subgroup (CD3+ and CD4+), immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG and IgM)] were detected before and after the treatment. During the treatment, the adverse actions were observed. Results The effect rate in treatment group was 93.2% (82/88), significantly higher than 80.7% (71/88) in control group (Z=3.781, P<0.05). After the treatment, the levels of FEV1 (2.89 ± 0.37 L vs. 2.22 ± 0.33 L, t=3.781), FEV1/FVC (65.10% ± 6.67% vs. 57.56% ± 5.98%, t=3.894), PEF (6.76 ± 0.69 L/S vs. 5.57 ± 0.59 L/S, t=3.351) and PEFR (3.67 ± 0.39 L/S vs. 2.87 ± 0.32 L/S, t=3.561) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The TIMP-1, IL-17, IL-8 and MMP-9 in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (t were 3.567, 3.692, 3.491, 3.394, all Ps<0.05), while the levels of CD3+, CD4+, IgA, IgG and IgM were in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (t were 3.791, 3.593, 3.258, 3.682, 3.526, all Ps<0.05). There was no significantly difference between the 2 groups in the adverse actions. Conclusions The Fufang-Haqing capsule with formoterol in the treatment of elderly pulmonary emphysema combined with chronic wheezing bronchitis showd good effect, could promote the levels of lung function, inflammatory and immune function.