[Self-Management of Anti-Obstructive Therapy for Severe COPD with a Subcutaneous Terbutaline Pump].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be difficult to stabilize with standard inhaled and oral medication. In those cases, outpatient care may even be impossible. Alternative therapeutic strategies, like subcutaneous self-application of terbutaline, could help to further improve health status.

CASE REPORT:

A 42-year old patient with severe COPD was admitted to the hospital. Despite maximal anti-obstructive therapy he required additional intravenous relief therapy and discharge was not possible. We treated this patient with a subcutaneous terbutaline pump for continuous and demand medication. We could show a significant decrease in additional intravenous medication, and the patient could leave the hospital.

CONCLUSION:

The use of terbutaline applied by a subcutaneous pump in addition to standard therapy may be helpful in severely ill patients suffering from COPD. This measure increased quality of life and shortened hospital stay.

• Authors: Sandra Grootoonk, Gerhard Schultze-Werninghaus, Marianne Ehren, Justus De Zeeuw, Hans-Werner Duchna, Torsten Thomas Bauer
• Journal: Medizinische Klinik (Munich, Germany : 1983) (Med Klin (Munich)) Vol. 98 Issue 10 Pg. 579-82 (Oct 15 2003) ISSN: 0723-5003 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Einsatz eines subkutanen Terbutalin-Infusatsystems zur Selbstapplikation der Bedarfsmedikation bei schwerer chronisch-obstruktiver Atemwegserkrankung (COPD).
• PMID: 14586512 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bronchodilator Agents
• Terbutaline

Topics

• Adult
• Bronchodilator Agents (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Infusion Pumps, Implantable
• Male
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (drug therapy)
• Self Administration
• Terbutaline (administration & dosage)