[Evidence of pharmacotherapy in COPD--key findings from recently-conducted randomized clinical studies].

Abstract

The primary aim of pharmachotherapy in COPD is improvement of exertional dyspnea and quality of life through its bronchodilator effects. However, there is emerging evidence that pharmacotherapy may reduce exacerbations, alleviate annual decline of pulmonary function, and even favorably affect mortality, thus changing natural history of COPD. The large-scaled randomized clinical trials, such as TORCH, UPLIFT, have revealed that combination of long acting beta2 agonist (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), LABA/ICS, and/or tiotropium alone may have such effects. In addition, carbocisteine, which is a mucolytic and anti-oxidant agent, has been shown to reduce exacerbations in COPD. Future directions on pharmacotherapy are personalized medicine based on phenotyping of the disease and development of new agents which may cure airway inflammation in COPD.

• Authors: Kaoruko Shimizu, Masaharu Nishimura
• Journal: Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine (Nihon Rinsho) Vol. 69 Issue 10 Pg. 1815-20 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 0047-1852 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 22073579 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists
• Androstadienes
• Bronchodilator Agents
• Scopolamine Derivatives
• Salmeterol Xinafoate
• Fluticasone
• Albuterol
• Tiotropium Bromide

Topics

• Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists (administration & dosage)
• Aged
• Albuterol (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Androstadienes (administration & dosage)
• Bronchodilator Agents (administration & dosage)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Fluticasone
• Humans
• Male
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (drug therapy)
• Salmeterol Xinafoate
• Scopolamine Derivatives (administration & dosage)
• Tiotropium Bromide