Combination of long-acting bronchodilators improves lung function for patients with COPD

摘要

A combination of the long-acting bronchodilators tiotropium and formoterol improves lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease more than a bronchodilator/anti-inflammatory combination,according to a study reported this week at the annual European Respiratory Society congress in Copenagen.The study randomised 592 patients with moderate COPD to a combination of tiotropium(18mug once daily)plus formoterol(12mug twice daily)or to salmeterol(50mug twice daily)plus fluticasone propionate(500mug twice daily).