Exacerbations in poorly controlled asthma reduced by adding tiotropium

摘要

ADDITION of tiotropium to the treatment regimen of patients with poorly controlled asthma can reduce the risk of severe exacerbations by 21 per cent according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine (3 September 2012). Inhaled glucocorticoids and long-acting beta-agonists are the treatment of choice for asthma sufferers; however some still experience frequent exacerbations and persistent airflow obstruction, the authors say. In two replicate, randomised controlled trials, 912 of these patients were given tiotropium (5ug) or placebo once-daily in a fine mist spray, as well as their standard treatment. All patients had a score of 1.5 or higher on the asthma control questionnaire 7 (ACQ-7) and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. Effects on lung function and frequency of exacerbations were compared over a 48-week period.