Effects of Spironolactone Combined with Prednisone on Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of spironolactone combined with prednisone on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF).Methods Twenty-two patients were randomly divided into 2 groups:the spironolactone combined with prednisone group(n=12),prednisone group(n=10).All patients were followed up for 12 months.The changes of the dyspnea,cough,blood pressure,and the index changes of high resolution computerized tomography of chest,lung function test,arterial blood gas detection,the level of potassium and sodium in serum were observed during the treatment.Results After 1 month follow-up,there was 8 patients who had better therapeutic effect in both group,respectively.After 12-month follow-up,there were still 50% patients(6/12) in good conditions in spironolaction combined with prednisone group.However,there were only 30% patients(3/10) in good conditions in prednisone group(P0.05).The hypopotassemia or high blood pressure occurred about 10%~20% in prednisone group,however,there wasn't happened in spironolactone combined with prednisone group.Conclusion Compared to treat only with prednisone,spironolactone combined with prednisone could improve the therapeutic effects on the IPF,it could decrease the incidence of hypopotassemia or high blood pressure which takes place in prednisone therapy alone.