Clinical study of low dose theophylline and ipratropium bromide in the treatment of patients with COPD in acute exacerbation

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of low dose theophylline and ipratropium bromide in the treatment of patients with COPD in acute exacerbation. Methods Forty-six patients with COPD in acute exacerbation were randomly divided into the study group and the control group. The study group was given low dose theophylline combined with ipratropium bromide, while the control group was given ipratropium bromide combined with salbutamol, The improvement in lung function and adverse effects in the two groups were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. Results After treatment, a significant improvement in the levels of FEV1, FVC, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC were observed in both groups (P0.05), The levels of FEV1, FVC, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC in the study group after the treatment were significantly higher than those of the control group (P0.05). The total effective rate of the study group was 91.30%, significantly higher than that in the control group (73.91%), P0.05. Adverse reactions were mild in both groups, and the incidence of complications showed no statistically significant difference (P0.05). Conclusion For treating patients with COPD in acute exacerbation, the combination of low-dose theophylline and ipratropium bromide is effective and safe and would not increase the adverse reactions, which has a positive significance on the improvement of pulmonary function and the quality of life for patients with COPD.