Effects of tiotropium bromide on spirometry in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tiotropium bromide in treating stable mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Methods A randomized,double-blind,parallel comparison clinical trial was conducted in 40 patients with COPD. Twenty patients in tiotropium bromide group were treated by tiotropium bromide powder,and another twenty patients in controll group were given ipratropium,in contrast. The spirometry of both groups was conducted. 4 weeks after treatment. Results The forced expiratory volume in one second ( FEV1 ) and forced vital capacity(FVC) in two groups were significantly increased after treatment( P<0.01 ). The increase of FEV1 in tiotropium bromide group was higher than that in controll group after 4-week. There was no significant differ-ence in rescue medication consumptions. The incidence of adverse effects has no statistical difference between two groups. Conclusion Tiotropium bromide is an effective and safe bronchodilator in treating patients with COPD. Key words: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive;  tiotropium;  ipratropium