Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of short acting β2-receptor agonist (SABA) on exercise dynamic lung hyperinflation during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in stable COPD patients.
Subjects and methods: We examined 14 patients with stable COPD (mean age; 76yr, mean FEV1: 57%pred) who were referred to our clinic between July 2008 and October 2009. 6MWT and lung function test were performed after the inhalation of SABA procaterol hydrochloride (20μg) or placebo.
Results: Compared to the baseline assessment, 6MWD increased by a mean of 20.5m when measured after inhalation of SABA (512.4±90.7m vs. 532.9±79.8m; p<0.05). During the 6MWT, inspiratory capacity (IC) decreased significantly with time. The IC after inhalation of SABA was improved significantly compared with placebo. The Borg dyspnea score increased with time during 6MWT and was attenuated significantly after inhaling SABA.
Conclusions: In the present study, there was a significant attenuation in exercise dynamic lung hyperinflation, suggesting the important rescue role SABA in the management of COPD. It is therefore likely that most patients with COPD may derive considerable benefit from rescue bronchodilator therapy with SABA.
- © 2011 ERS