RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Angiotensin II blockers in obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 972
OP 979
DO 10.1183/09031936.06.00098105
VO 27
IS 5
A1 S. Andreas
A1 C. Herrmann-Lingen
A1 T. Raupach
A1 L. Lüthje
A1 J. A. Fabricius
A1 N. Hruska
A1 W. Körber
A1 B. Büchner
A1 C-P. Criée
A1 G. Hasenfuß
A1 P. Calverley
YR 2006
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/27/5/972.abstract
AB In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the sympathetic nervous system, as well as the renin–angiotensin system, is activated with possible negative systemic effects on skeletal muscles. Angiotensin II type-1 receptor blockers inhibit the sympathetic and renin–angiotensin systems and might improve skeletal and respiratory muscle strength in patients in whom these systems are activated. The effects of the angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan given over 4 months was evaluated in 60 patients with COPD and a forced expiratory volume in one second of <50% of the predicted value and without obvious cardiovascular disease that would necessitate the administration of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. Irbesartan was well tolerated, but did not exert a significant effect on the primary end-point maximum inspiratory pressure. Spirometric results were not affected, but total lung capacity was reduced. Irbesartan led to a significant decrease in haematocrit (46.4±3.6 to 43.9±4.3% versus 47.5±2.4 to 48.7±3.0% with placebo). In conclusion, respiratory muscle strength in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients was not influenced by angiotensin II receptor blockade. However, the changes in haematocrit and total lung capacity following irbesartan raise the possibility that well-known cardiovascular drugs can produce unanticipated beneficial effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.