ISSN:
1398-9995
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Hedenström H, Wegener T, Boman G, Wåhlander L, Melander B. Effect of inhaled formoterol versus terbutaline on respiratory function in moderate bronchial asthma.In a double-blind cross-over study comparing the duration of action of 12 μg and 24 μg formoterol, 500 μg terbutaline and placebo, lung function tests were performed in 12 never-smokers with non-allergic bronchial asthma. All the patients were hyperreactive to methacholine, had normal serum IgE level, and negative skin or RAST results. The lung function tests were carried out over an 11-h period and included measurements of lung volumes, airway resistance, dynamic spirometry, nitrogen single breath wash-out test and single breath diffusion capacity for CO. The airway resistance and maximal forced expiratory flow tests indicated a pronounced bronchodilator effect without adverse effects of 12 μg and 24 μg formoterol on both large and peripheral airways. Improved intrapulmonary gas distribution measured by the nitrogen wash-out test and more even distribution of the lung volumes indicating more homogeneous ventilation was seen for approx. 3h after terbutaline and approx. 11 h after 24 μg formoterol. Measurement of the CO diffusion capacity indicates more effective gas diffusion and a better ventilation-perfusion ratio for at least 11 h, especially after inhalation of 24 μg formoterol.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.1992.tb00957.x
