Effects of Tiotropium Bromide on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background and Objective: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the common respiratory diseases that seriously endanger human health. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of tiotropium bromide on the airway remodelling of patients with stable COPD. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients with stable COPD treated in our hospital were randomly divided into a treatment group (n = 33) and a control group (n = 35). The treatment and control groups were given tiotropium bromide and placebo, respectively for 6 months. The changes of St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, 6-min Walking Distance (6MWD), pulmonary function and plasma levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) before and after treatment were recorded. Results: The two groups had similar SGRQ score, 6MWD, pulmonary function and levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 before treatment (p>0.05). After treatment, the SGRQ score and levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 of the treatment group significantly decreased (p<0.05 or p<0.01) and 6MWD and pulmonary function were significantly augmented (p<0.05). Conclusion: Tiotropium bromide has evident therapeutic effects on patients with stable COPD, probably by relieving the airway remodelling.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that tiotropium bromide has significant therapeutic effects on patients with stable COPD by relieving airway remodeling and improving clinical symptoms and physical function.