• K Steele, M Greenstone, and J A Lasserson.
• Thoracic Department, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, UK, BH7 7DW.
• Cochrane Db Syst Rev. 2001 Jan 1 (1): CD002734.

BackgroundBronchiectasis is characterised by chronic sputum production,bronchial wall dilation,recurrent infection and airflow limitation. Methylxanthines are used in the management of airflow limitation associated with asthma and COPD, where they are also purported to have anti-inflammatory properties. In theory they may be of use in bronchiectasis.ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy of methylxanthines in the treatment of bronchiectasis.Search StrategyThe Cochrane Airways Group clinical trials register derived from MEDLINE,EMBASE and hand searches using the terms bronchiectasis, aminophylline, theophylline and methyl- xanthineSelection CriteriaOnly randomised controlled trials were to be considered.Data Collection And AnalysisThe results of the searches were reviewed by two authors. Searches yielded seven trials none of which met the inclusion criteria.Main ResultsNo randomised controlled trials were identified.Reviewer's ConclusionsFurther research is required to establish if the methylxanthines have a role in the treatment of bronchiectasis.

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