Lung
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The aim of this study was to determine whether combined inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta(2) agonists can suppress eosinophilic inflammation in chronic dostructive plumonary disease (COPD) and to investigate the association between the level of eosinophilia and the degree of bronchodilator reversibility. Sixty-two patients with stable COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 [FEV(1)] of 30%-70% predicted before bronchodilation) were enrolled from our outpatient clinic. Patients received inhaled fluticasone (100 microg)/salmeterol (50 microg) twice daily for two months. ⋯ Sputum eosinophilia was not related to the degree of bronchodilator reversibility. The degree of bronchodilator reversibility did not predict the increase in FEV(1) and FVC after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta(2) agonists. Suppression of eosinophilic inflammation and bronchodilator responsiveness indices were not correlated with clinical outcomes in COPD patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta(2) agonists.