Archivos de bronconeumología
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Lung transplantation is a valid therapeutic approach for patients with bronchiectasis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate our experience with bronchiectasis patients and compare the results in patients with cystic fibrosis to results in those with bronchiectasis caused by other processes. ⋯ Although airway colonization in patients with suppurative diseases complicates postoperative management, the results in terms of survival are good.
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · May 2005
[Cost-effectiveness analysis of tiotropium compared to ipratropium and salmeterol].
The constant increase in health care costs, in a context of limited resources and the appearance of more costly though more effective drugs, justifies an assessment of the pharmacoeconomics of these drugs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of one of the newest drugs for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-tiotropium. ⋯ Tiotropium was more effective than ipratropium and salmeterol as measured by objective clinical variables (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and subjective ones (the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire and dyspnea transitional index). Hospital stays were shorter and exacerbations fewer with tiotropium. In all cases, tiotropium was more cost-effective than the alternatives, thus use of tiotropium could help hospitals to save money.
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial[Bronchodilator efficacy of combined salmeterol and tiotropium in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
Bronchodilators are still the most effective drugs for controlling the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tiotropium bromide, a long-acting anticholinergic drug, has recently been added to the therapeutic arsenal for the disease. To date, there have been no studies combining 2 long-acting bronchodilators. The aim of the present trial was to determine whether the combination of salmeterol and tiotropium improved lung function in COPD patients more than either of them alone. ⋯ In terms of improvement in lung function, the combination of salmeterol and tiotropium together with fluticasone is more effective in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD than either of the 2 bronchodilators administered alone.