Therapeutic Effects of a Long-Acting Cholinergic Receptor Blocker, Tiotropium Bromide, on Asthma

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of tiotropium bromide on asthma. MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 160 patients with moderate persistent asthma were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=40): the 3 control groups were given fluticasone propionate aerosol (group A), salmeterol-fluticasone propionate inhalant (group B), and tiotropium bromide inhalation powder combined with salmeterol-fluticasone propionate inhalant (group C), respectively, and the experimental group received tiotropium bromide inhalation powder combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol (group D) and salbutamol was used to relieve symptoms when necessary. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, the pulmonary function of group D, which was significantly better than those of group A (P<0.05), was similar to those of groups B and C (P>0.05). Group D had significantly better asthma control test scores and nighttime symptom scores than in group A (P<0.05), without significant differences from those of group B or group C (P>0.05). The number of times salbutamol was used to alleviate symptoms was significantly different (P<0.05) between group D and group A (P<0.05), as well as between group C and group D (P<0.05). Groups D and B had similar results (P>0.05). IL-13 levels in induced sputum had significant differences (P<0.05). The levels in group D, which were higher than those of groups A and B (P<0.05), were similar to those of group C (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tiotropium bromide combined with fluticasone propionate improved the respiratory function and quality of life, and is a new therapy for moderate, persistent asthma.