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Evaluation and symptomatic treatment of surinfectious exacerbations of COPD: preliminary study of antibiotic treatment combined with fenspiride (Pneumorel 80mg) versus placebo

Lirsac B, Benezet O, Dansin E, Nouvet G, Stach B, Voisin C

Revue de pneumologie clinique, 2000

33 participants

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an inflammatory component in addition to the possible infectious component. The antiinflammatory properties of fenspiride (Pneumorel(R) 80 mg) should be evaluated in this frequent clinical situation.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the supplementary therapeutic benefit provided by fenspiride administered in combination with antibiotics in COPD patients presenting an episode of bronchial infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A preliminary randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study was conduced in 7 centers. Patients under 80 years of age of both sexes were included. All patients had COPD and presented a bronchial infection defined as the presence of at least 2 of the 3 criteria defined by Anthonisen. Patients were randomly assigned to group F or group P. Group F received an antibiotic therapy from day 1 to day 11 plus fenspiride (3 x 80mg/d from day 0 to day 30). Group P received the same antibiotic therapy plus placebo. Amoxicillin 500mg plus clavulanic acid 125, 3 tablets/day, was administered in both groups.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included (group F 19 patients, group P 20 patients; 6 women and 33 men; mean age 61.1 +/- 9.8 years). The 3 Anthonisen criteria were present in 79% and 75% of the patients in group F and P respectively (NS). On day 11, expectoration resolved in 39% and 32% (NS) and cough in 44% and 16% (NS) of the patients in groups F and P respectively. Lung auscultation returned to…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 33 participants or records.

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