1.Aerobic exercise combined with tiotropium inhalation in the treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with pulmonary hypertension
Zhenhui JU ; Shumei ZHANG ; Xiuchan ZHANG ; Jianmei YU ; Xincheng LI
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2013;35(11):883-886
Objective To observe effect of aerobic exercise combined with inhalation of tiotropium on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with pulmonary hypertension.Methods A total of 98 patients with stable COPD and grade Ⅱ or Ⅲ pulmonary function complicated with pulmonary hypertension were recruited.They were divided into an observation group (n =31) and two control groups (n =30 and 37).Patients in control group 1 inhaled shahmette and fluticasone powder,and antibiotics as well as apophlegmatisant were also used in accordance with the demands of the patient's condition.Patients of in control group 2 inhaled tiotropium dry powder and accepted other therapeutic measures equivalent to those of control group1.The patients in the observation group were given aerobic exercise in addition to other therapeutic measures equivalent to those of control group 2.Six-minute walk test distances,pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test scores were compared after 6 months of treatment,among the groups and against the baseline values before treatment.Results After 6 months of treatment the average 6-minute walk distance,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment score and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure of the observation group were all significantly better than for either of the control groups.Conclusions Inhaling tiotropium dry powder combined with aerobic exercise can reduce pulmonary artery systolic pressure and improve the symptoms as well as the quality of life for patients with stable COPD complicated by pulmonary hypertension.