Long-acting beta2-agonists for bronchiectasis

Sheikh A, Nolan D, Greenstone M

Published Online:

October 6, 2010

Long-acting bronchodilators are used in asthma, so may also benefit people with bronchiectasis. However, there is no good evidence for this at present.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Symptoms of bronchiectasis include chronic productive cough, wheeze, breathlessness and recurrent infections of the lower respiratory tract. Long-acting bronchodilators are being used more frequently in the management of people with this condition.

Objectives:

To determine the effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilators in the management of bronchiectasis that is not due to cystic fibrosis.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of bronchiectasis trials. The latest searches were carried out in August 2010.

Selection criteria:

Randomised controlled trials, with or without masking.

Data collection and analysis:

The results of searches were reviewed against pre-specified criteria.

Main results:

We were unable to identify any randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilator therapy in the management of bronchiectasis. An update search in August 2010 did not identify any new studies.

Authors' conclusions:

Further research is needed to establish if long-acting bronchodilators have a role in the management of people with bronchiectasis.

This record should be cited as:

Sheikh A, Nolan D, Greenstone M. Long-acting beta2-agonists for bronchiectasis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002155. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002155

Assessed as up to date:

August 10, 2010

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Primary Review Group:

Airways Group

Health topics:

Lungs & airways > Bronchiectasis

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Long-acting beta2-agonists for bronchiectasis

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