Effects of formoterol on exercise tolerance in severely disabled patients with COPD

SummaryObjectiveWe wished to evaluate the effects of inhaled formoterol, a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist, on exercise tolerance and dynamic hyperinflation (DH) in severely disabled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.DesignIn a two-period, crossover study, 21 patients with advanced COPD (FEV1=38.8±11.7% predicted, 16 patients GOLD stages III–IV) were randomly allocated to receive inhaled formoterol fumarate 12μg twice daily for 14 days followed by placebo for 14 days, or vice versa. Patients performed constant work-rate cardiopulmonary exercise tests to the limit of tolerance (Tlim) on a cycle ergometer: inspiratory capacity (IC) was obtained at rest and each minute during exercise. Baseline and transitional dyspnoea indices (BDI and TDI) were also recorded.ResultsEighteen patients completed both treatment periods. Formoterol treatment was associated with an estimated increase of 130s in Tlim compared with placebo (P=0.052): this corresponded to a 37.8% improvement over placebo (P=0.012). Enhanced exercise tolerance after bronchodilator was associated with diminished DH marked by higher inspiratory reserve and tidal volumes at isotime and exercise cessation (P