Long-acting beta-2-agonists for bronchiectasis.
Sheikh A., Nolan D., Greenstone M.
BackgroundSymptoms 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.ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilators in the management of bronchiectasis that is not due to cystic fibrosis.Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Airways Group Bronchiectasis Database made up of trials identified from searching the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and hand-searches of leading respiratory journals. The latest searches were performed in May 2001.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials, with or without masking.Data collection and analysisThe results of searches were reviewed against pre-specified criteria.Main resultsWe were unable to identify any randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilator therapy in the management of bronchiectasis.Reviewer's conclusionsFurther research is needed to establish if long-acting bronchodilators have a role in the management of people with bronchiectasis.