Lung Function After Tiotropium in Patients with Severe Asthma

A recent trial that involved patients whose asthma was not controlled by low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) showed that tiotropium was more effective than a double dose of ICS and was equivalent to a long-acting β₂-agonist (LABA) for improving lung function and easing asthma symptoms. (JW Gen Med Oct 7 2010). Investigators now examine the effectiveness of triple therapy — addition of tiotropium (Spiriva) in patients who already are receiving ICS/LABA combination therapy.

In a double-blind crossover study with three 8-week treatment periods, 107 adults whose severe asthma was not controlled by high-dose ICS/LABA combinations were treated with each of two doses of tiotropium and placebo in random order. The 5-µg and 10-µg doses of tiotropi…