Long-acting beta-2-agonists for bronchiectasis.

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 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 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.

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