The Effect of Theophylline in the Treatment of Bronchiectasis

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Theophylline in the Treatment of Non-Cystic Fibrosis(NCF) Bronchiectasis

Theophylline was well recommended in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, there is no supporting evidence for their efficacy in the treatment of bronchiectasis. Our hypothesis is that theophylline will play a role in bronchiectasis. Our purpose is to examine the efficacy and safety of 24 weeks treatment with theophylline in subjects with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

For the reasons of lack of sufficient clinical trial evidences, there are no standard therapy recommendations for bronchiectasis. Currently the treatments for bronchiectasis are mostly based on experience gained from the treatment of COPD and cystic fibrosis(CF). The aims of treatment for bronchiectasis are to improve the health-related quality of life, to slow down the decrease of lung function, to reduce the exacerbation frequence and the mortality. The mechanism of treatment are including: treating the underlying disease; improving drainage of sputum; anti-infection; anti-inflammation; treating airway obstruction. A review written by Peter J. Barnes describes that as a bronchodilator in COPD, theophylline may relax human airways smooth muscle, have an anti-inflammation rols, and have an additional effect on mucociliary clearance. Besides, theophylline can improve the activity of histone deacetylase, which will reverse the resistant of corticosteroids. We hypothesis that theophylline will have the same effect in subjects with NCF-bronchiectasis as in subjects with COPD. Our trial may give an evidence of using theophylline in treatment of bronchiectasis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients between 18-70 years old with non-CF bronchiectasis ,free from acute exacerbations for at least 3 months.Stable phase of the disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a cigarette smoking history of more than 10 packs-year. Patients with COPD. Patients with traction bronchiectasis due to advanced fibrosis. Patients with known intolerance for theophylline. Patients with asthma. Patients with other disease disturbing outcomes of the trials. Patients without consent.