The Addition of Inhaled Furosemide to Standard Treatment of COPD Exacerbation

The Addition of Inhaled FUROsemide to Standard of Care in COPD Exacerbation: a Randomized Double Blinded Control Trial (FUROSCOPE Trial)

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effect of adding inhaled furosemide to the known treatment of patient with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. It primarily aims at studying its effect on:

1. Relief of dyspnea sensation
2. Length of hospital stay

Participants will be receiving the standard therapy of COPD exacerbation plus either inhaled furosemide or inhaled saline over 3 days. They will be asked to:

• Perform spirometry
• Fill in dyspnea score
• Do arterial blood gases (ABGs)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Diagnosed with COPD
• Presenting with COPD exacerbation
• Requiring hospitalization

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemodynamically instability (systolic blood pressure ≤ 90mmHg, heart rate ≥ 120 or ≤ 50 Bpm)
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Non-invasive mechanical ventilation or intubation at the time of recruitment
• >5 liters of oxygen at the time of recruitment
• Pregnant patients
• Other primary pulmonary disease or heart failure exacerbation